Auto policies are more complex than people realize. There are many parts to an auto policy. Every state has its own insurance requirements. This article will refer to Arizona auto insurance policies.
The state of Arizona requires every driver to have at least some insurance on their vehicle. We often refer to this as state minimum liability limits. It's the minimum amount of coverage the state will allow you to have and still be legal to drive. However, many people drive without any insurance at all. What happens to you if you get hit by a driver who has no insurance? You may say, that's ok because I have comprehensive coverage on my auto policy. While this may be good for your car, it may not be so good for you.
I like to break auto policies down into 3 sections; there are more parts than this but this will help simplify for our purposes.
1. Liability: this is the part required by the state and it is what protects other drivers in case you cause injury, death or property damage against them with your vehicle. If you get hit by another driver, it is how you normally would get paid by filing a claim with their insurance carrier. What if they don't have any insurance? Your liability policy will not pay on injuries you sustain caused by someone else. So how do you protect yourself? Did you know somewhere between 20% and 25% of vehicles in Arizona are uninsured. We will come back to that in a moment.
2. Comprehensive and Collision insurance. These 2 coverage's are strictly dealing with your car. This coverage protects your car. If you car is damaged, the claim will be filed under one of these 2 coverage's. If the other driver has no insurance, your collision coverage will pay for your car; but this still doesn't protect you as the driver.
3. Uninsured motorist coverage. This is the part of the policy that protects you! If you are hit by an uninsured driver, your uninsured motorist coverage will pay for medical, lost wages, pain and suffering etc. Can you imagine not having this coverage on your auto policy and being hit by someone who has no insurance.
Many people will say, but I have good medical insurance for that. Its great you have good medical insurance, but medical insurance does not pay for time off work, for lost wages, for pain and suffering and for other kinds of expenses you will likely incur if you are involved in an auto accident.
Uninsured motorist coverage is inexpensive to purchase. Nobody should be driving around without this important coverage.
For an easy free quote call Insurance Professionals of Arizona at 480-981-6338. We can answer your questions and help you find better coverage for a lower rate. We shop over a dozen carriers and give you the best price. If you would like to do a quote online click GET A QUOTE ONLINE.