Can You Still Use Arizona MedPay or UM/UIM for an Out-of-State Collision?

Traveling outside Arizona is a normal part of life for many drivers, whether it’s for business, family trips, or vacations. But what happens if you’re injured in a car crash in another state? You may wonder whether your Arizona-based insurance coverage—especially Medical Payments (MedPay) and Uninsured/Underinsured Motorist (UM/UIM) coverage—still applies.

The good news is that most of the time, it does. The Tempe car accident attorney team explains how MedPay and UM/UIM coverage works when a collision happens outside Arizona and why these benefits are so valuable when traveling.

What Is MedPay Coverage?

Medical Payments coverage, commonly known as MedPay, is an optional policy add-on that pays for medical expenses after a car accident. Unlike liability coverage, which pays for damages you cause to others, MedPay covers you and your passengers regardless of fault.

Key benefits include:

• Emergency room visits

• Ambulance fees

• Surgery, X-rays, and follow-up care

• Funeral expenses in severe cases

Because MedPay is no-fault coverage, it can be used whether you’re hit by another driver, are partially at fault, or even if you’re a passenger in someone else’s car.

What Is UM/UIM Coverage?

Uninsured/Underinsured Motorist coverage (UM/UIM) steps in when:

• The at-fault driver has no insurance (uninsured).

• The at-fault driver has insurance, but not enough to cover your damages (underinsured).

UM/UIM coverage is one of the most important optional protections in Arizona because it ensures you still have a source of compensation when another driver fails to carry adequate coverage.

This protection is especially valuable when traveling because some states have lower insurance minimums than Arizona, which means there’s a greater chance the at-fault driver’s coverage won’t fully compensate you.

Does Arizona MedPay Work Outside the State?

Yes. Most Arizona MedPay policies extend coverage across the United States and even parts of Canada. This means:

• If you’re injured while traveling in California, Nevada, or any other state, your MedPay benefits usually still apply.

• Your passengers are also covered, even if they’re not Arizona residents, as long as they were in your insured vehicle at the time of the crash.

However, MedPay doesn’t typically apply outside the U.S., so international travel may require separate coverage.

Does Arizona UM/UIM Work for Out-of-State Crashes?

Yes. If you have UM/UIM coverage, it typically applies nationwide. That means:

• If you’re hit by an uninsured driver in Texas or by someone carrying minimal coverage in Florida, your UM/UIM policy can help pay for your injuries and lost wages.

• If the at-fault driver flees the scene (a hit-and-run), your UM coverage can step in to provide benefits, similar to being hit by an uninsured driver.

This is particularly important when traveling in states with lower liability requirements than Arizona. For example, some states have bodily injury minimums as low as $15,000 per person, which may not come close to covering serious injuries.

How Fault Laws in Other States Affect Your Claim

While MedPay pays regardless of fault, UM/UIM claims still rely on establishing that the other driver was responsible. Different states have different comparative fault rules:

• Arizona uses pure comparative fault, meaning you can recover compensation even if you’re mostly at fault, but your payout is reduced by your percentage of fault.

• Many other states use modified comparative fault, which bars recovery if you’re 50% or more at fault.

This difference doesn’t prevent you from using UM/UIM, but it can affect how your insurance company calculates fault and payouts.

What If You’re Driving a Rental Car?

Most Arizona auto insurance policies—including MedPay and UM/UIM—extend to rental vehicles within the U.S. That means:

• If you rent a car while traveling and you’re hit by an uninsured driver, your UM/UIM protection still applies.

• MedPay will also cover injuries for you and your passengers, even in a rental car, as long as it’s for personal use (not commercial driving).

It’s still wise to check your policy before renting to confirm coverage and see if any limitations apply.

How to Use MedPay or UM/UIM After an Out-of-State Crash

1. Seek Medical Care Immediately: MedPay benefits can pay initial bills quickly, helping you avoid delays in treatment.

2. Report the Accident Promptly: Notify your insurer as soon as possible, letting them know the accident happened out of state.

3. Collect Evidence: Take photos, gather witness information, and request the local police report. Evidence is especially important if you plan to use UM/UIM coverage.

4. Track All Expenses: Keep receipts and billing statements for medical care, rental cars, and other crash-related expenses.

Even when you’re far from home, your Arizona policy is designed to help protect you financially.

Why MedPay and UM/UIM Are So Important When Traveling

Out-of-state accidents can involve drivers with lower insurance limits, rental cars, or even hit-and-run incidents. MedPay and UM/UIM coverage give you peace of mind knowing:

• You have a way to pay for medical treatment right away.

• You’re not relying solely on another driver’s policy, which may be minimal or nonexistent.

• Your coverage works no matter where you are in the U.S., allowing you to focus on recovery instead of coverage disputes.

Final Thoughts

Yes, you can usually use your Arizona MedPay and UM/UIM coverage for out-of-state collisions. These protections travel with you and can make a significant difference when an accident happens far from home, especially if the other driver lacks insurance or carries low limits.

Before your next trip, review your policy to ensure you have these coverages in place and understand how they apply. Knowing your benefits ahead of time can prevent stressful surprises and help you get back on the road to recovery faster.