Picture this: You’re cruising down the streets of Glendale or Peoria, AZ, on your way to work, the grocery store, or maybe just out for a scenic drive. Suddenly, another car slams into yours. After the initial shock, you discover that the driver responsible doesn’t have insurance—or doesn’t have enough to cover the damages. Now what?

This is where uninsured and underinsured motorist coverage (UM/UIM) becomes crucial. For drivers in Glendale, AZ, and drivers in Peoria, AZ, this type of protection can mean the difference between financial security and a costly nightmare. Let’s explore why UM/UIM coverage is so important, how it works, and how to choose the right amount of coverage for your needs.

Why Uninsured and Underinsured Motorist Coverage Matters in Glendale and Peoria

While Arizona law requires drivers to carry a minimum amount of auto insurance, not everyone follows the rules. In fact, Arizona has one of the highest rates of uninsured drivers in the country. That means drivers in Glendale, AZ, and drivers in Peoria, AZ, have a higher-than-average chance of being involved in an accident with someone who lacks proper coverage.

Even when drivers have insurance, they often carry only the state minimum, which may not be enough to cover all damages in a serious accident. Without UM/UIM coverage, you could be left paying out of pocket for medical bills, lost wages, and vehicle repairs—even if the accident wasn’t your fault. Any agent at Bivona Insurance Group, will be happy to have a free consultation with you about this coverage.

What Does Uninsured and Underinsured Motorist Coverage Include?

Uninsured and underinsured motorist insurance is designed to protect you in accidents where the at-fault driver lacks sufficient coverage. Here’s how it works:

Uninsured Motorist Coverage (UM)

This coverage kicks in when you’re hit by a driver who has no insurance. It also applies in hit-and-run accidents when the responsible driver flees the scene. UM coverage can help pay for:

• Medical expenses
• Lost wages
• Pain and suffering
• Funeral expenses, in severe cases

Underinsured Motorist Coverage (UIM)

If the at-fault driver has insurance but their policy limits are too low to cover all of your expenses, UIM steps in to bridge the gap. For example, if the other driver’s insurance covers only $25,000 for bodily injury, but your medical bills total $50,000, your UIM coverage can help pay the remaining $25,000 (up to your policy limits).

Does UM/UIM Cover Vehicle Repairs?

Some policies include uninsured motorist property damage (UMPD), which helps pay for car repairs if an uninsured driver damages your vehicle. However, not all policies offer this, so drivers in Glendale, AZ, and drivers in Peoria, AZ, should check with their insurance provider to see if they need additional coverage like collision insurance.  A licensed agent at Bivona Insurance Group, in Glendale, AZ, can provide you with the information you need to make sure you are properly covered.

How Much Coverage Do You Need?

The amount of UM/UIM coverage you should carry depends on a few factors, including Arizona’s insurance laws, your financial situation, and your personal risk tolerance. While Arizona requires minimum liability coverage of $25,000 per person and $50,000 per accident, many experts recommend carrying higher limits for better protection.

Recommended Coverage Levels

A good rule of thumb is to match your UM/UIM limits to your liability coverage. For instance, if your bodily injury liability coverage is $100,000 per person and $300,000 per accident, consider setting your UM/UIM coverage to the same amounts. This ensures that if you’re hit by an uninsured or underinsured driver, you have enough protection to cover medical expenses and other costs.  Bivona Insurance Group, in Glendale, AZ, has agents ready to review your coverages with you.

Factors to Consider When Choosing Coverage

• Your Financial Situation – Can you afford to pay out-of-pocket expenses if the other driver is uninsured?
• Driving Conditions in Glendale and Peoria – High traffic areas increase the likelihood of accidents.
• Your Vehicle’s Value – If your car is expensive to repair, adding UM property damage coverage might be a wise choice.

For drivers in Glendale, AZ, and drivers in Peoria, AZ, uninsured and underinsured motorist coverage isn’t just an option—it’s a necessity. With Arizona’s high rate of uninsured drivers, having the right protection ensures that you won’t be left with overwhelming expenses after an accident.

If you’re unsure about your current coverage, now is the perfect time to review your policy. Speak with a local insurance professional to make sure you have adequate protection, and drive with confidence knowing you’re covered no matter what happens on the road.

Stay safe out there, and make sure you have the coverage you need!  Let Bivona Insurance Group, give you the peace of mind knowing you are properly protected.  Call (623) 256-1000 or contact us online to get started.