Learning that the driver who caused your crash has no insurance can make an already stressful situation even harder. You may worry about medical bills, vehicle repairs or lost income because the other driver has no liability coverage.
In Arizona, an uninsured driver does not automatically prevent you from seeking compensation. Your options will depend on how the crash happened and the insurance coverage involved.
Your possible sources of compensation
Even if the at-fault driver has no insurance, you may still have more than one way to seek compensation after a crash. Possible sources include:
- Uninsured motorist (UM) coverage: If your policy includes UM coverage, it may help pay for bodily injury damages caused by an uninsured driver. State law requires insurers to offer this coverage, although drivers may reject it in writing.
- Underinsured motorist (UIM) coverage: If the at-fault driver’s policy does not fully cover your damages, UIM coverage may provide additional benefits when the policy limits are too low.
- Another legally responsible party: In some cases, another person or business may share liability for the collision, creating another possible source of compensation.
- A claim against the at-fault driver: You may still have the right to bring a claim even if the driver has no insurance. Whether you recover compensation will depend in part on the driver’s financial resources and other case details.
Every crash is different. The insurance coverage involved and the details of the collision will affect which options may apply.
How uninsured motorist coverage works
State law requires insurers to offer UM coverage when they issue an auto insurance policy, although drivers may reject it in writing. If you buy this coverage, it may help pay for bodily injury damages caused by an uninsured driver.
The amount of coverage depends on the limits you chose when you bought your policy. Your policy also explains which losses qualify for benefits and the limits that apply.
An uninsured driver does not end your claim
Many people assume an uninsured driver leaves them with no way to recover damages. That is not always true. Your own insurance coverage or another source may still provide compensation.
Reading your auto insurance policy before an accident can help you understand whether it includes UM or UIM coverage and when those benefits may apply.