Is Arizona a no fault insurance state?
Asked by: Aidan Cormier | Last update: January 15, 2026Score: 4.5/5 (2 votes)
How is fault determined in a car accident in Arizona?
The police report from the accident is one critical factor that the insurance company or judge will use to determine which driver is at fault and their level of responsibility in the crash. Evidence gathered from the crash site will also factor in determining fault.
What does it mean that Arizona is a no-fault state?
In a no fault state, you do not have to make a negligence claim to receive compensation. However, in Arizona, the first step in the process is to make a claim against the other driver and provide supporting evidence. As a result, you can typically expect the other driver to respond with their own negligence claims.
Can I lose my house due to an at-fault car accident in AZ?
While losing your house due to an at-fault car accident is possible, it is generally unlikely, especially if you take proactive steps to protect your assets. Ensuring adequate insurance coverage and seeking legal advice promptly can help safeguard your home and other assets.
What happens if the person at fault in an accident has no insurance in Arizona?
If the at-fault party doesn't have car insurance, you might have more difficulty getting compensation, but it's not impossible. If you have UI/UIM coverage, you can file a claim against your own insurance. You can also sue the driver directly with a lawyer's help if the driver has enough assets you can claim.
What is No Fault Insurance and How is it different
What to do after a car accident not your fault in Arizona?
- Stop at the Scene of the Accident.
- Get Medical Assistance if Necessary.
- Gather Evidence at the Scene.
- Report the Accident to the Police.
- Report the Accident to Your Car Insurance Provider.
- Document Your Harm from the Accident.
- Comparative Fault in Arizona.
Can you sue someone in a no-fault accident?
Most no-fault states also have a monetary threshold law that only allows victims to sue if their medical bills and expenses meet or exceed the monetary threshold. Though it varies from state to state, the threshold is typically around $1,000. The monetary threshold can only be met from expenses actually accrued.
Who pays for car damage in Arizona?
Thus, Arizona is not a no-fault state. This means a driver involved in an at-fault car accident will use his or her insurance coverage to cover the other involved driver's losses. Depending on the type of coverage you have, your insurance might also reimburse you for your losses after an at-fault car accident.
How do insurance companies handle no-fault accidents?
A no-fault state is one where drivers involved in a car accident are required to file claims with their own insurance companies, regardless of who caused the accident. This system relies on Personal Injury Protection (PIP) coverage, which compensates for medical expenses and lost wages up to a state-determined limit.
How long does a no-fault accident stay on your record in Arizona?
A car accident will typically remain on your record for three to five years — or more, depending on its severity. Your insurer may raise your rates if you're in an accident, even if you're not at fault.
Why are no-fault states bad?
Higher Premiums
Auto insurance premiums in no-fault states tend to be considerably higher than in fault states. If you get injured in a car accident and file a claim, your premiums might increase even more, even though you are the victim, not the at-fault party.
Is Arizona on a fault line?
The Yuma area (southwestern corner of the state) also has earthquakes. Most earthquake activity is located within 8–16 km (5–10 mi) of known faults. The closest active faults to the monument are approximately 100 km (60 mi) to the west (near Gila Bend) and about 90 km (60 mi) to the east (near Mammoth).
Is Arizona a no pay no play state?
There are a few states that have “No-Pay, No-Play” laws that limit the damages uninsured motorists can collect from an at-fault driver. Arizona is not one of them.
What makes you at fault in a car accident?
To determine who's at fault in an accident, claims adjusters usually talk to witnesses, look at police reports, and review the accounts of the accident from parties involved. Photos of vehicle or property damage can come into play, as well as a specific state's traffic laws.
What happens if someone else is driving my car and gets in an accident in AZ?
It's important to know what happens if someone else drives your car and has an accident. In Arizona, the car owner's insurance is mostly responsible. So, if someone else causes an accident in your car, your insurance will handle the costs.
Who is responsible for the accident?
The owner of the vehicle and the driver of the vehicle could both be held liable in a lawsuit. In this case, the owner does not have to be inside the car at the time of the accident in order to face a lawsuit.
Should I file a claim if I'm not at fault?
Always File a Claim, Regardless of Who Was At-Fault
One of the primary questions we receive from clients who have been in an accident is whether they should report the accident to their own auto insurance carrier, particularly when the accident was not their fault. And the answer to that question is: always.
What are the pros of no-fault insurance?
PROS: Faster claims processing: With no need to determine fault, claims are processed much more quickly. Less litigation means lower rates: No-fault insurance aims to reduce the number of lawsuits related to minor accidents.
Will insurance pay out if it was my fault?
Your car insurance policy is responsible for the other driver's damages if you are at fault. But you might wonder about your own damages. If you purchased collision coverage as part of your policy, it should cover your vehicle damage from the accident.
Can someone sue you for a car accident Arizona?
This means that if someone acts negligently or carelessly and injures another person, the injured party has the legal right to bring a claim against the negligent person. A driver in Arizona could be held liable for a car accident for committing many different torts, such as: Driving while intoxicated. Drowsy driving.
How much is my car worth in an accident?
A 10% cap is applied to the car's pre-loss value
So if your vehicle was worth $10,000 before the accident, the max its diminished value would be is $1,000 (10,000 X . 10 = 1,000).
How long does an insurance company have to investigate a claim in Arizona?
In Arizona, insurers are typically allotted 30 days from the date of acknowledgment to complete their investigation: “Every insurer shall complete investigation of a claim within 30 days after notification of claim, unless such investigation cannot reasonably be completed within such time.”
What happens if someone sues you for more than your insurance covers?
You may face a lawsuit for the uncovered amount when damages exceed your policy limits. The injured party could attempt to seize your personal assets, which may include: Savings accounts. Wages (via wage garnishment)
Can I make a claim if it wasn't my fault?
If you're injured in an accident that was not your fault, you or your 'legal personal representative' (such as the next of kin in the case of death) can claim compensation from the at-fault driver's compulsory third party (CTP) insurer.
What happens if insurance cannot determine fault?
50/50 fault: If it's too difficult to determine fault, particularly if no witnesses saw the accident take place, some insurance companies will decide to split the costs equally between the two drivers.