In 21 of the 50 United States, uninsured motorist coverage is required by law. Arizona is not one of those 21 states, but is having this kind of coverage still a good idea?
What is uninsured motorist coverage?
This type of insurance coverage protects you from paying out of pocket for injuries incurred due to a crash with an uninsured motorist. If the individual at fault is unable to pay for your medical bills, you will be liable to pay for them yourself. Uninsured motorist coverage takes care of at least some of these costs for you.
Why it’s a good idea to have it
According to the Insurance Information Institute, one of every eight drivers in America is uninsured. This means you are more at risk than you might think of an accident with one of these motorists. While uninsured motorist coverage is optional in Arizona, it’s something to think carefully about, especially if you are someone who spends a great deal of time driving.
What to do if you are involved in an accident with an uninsured motorist
If you have this type of insurance, your medical costs may be covered in full. However, if your injuries are serious, you may incur more medical bills than the insurance will cover. At this point, it may be time to think about filing a personal injury claim with an experienced lawyer who is well-versed in the nuances of this type of claim.