Arizona does not make uninsured motorist (UM) or underinsured motorist (UIM) coverage mandatory, but it makes insurers put the choice in front of you. Under A.R.S. § 20-259.01, every insurer writing auto liability policies must offer both coverages in writing, on a form approved by the Director of Insurance. Whether you accept or reject, your declarations page becomes the final record of that decision.
This guide explains what each coverage pays, how the Arizona offer works and how to read what you chose.
UM vs. UIM at a glance
| Uninsured motorist (UM) | Underinsured motorist (UIM) | |
|---|---|---|
| When it applies | The at-fault driver has no liability coverage (DIFI) | The at-fault driver's insurance is not enough to cover your injuries (DIFI) |
| Who it protects | You and passengers in your vehicle | You and passengers in your vehicle |
| Arizona minimum if you buy it | 25/50 | 25/50 |
| Required? | No, but must be offered in writing | No, but must be offered in writing |
DIFI's reasoning for considering both: although Arizona requires liability insurance, not every driver carries it, and out-of-state drivers may have none.
How Arizona's offer rule works
- Insurers must offer UM and UIM at limits not less than your bodily injury liability limits, using a form approved by the Director.
- You may choose any UM or UIM amount up to your liability limits, but not less than the 25/50 state minimum.
- No offer form is needed if you buy UM/UIM equal to your bodily injury liability limits.
- Insurers do not have to repeat the offer when a lapsed policy is reinstated, or when an existing policy is renewed, transferred, substituted or modified.
- The declarations page sent to you "constitutes the final expression" of your decision to buy or reject the coverage.
Source: A.R.S. § 20-259.01(A)–(B).
Reading your declarations page
- Find the declarations page and look for lines labeled Uninsured Motorist and Underinsured Motorist, usually with two numbers each (per person / per accident).
- Compare them with your bodily injury liability limits. Many buyers match them so the protection you give others equals the protection you keep for yourself.
- If either line reads 'rejected' or is missing, you declined it on the offer form at some point. You can ask to add it at any time.
- Check whether medical payments coverage is listed; it pays medical and funeral costs for you and passengers up to its limit, regardless of fault (DIFI).
What UM/UIM does not do
UM/UIM is about your injuries. It does not usually fix your car. For vehicle damage caused by an uninsured driver, DIFI points to collision coverage. It also interacts with the household exclusion: if a family member is driving and you are hurt, read how your policy defines an uninsured or underinsured vehicle. The household exclusion guide explains why that matters. For a national overview of how these coverages stack and settle, see our UM/UIM coverage guide.
Questions readers ask
Is uninsured motorist coverage required in Arizona?
No. Insurers must offer UM and UIM in writing; you can buy or reject them.
What is the minimum uninsured motorist coverage in Arizona?
If you buy it, at least 25/50, and up to your bodily injury liability limits.
How do I know if I rejected UM in Arizona?
Your declarations page is the final record. A missing or 'rejected' line means you declined it; you can ask to add it.
Does UM cover my car in Arizona?
UM and UIM protect people in your vehicle from injuries. Damage to your car usually needs collision coverage.
Sources and further reading
Sources checked October 26, 2026. Figures are the latest published by each source at that date.
- A.R.S. § 20-259.01: Uninsured and underinsured motorist offers
- Arizona DIFI: Medical payments and UM/UIM coverage
General educational information, not advice for your situation. Policy wording, state law and the insurer's decision control actual coverage. Written and edited by K.R. Not reviewed by a licensed insurance agent; confirm details with a licensed professional or your insurer. Examples use hypothetical figures unless a source is named. Report a correction.
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