Does Arizona Require Personal Injury Protection Insurance?

Does Arizona Require Personal Injury Protection Insurance?

Personal injury protection, which you may sometimes be referred to simply as PIP, is a required type of auto insurance for people in some states. But not Arizona.

To reiterate, the answer is no, Arizona does not require personal injury protection insurance coverage.

However, just like every other state in the country, Arizona does have laws regarding what types of auto insurance you are required to carry as a resident.

Wait, What’s Personal Injury Protection, Anyway?

Personal injury protection (PIP) insurance is a type of coverage that pays for certain expenses if you are injured in a car accident, regardless of who was at fault. PIP insurance typically covers:

• Medical bills. This includes ambulance services, hospital stays, and follow-up care.
• Lost wages. PIP can compensate you for income lost due to injuries sustained in the accident.
• Funeral expenses. In the event of a fatal accident, PIP may cover funeral and burial costs.
• Essential services. Some policies cover costs for household services, like cleaning or childcare, if you are unable to perform them due to your injuries.

PIP is designed to provide quick access to benefits after an accident, without the delays that can occur when determining fault. In states that require it, PIP is part of a no-fault insurance system, meaning drivers must rely on their own insurance policies for initial coverage, regardless of who caused the accident.

What Does Arizona Require Drivers to Carry?

Arizona law mandates that all drivers carry specific amounts of liability coverage to handle potential damages if they are involved in an accident. As of 2023, the required minimum liability coverage amounts are:

• $25,000 for bodily injury liability per person. This covers medical expenses and other damages for one person injured in an accident.
• $50,000 for bodily injury liability per accident. This covers medical expenses and other damages for all people injured in an accident.
• $15,000 for property damage liability. This covers the costs of repairing or replacing the other party’s vehicle or other property.

Optional Coverage to Consider

Although Arizona does not require PIP, there are several optional insurance policies that can provide additional protection for drivers and passengers:

• Medical payments coverage (MedPay). MedPay functions similarly to PIP but is typically more limited. Specifically, PIP helps with medical expenses for you and your passengers, regardless of fault, but does not include lost wages or other expenses.
• Uninsured/underinsured motorist coverage (UM/UIM). This protects you if you are in an accident with a driver who lacks sufficient insurance to cover your damages.
• Collision coverage. This type of coverage is typically only mandatory if you have a loan you’re paying for your vehicle. Collision coverage pays for repair to property after an accident, regardless of who is at fault.
• Comprehensive coverage. This covers damage to your vehicle caused by non-collision incidents, such as theft, vandalism, or natural disasters.

Contact Our Phoenix, Arizona Car Accident Attorneys

Navigating Arizona’s auto insurance laws can be complex, especially after a collision occurs. At Sargon Law Group, our skilled Phoenix car accident attorneys are here to help you understand your options and fight for the compensation you deserve.

Contact us today through our online form for a free consultation to discuss your case with a Phoenix injury lawyer and learn more about your rights under Arizona law.