Is police report required for an uninsured motorist claim? Arizona law requires drivers to report the accident to police when there are injuries or significant property damage. For UM claims and hit-and-run crashes, that report often becomes the key record insurers use to verify what happened and who was at fault.
Many Arizona drivers walk away from a car accident thinking that a quick exchange of information will do, but what if the other driver turns out to be uninsured? Do you need a police report?
This article explains whether a police report is required for an uninsured motorist claim in Arizona and why it matters. UM coverage protects you when an uninsured driver causes injuries or when you’re the victim of a hit-and-run crash.
By the end of this guide, you will know:
- When Arizona law requires police involvement.
- How insurance companies evaluate an uninsured motorist claim without a report.
- What evidence helps prove the other driver was uninsured.
- How to file a claim with your insurance company on time.
- The practical steps to file a police report.
- How to report the accident to your insurer.
- How to meet Arizona’s notice rules for UM claims.
- Exactly how to protect your rights if the insurer disputes fault or the value of your losses.
The Sorenson Law Firm brings 130+ years of combined experience with Arizona auto insurance and uninsured motorist coverage. We help gather evidence, communicate with insurers, and negotiate fair results.
Speak with an Arizona personal injury lawyer today. Our team is ready to guide you through every step, from documenting the accident scene to filing your claim and receiving compensation.
Understanding Uninsured Motorist Coverage
What Uninsured Motorist Coverage Pays for in Arizona
Uninsured motorist coverage (UM) is part of your auto insurance that pays when an uninsured driver causes a car accident that injures you or your passengers.
UM covers bodily injury losses, such as medical bills, lost wages, and pain and suffering. UM does not pay to fix your vehicle. Collision coverage or other property damage coverage handles repairs.
Many Arizona families use UM to close the gap when the at-fault driver has no policy or flees the scene. Expect coverage for:
- Medical expenses and mileage to treatment.
- Lost income and reduced earning capacity.
- Pain, suffering, and loss of quality of life.
Is UM Coverage Required Under Arizona Law?
Arizona insurers must offer UM with at least $25,000 per person and $50,000 per accident. A driver may reject UM in writing under A.R.S. § 20-259.01.
UM adds protection that mirrors the statewide liability minimums. Many drivers in Phoenix, Tucson, Mesa, Scottsdale, and Tempe add UM to match higher limits for better protection.
When UM Applies After a Car Accident
UM applies when the at-fault driver carries no insurance, in a hit-and-run, or when identity or coverage cannot be verified.
In each scenario, your insurer stands in the shoes of the uninsured driver and evaluates negligence, causation, and damages the same way a liability insurer would.
Is a Police Report Required for an Uninsured Motorist Claim?
When Arizona Law Requires Reporting to Police
Call 911 if anyone is hurt or if property damage is significant. Officers who respond must complete a crash report filed with ADOT under A.R.S. § 28-667.
The officer’s observations, diagrams, and citations often carry weight with insurance companies. This record can be the backbone of a UM file.
Do Insurance Companies Require a Police Report for Uninsured Motorist Claims?
Insurers often ask for the police report for claim processing, to confirm fault facts, for hit-and-run details, and to verify uninsured status. Many policies require prompt reporting and cooperation.
Most carriers expect a police report, especially for hit-and-run insurance claims. A clear report shortens investigations and speeds decisions.
What if There Is No Police Report?
Claims can still be made, but proof is harder. You will need strong alternative evidence, such as detailed photos, witnesses, 911 audio, repair data, and ADOT or insurer database checks.
An uninsured motorist claim lawyer can contact witnesses, request records, and build a timeline that supports your account even if no officer responded at the accident scene.
Arizona’s Legal Standard for Uninsured Motorist Claims
How Negligence and Fault Work in Arizona UM Cases
You carry the burden to prove negligence, causation, and damages. UM is a first-party claim under your policy, but you still must show that the uninsured driver acted unreasonably and caused your injuries. Evidence that proves liability includes:
- Traffic citations and officer narrative.
- Skid marks, impact points, and damage patterns.
- Independent witness statements.
Pure Comparative Negligence in Arizona
Arizona follows pure comparative negligence under A.R.S. § 12-2505. Your recovery is reduced by your share of fault, whether the crash happened in Phoenix, Tucson, Mesa, Scottsdale, Tempe, or a rural county road. A 20% share of fault cuts a $50,000 claim to $40,000.
Deadlines That Apply to UM and Injury Claims
Most personal injury lawsuits must be filed within two years under A.R.S. § 12-542. Many policies set a written UM notice window of up to three years, often running from the accident date or from when you knew the at-fault driver was uninsured.
Policies may require arbitration within a set time. Check your insurance policy, and calendar every key date.
The Importance of a Police Report for Insurance Claim
Hit-and-Run Accidents
Quick reporting aids identification. A police report captures location, time, vehicle description, and witness names. Carriers look for prompt 911 calls and consistent damage. Without that, UM coverage can be challenged as uncorroborated.
Driver Admits To Having No Insurance at the Scene
An officer can record the admission, driver ID, and vehicle information. The report can include a citation for no proof of insurance. Insurance companies rely on that entry to verify uninsured status and speed payment under your UM coverage.
Insurance Information Given Is False or Cannot Be Verified
Many drivers present expired or invalid cards. The officer’s report and later ADOT or insurer database checks often confirm no active policy at the time of the crash. That proof supports your uninsured motorist claim and helps avoid delays.
Legal Process for Filing an Uninsured Motorist Claim in Arizona
Filing an Uninsured Motorist Claim With Your Insurance Company
Start with prompt notice. Then follow a clear sequence:
- Report the accident to your insurer and open the UM file.
- Share policy details and the crash report number.
- Provide medical records, bills, and wage loss proof.
- Submit photos and estimates for context on impact forces.
- Cooperate with a recorded statement after speaking with an accident lawyer.
- Keep a file with all claim communications.
Proving the Other Driver Was Uninsured
Gather the following information:
- Police report notation of no insurance.
- Insurer database checks (SR-22 history, carrier confirmation).
- ADOT or MVD verification.
- Witness statements and 911 records.
Key Milestones and Deadlines
Milestones include an early notice to your insurer, medical record gathering, settlement talks, and then arbitration or litigation if needed. Policies often require UM arbitration before suit. Calendar the two-year injury statute and any policy-based UM time limits.
What Happens When the At-Fault Driver Flees or There Is No Police Report?
Can You File an Uninsured Motorist Claim Without a Report?
Yes, but expect scrutiny. Insurers look for objective proof that a hit-and-run occurred and caused your injuries. Corroboration fills the gap left by the missing report.
How Insurers Evaluate Hit-and-Run Uninsured Motorist Claims
Carrier reviews can be strict. A detailed timeline improves credibility. Insurers will evaluate:
- Damage consistency with your account.
- Medical records matching the mechanism of injury.
- Witness or video support.
- Telematics or smartphone location data.
What Should You Do Right After the Crash?
Call 911, document the scene, and seek medical care. Notify your insurer quickly, and save every record. If no officer arrives, visit a precinct soon to file a police report. Early steps protect a claim after an accident with an uninsured motorist.
Key Evidence in Uninsured Motorist Claim Cases
Documents That Insurers Expect
- Police report with diagrams and citations.
- Photos, video, and vehicle repair data.
- Witness statements and contact info.
- Medical records, bills, and diagnosis codes.
- Wage loss proof from your employer.
How To Prove Uninsured Status and Fault
Pair officer notes with carrier verification. Add traffic camera clips, black box data, and a clear comparative fault analysis. A strong package shows liability and uninsured status without guesswork.
Evidence That Helps When Negotiating Uninsured Motorist Claim
Show injury progression and treatment timelines. Keep a pain journal. Use expert opinions on causation, biomechanics, or future care. Strong proof raises uninsured motorist claim payouts.
Negotiating Uninsured Motorist Claim With Insurance Company
Tactics Insurers Use in UM Files
Common tactics include labeling injuries as minor, tying low property damage to low injury value, pushing broad medical authorizations, and seeking recorded statements early. Some carriers request repeated documentation to slow the process.
How To Strengthen Your Negotiation Position
- Send a complete demand with the police report and key photos.
- Lay out liability facts and medical timelines.
- Quantify every loss with source documents.
- Set a firm response date, and follow up in writing.
When Arbitration or Lawsuits Are Needed
Most policies require UM arbitration if the parties disagree on fault or value. If the insurer denies coverage, policy and Arizona law set the path for arbitration or suit. Track deadlines to file your claim in the correct forum.
The Importance of an Uninsured Motorist Claims Lawyer in Arizona
When To Contact an Uninsured Motorist Claim Lawyer
Early contact helps in hit-and-run cases, for disputed fault, when serious injuries result, or when an insurer stalls. A lawyer coordinates evidence, protects your rights, and manages deadlines.
How a Lawyer Proves and Values Your Uninsured Motorist Claim
Tasks include scene investigation, witness follow-up, ADOT and carrier verification, and medical analysis. Attorneys model damages with past bills, future care needs, and wage loss and then prepare for arbitration or trial.
What if Fault Is Shared in an Accident With Uninsured Motorist?
Your attorney applies Arizona’s pure comparative negligence to set expectations and to rebut inflated fault claims. This protects the value of your UM benefits.
How The Sorenson Law Firm Can Help With Uninsured Motorist Claim Payouts
Your team of attorneys at The Sorenson Law Firm can manage the full UM process, including investigation, ADOT and insurer checks, interviews, and documentation. Our team works cases across Phoenix, Tucson, Mesa, Scottsdale, and Tempe.
We handle notices, recorded statements, and every step of the process with your insurance. We prepare arbitration filings and track the two-year injury statute. If needed, we will be fully prepared to litigate.
Why Choose Us for Arizona Uninsured Motorist Claim Cases
Our attorneys bring 130+ years of combined experience, deep knowledge of Arizona courts, and a client-first approach. We’re here to help you file your claim, prove uninsured status, and negotiate fair compensation.
Start with a free case review with one of our personal injury lawyers. Schedule your appointment online or call us today at 480-839-9500.
Key Points To Remember
- A police report is not always legally required, yet it often decides UM outcomes, especially in hit-and-run claims.
- Arizona uses pure comparative negligence (A.R.S. § 12-2505), so your recovery drops by your fault share.
- UM covers bodily injury losses; vehicle repairs need collision or other property damage coverage.
- Most injury suits carry a two-year statute (A.R.S. § 12-542). Many policies require written UM notice within three years.
- Strong files win. Gather a police report, medical proof, credible witnesses, and organized documentation.
- Early legal help improves negotiations, tracks deadlines, and prepares your case for arbitration or court.
Additional Resources
- Arizona Department of Transportation (ADOT) Records Request – How to request your report.
- Arizona Revised Statutes § 20-259.01 – UM/UIM Coverage: Rules for offering and rejecting uninsured and underinsured motorist coverage.
- National Highway Traffic Safety Administration: Wide range of data on safety and more.
