"Full coverage" isn't a defined term in insurance law. When attorneys and adjusters ask whether you have full coverage after a crash, they're really asking about two specific things: collision coverage and uninsured/underinsured motorist coverage. Whether you have those determines how many options you have when the other driver is at fault, denies liability, or has inadequate insurance.
Liability coverage: the only mandatory piece
Arizona requires all drivers to carry liability insurance. As of July 1, 2020, the minimum is $25,000 per person / $50,000 per accident for bodily injury, and $15,000 for property damage (A.R.S. § 28-4009). Liability coverage pays for injuries and property damage you cause to others. It doesn't cover your injuries or your own vehicle.
Collision coverage
Collision covers damage to your vehicle regardless of fault. If you caused the crash, collision is how you get your car repaired. If the other driver caused it but their carrier is denying liability, collision lets you move forward with repairs without waiting for the dispute to resolve. When you use collision coverage on a not-at-fault crash, your insurer typically subrogate against the at-fault driver's carrier and eventually reimburses your deductible.
Comprehensive coverage
Comprehensive covers vehicle damage from events other than a collision — hail, theft, fire, flooding, falling objects. It's a separate coverage from collision, though lenders typically require both on financed vehicles.
Medical payments coverage
Medical payments (MedPay) covers your medical expenses after a crash regardless of who was at fault. It can pay for ER visits, hospitalization, and follow-up care. It's optional in Arizona but can be valuable when you need care quickly and don't want to wait for the liability dispute to play out.
Uninsured and underinsured motorist coverage
This is the coverage that matters most when another driver causes your injuries. Uninsured motorist (UM) coverage applies when the at-fault driver has no insurance at all. Underinsured motorist (UIM) coverage applies when they have insurance, but their limits aren't enough to cover your damages. Arizona requires insurers to offer both in writing (A.R.S. § 20-259.01) — if you never signed a written rejection, you may still have this coverage by operation of law, even if you don't recall opting in.
Roughly one in ten drivers on Arizona roads has no liability insurance. UM/UIM coverage is how you protect yourself from that. If you're not sure what's in your policy, now is a good time to check — before you need it.
Our car accident attorneys handle claims throughout Phoenix and Scottsdale on a contingency fee basis. No fee unless we win. Call (480) 418-SHER (7437) or reach out online.