What does it mean that Arizona is a “fault” state?

When it comes to auto insurance there are states that have chosen to be a “fault” state and others that are “no-fault” states. Arizona is a fault state. This means that in the case of an auto accident, there is a determination made of who is at fault for causing the accident. If the at-fault driver is disputed then this dispute is settled by a court case. Sometimes the court determines that the fault was proportional between more than one driver.

What happens if you are at fault?

The person who is at fault is responsible for the damages incurred by all parties and any injuries or deaths caused by the accident. Talk about these concerns with your auto insurance agent at San Marcos Insurance Group, serving Chandler, AZ and the surrounding area, to make sure you understand your coverage, deductible, and policy limits. You need to know what would happen if the court was to determine that you are all or partially at-fault.

What happens if another driver is at fault?

If you are in a vehicle that is in an accident caused by another person, you may be able to get reimbursed for any medical bills and treatment. You may be compensated for any lost wages and paid for any property damage. You may also be reimbursed for any direct expenses related to the accident such as towing, storage, and the cost of a rental car while your car is repaired. You may also recover an extra amount for pain and suffering.

What happens if the person causing the accident is not insured?

If the person at fault for causing the accident does not have any insurance or the insurance that they do have is not sufficient to pay the full claim, you can sue them for the excessive damages. However, collecting from them may be problematic. This is why it is a good idea to also carry “uninsured motorists” coverage in addition to your regular auto insurance coverage.

If you have this extra protection then your own insurance company will pay the claim if the other driver, who is at fault, does not have insurance or the amount that they have is insufficient.

Consult with your agent at San Marcos Insurance Group in Chandler, AZ to get a quote for new auto insurance or update an auto insurance policy that you already have.