One of the hardest moments in a rider's claim is discovering that the driver who hit them carries little or no insurance — and serious motorcycle injuries can outrun a minimal policy quickly. This is where a rider's own coverage becomes the center of the case.
Uninsured and underinsured motorist coverage
Arizona law requires insurers to offer uninsured motorist (UM) and underinsured motorist (UIM) coverage. UM applies when the at-fault driver has no insurance; UIM applies when they have some, but not enough to cover the harm. Many riders carry this coverage without fully knowing what it's for — and in a serious crash with an under-covered driver, it can be the difference between real recovery and none.
Why it matters more for riders
Because rider injuries tend to be severe, the gap between a minimal liability policy and the actual cost of care is often large. UM/UIM coverage exists precisely to fill that gap. Reviewing your declarations page — or having it reviewed — is a step that costs nothing and can reveal coverage you didn't know you had.
What to do
After a crash with an uninsured or underinsured driver, the claim shifts partly onto your own insurer, which means the same care with recorded statements and early paperwork applies to conversations with your own company. The rules of fault still matter — covered in who is at fault in an Arizona motorcycle accident — because a UM/UIM claim still depends on establishing the other driver's responsibility.
If you've been hit by an uninsured driver while riding, a free consultation is available any hour, in English or Spanish: (602) 217-0000.
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