Summary Highlights:
- Arizona has one of the highest rates of uninsured drivers, making additional coverage critical.
- Uninsured motorist coverage can pay for medical bills, property damage, and lost wages.
- This protection fills the gap when the at-fault driver can’t pay your damages.
- Premier Choice Insurance helps you understand your coverage and customize your policy.
Driving in Arizona comes with its own unique set of risks—including the possibility of being hit by an uninsured or underinsured driver. Even though liability insurance is mandatory in the state, thousands of motorists still take to the roads without it.
At Premier Choice Insurance, we know how stressful an accident can be—especially when the at-fault party has no way to pay for the damage. That’s where uninsured motorist coverage steps in.
What Is Uninsured and Underinsured Motorist Coverage?
Uninsured motorist (UM) coverage is an optional addition to your Arizona auto insurance policy that protects you if you’re hit by someone without insurance. Underinsured motorist (UIM) coverage kicks in when the other driver’s policy limits are too low to fully compensate you. These two coverage types can pay for:
- medical expenses for you and your passengers
- lost income due to missed work
- pain and suffering
- property damage to your vehicle (in some cases)
Arizona drivers often assume their health insurance or collision policy will handle these situations, but that’s not always the case. UM and UIM coverage are essential if you want full protection when others fall short.
Why Are Arizona Drivers at Higher Risk?
According to national insurance studies, Arizona consistently ranks among the top states for uninsured drivers. Several factors contribute to this, including high premiums, economic hardship, and lack of awareness about legal requirements. Areas like Phoenix, Glendale, and Tucson see even higher rates due to dense traffic and urban driving conditions.
Because of this reality, having uninsured motorist protection is more than a “nice-to-have”—it’s a smart layer of financial defense. At Premier Choice Insurance, we see firsthand how this coverage has protected our clients from thousands of dollars in unreimbursed losses.
How Does Uninsured Coverage Work in a Real Claim?
Let’s say you’re driving home from Tempe and get rear-ended at a red light. The other driver is clearly at fault—but doesn’t have auto insurance. Without UM coverage, you’d be left paying for your medical bills and car repairs out of pocket or through your health insurance.
But if your policy includes uninsured motorist coverage, your insurance company steps in to cover those costs—up to your policy’s limit. The claims process is generally quicker too, since there’s no need to wait on a third-party insurer to respond.
What Are the Limits and Requirements in Arizona?
In Arizona, UM/UIM coverage isn’t mandatory, but insurance companies are required to offer it. Many policies default to the same limits as your liability coverage unless you request a different amount. For example, if your liability coverage is $50,000 per person/$100,000 per accident, your UM/UIM coverage can mirror those limits.
While it’s tempting to save money by rejecting this coverage, the long-term cost of going without it can be much higher if you’re in an accident with an uninsured driver. This is especially important for Arizona residents who frequently drive in urban areas or commute long distances.
Are There Other Policy Add-Ons to Consider?
In addition to uninsured motorist coverage, it’s worth reviewing your full auto policy to ensure you’re well-protected in every situation. This includes checking deductibles, reviewing comprehensive coverage, and asking about newer add-ons.
For example, auto insurance for uninsured drivers in Arizona can be paired with coverage that includes roadside assistance, rental car reimbursement, or medical payments. These additions can help round out your protection without significantly increasing your premium.
What About Drivers Who Log Extra Miles Each Month?
If your commute stretches across several Arizona cities or you drive for work, you face increased accident risk simply due to mileage. Insurance companies use your annual mileage as a factor when calculating your premium.
Insurance options for high-mileage drivers include tailored policies with extended liability limits and added roadside protection.
At Premier Choice Insurance, we often recommend periodic policy reviews for high-mileage drivers to ensure they’re getting the best value and aren’t missing important protection options.
How Can Premier Choice Insurance Help You Stay Protected?
When it comes to building a policy that protects you from uninsured drivers and other common Arizona risks, Premier Choice Insurance is here to help. We take the time to assess your driving habits, location, and budget—then recommend coverage that matches your needs. From policy reviews to helping you understand every line of your declarations page, we believe good advice is just as important as good coverage.
Reach out today for a personalized quote and find out how we can protect you from uninsured drivers and more on Arizona’s busy roads.
FAQs About Auto Insurance
The minimum coverage required by law typically includes liability insurance, which covers bodily injury and property damage you may cause to others in an accident. Premier Choice Insurance can help you understand the specific requirements and ensure you meet legal standards.
Premier Choice Insurance calculates auto insurance premiums based on factors like your driving history, vehicle type, location, and chosen coverage types. Additional factors such as your credit score and past insurance claims may also influence the rate.
Yes, Premier Choice Insurance offers various auto insurance discounts, including multi-policy discounts, safe driver discounts, and discounts for anti-theft devices installed in vehicles.
Comprehensive coverage protects against damages to your vehicle not caused by a collision. This includes theft, vandalism, fire, natural disasters, and hitting an animal.
To file a claim, contact Premier Choice Insurance’s claims department as soon as possible after an accident. Provide all necessary documentation and cooperate fully during the claims process to ensure a smooth resolution. To file a claim, contact Premier Choice Insurance’s claims department as soon as possible after an accident. Provide all necessary documentation and cooperate fully during the claims process to ensure a smooth resolution.
Yes, Premier Choice Insurance offers optional roadside assistance coverage, which includes services like towing, flat tire changes, battery jump starts, and lockout assistance.
After ensuring everyone’s safety and calling emergency services if needed, gather information from all parties involved and document the scene with photos. Then, report the accident to Premier Choice Insurance as soon as possible.
Absolutely, Premier Choice Insurance allows you to customize your auto insurance policy with various add-ons and adjustments to meet your specific needs and budget.
It’s advisable to review your auto insurance policy annually or whenever there are significant changes in your driving situation or vehicle ownership.
Gap insurance covers the difference between the actual cash value of a vehicle and the balance still owed on the financing. Premier Choice Insurance offers gap insurance as an optional addition to your auto insurance policy.
About Premier Choice Insurance
Premier Choice Insurance, headquartered in the heart of Mesa, AZ, stands at the forefront of delivering comprehensive business insurance solutions tailored to the unique needs of companies across Arizona. As an esteemed independent insurance agency, we aim to safeguard your business’s future, ensuring peace of mind against life’s unforeseen events.
Our dedication to excellence is reflected in our wide-ranging services, including but not limited to general liability insurance, commercial property insurance, professional liability (errors and omissions) insurance, workers’ compensation, and commercial auto insurance. We specialize in crafting customized insurance packages that align perfectly with your business’s requirements, ensuring robust protection for your assets, employees, and operations.
Premier Choice Insurance offers access to an impressive portfolio of over 50 reputable insurance carriers. This vast network enables us to provide our clients with competitive pricing and diverse coverage options, making us a premier choice for insurance in Mesa and throughout Arizona. Our local market expertise and industry-specific knowledge allow us to offer effective and cost-efficient advice and solutions.
Our team at Premier Choice Insurance is driven by a commitment to integrity, transparency, and unmatched customer service. We understand the complexities of insurance and strive to make the process as straightforward and hassle-free as possible. From risk assessment consultations to claims support, we stand by our clients every step of the way.
As active members of the Mesa community, we believe in giving back and are involved in various local initiatives and non-profits. This community focus reflects our belief that businesses thrive in a supportive and engaged environment.
Premier Choice Insurance offers a blend of local expertise, personalized service, and comprehensive solutions for business owners seeking a trusted partner to navigate the complexities of insurance coverage. We are not just your insurance agency but your ally in business resilience and success.
Discover how Premier Choice Insurance can protect what matters most. Contact us today to learn more about our services and how we can tailor the perfect insurance strategy for your needs.
Visit our Mesa, AZ, Insurance Office today.
