Coverage is the same throughout the state so the same minimal coverage applies everywhere.  The smallest amount a driver is required to carry is $30,000 per accident for bodily injury and $10,000 for property damage.  There is only one way out for carrying this coverage.  A driver would have to have proof that the total of both types of coverage, which equals $40,000, would have to be in reserve and specifically designated for any type of liability payment.

Even though law does not require it, comprehensive coverage is something to consider. This covers a driver when the car is damaged, but not in an accident.  Some common examples of covered items would be fire, theft, weather-related issues like hail, or the unfortunate instance of hitting a deer or other animal.

Most people have coverage but don’t really know anything about what it does, or does not cover.  An important feature of coverage is liability.  The best way to explain this is by using one of two scenarios. If driver A is in an accident and it is the fault of driver B then B’s insurance carrier should pick up the bill.  But when driver A is involved and is either at fault or driver B does not have coverage, then the carrier for driver A foots the bill. 

But it can be much more complicated than that.  An uninsured motorist can not only cause an insured driver’s company to pay, but many times being forced to file a claim against their company can raise the insured individual’s premiums- even if they are not at fault.

With almost one quarter of the state thumbing their nose at the insurance law this puts a tremendous strain on those who pay for coverage.  Every time an insured motorist gets on the road they risk being involved in an accident with someone who does not have the means, or the intention, of paying up.

This translates into big losses and it is reflected in Scottsdale car insurance rates as well as elsewhere throughout the state.  Unfortunately, someone has to pick up the tab for these individuals and that someone is everyone else.