Uninsured and underinsured motorist (UM/UIM) claims

When the at-fault driver has no insurance — or not enough — your own UM/UIM coverage may be the only meaningful source of recovery. Big Dog Law handles UM/UIM claims statewide.

Arizona has one of the highest rates of uninsured and underinsured drivers in the country. Combined with low statutory minimum limits, the result is predictable: serious crashes regularly produce damages that exceed any available liability coverage. UM and UIM coverage on your own policy is what fills that gap — and is the most under-utilized coverage Arizona drivers carry.

UM/UIM in plain English

UM (uninsured motorist): Pays you when the at-fault driver had no insurance, or hit-and-run.
UIM (underinsured motorist): Pays you when the at-fault driver had insurance but not enough.
It's your own policy — but the claim is adversarial. Your insurer steps into the shoes of the at-fault driver.
Strict notice and consent-to-settle rules apply. Mistakes can void coverage.

Why UM/UIM matters so much in Arizona

AZ minimum BI per person: $25K
AZ minimum BI per accident: $50K
Single ER visit + MRI: Often $25K+

A serious crash with surgery, ICU time, or rehab routinely produces six-figure medical bills. When the at-fault driver carries the legal minimum, the difference between your damages and their available coverage is exactly what UM/UIM is designed to cover.

How a UM/UIM claim actually works

Identify all available liability coverage

Your attorney pulls every layer — driver, vehicle owner, employer, rideshare platform.
Tender to the liability insurer

Settle within their available limits — but only with your UM/UIM carrier's consent.
Notify your UM/UIM carrier in writing

Required by your policy. Missing this step can defeat coverage entirely.
Document the gap

Show that damages exceed the at-fault coverage. Demand the difference from your UM/UIM carrier.
Negotiate, mediate, or arbitrate

Many policies require arbitration if UM/UIM doesn't resolve. The procedure is contractual and policy-specific.

Common UM/UIM claim types

Hit and run

The other driver fled the scene and was never identified.
Uninsured at-fault driver

The other driver had no policy at all.
Lapsed coverage

The at-fault driver's policy had been cancelled before the crash.
Stolen vehicle

The at-fault driver did not have permission to use the vehicle.
Underinsured

The at-fault driver had a policy, but the limits do not cover your damages.
Phantom vehicle

A non-contact crash caused by a vehicle that left the scene without contact (specific proof requirements apply).

Stacking and layered coverage

Multi-vehicle policies

When your policy covers multiple vehicles, stacking may multiply available UM/UIM limits.
Resident relatives

Coverage on a parent's, spouse's, or other resident relative's policy can apply if you live in the household.
Umbrella policies

Some umbrellas include UM/UIM — high-value but easily missed.

Frequently asked

Was the at-fault driver uninsured or underinsured?

Free, confidential consultation. No fee unless we recover.

Free UM/UIM consultation

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