Does Arizona Require Personal Injury Protection Insurance?

When it comes to car insurance, Arizona follows a “fault-based” system, which means the driver responsible for causing an accident is financially liable for any resulting injuries, property damage, and other losses. 

Unlike some states, Arizona auto insurance laws do not require drivers to carry personal injury protection (PIP) insurance, also known as “no-fault” coverage. However, the state does mandate minimum liability insurance requirements to ensure that at-fault drivers can cover the costs they inflict on others.

If you have been in an accident, a Phoenix car accident lawyer can explain the options for getting the medical care you need and how to recover compensation.

Arizona’s Mandatory Liability Insurance Coverage does Not Include PIP Insurance

In Arizona, all motor vehicles operated on public roads must be covered by liability insurance from a company authorized to do business in the state. This requirement applies to a wide range of vehicles, including cars, trucks, motorcycles, and even some mopeds.

The car insurance coverage minimums in Arizona are:

• $25,000 for bodily injury or death of one person in an accident caused by the insured driver
• $50,000 for bodily injury or death of two or more people in an accident caused by the insured driver
• $15,000 for property damage per accident caused by the insured driver

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Understanding Liability Coverage

This mandatory liability coverage is designed to protect other parties involved in an accident that you cause. It covers the medical expenses, property damage costs, and other losses incurred by drivers, passengers, or pedestrians who are injured or have their vehicle damaged due to your negligence, up to the coverage limits.

While these are the minimum requirements, it’s often advisable to purchase higher liability limits to provide greater protection in case of a severe accident resulting in significant injuries or damages.

Optional Coverages for Your Own Injuries and Vehicle Damage

It’s important to note that the mandatory liability coverage discussed above does not apply to your own injuries or vehicle damage after an Arizona car accident. Since personal injury protection insurance is not offered in Arizona, you’ll need to purchase additional optional coverages:

Medical Payments Coverage (MedPay)

While Arizona does not require PIP insurance, drivers can opt for medical payment coverage, often referred to as “MedPay.” This coverage helps pay for your own medical expenses and those of your passengers if you’re involved in an accident, regardless of who is at fault.

MedPay can also cover expenses like:

• Ambulance fees
• In-home services
• Funeral costs (in the event of a fatality)

Collision Coverage

If you want coverage for repairs or replacement of your vehicle after an accident, you’ll need to add collision coverage to your policy. This optional coverage can help pay for the cost of fixing or replacing your car, regardless of who was at fault in the accident.

While MedPay and collision coverage are optional in Arizona, they can provide valuable protection and peace of mind in the event of an accident.

Uninsured/Underinsured Motorist Coverage

While liability insurance is mandatory in Arizona, not all drivers comply with the law. To protect yourself from the potential consequences of an accident with an uninsured or underinsured driver, consider adding uninsured/underinsured motorist coverage (UM/UIM) to your policy.

This coverage can help pay for your medical expenses, lost wages, and other damages if you’re involved in an accident with a driver who doesn’t have insurance or doesn’t have enough insurance to cover your losses. 

UM/UIM coverage can provide a valuable safety net, particularly in cases where the at-fault driver is uninsured or lacks adequate coverage.

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Penalties for Driving Without Insurance

Arizona takes driving without insurance seriously. There are legal implications involved in driving without valid proof of insurance. Penalties can include :

• Being required to obtain an SR22 insurance certificate
• Suspension of your driver’s license
• Fines and fees

To reinstate your registration and license, you’ll need to pay the required fees and file proof of financial responsibility with the Arizona Motor Vehicle Division (MVD).

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Staying Informed and Protected

Understanding auto insurance laws and coverage options can be challenging, especially in the aftermath of an accident. At Zanes Law, our team of experienced Phoenix personal injury lawyers is dedicated to helping you understand your rights and fight to ensure you receive the compensation you deserve.

Whether you need assistance filing a claim, negotiating with insurance companies, or pursuing legal action, we’re here to guide you every step of the way. Don’t hesitate to reach out to us for a free consultation, and let us help you make informed decisions about your accident claim.

If you have questions about Arizona’s insurance requirements or need assistance with a car accident claim, don’t hesitate to contact us for a free consultation. We’re committed to helping you stay informed and protected on the road.

Call or text 866-499-8989 or complete a
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