Uninsured motorist coverage provides critical protection for California drivers. Without this coverage, you may face difficulties in receiving compensation when a driver without insurance causes an accident.
In such situations, uninsured motorist coverage allows you to recover damages without relying on the other party’s insurance. You can purchase uninsured motorist coverage as part of your auto insurance policy to prepare for these scenarios.
Protecting against uninsured drivers
California law requires all drivers to carry a minimum amount of liability insurance. Even so, some drivers either do not have insurance or have insufficient coverage. In an accident involving an uninsured or underinsured motorist, you may find it challenging to pay for medical bills, vehicle repairs and other expenses. Uninsured motorist coverage helps by filling this gap. It provides compensation for injuries, medical expenses, lost wages and in some cases, property damage.
Getting uninsured motorist coverage
The state of California does not require drivers to carry uninsured motorist coverage, but insurance companies must offer it. You have the option to decline this coverage in writing. Although optional, uninsured motorist coverage provides significant protection in the event of an accident with an uninsured or underinsured driver. The minimum coverage limits for UM and UIM policies in California are $15,000 per person and $30,000 per accident for bodily injury.
It is easy to feel as though you have no options for recourse after an accident with an uninsured driver. While you may file a lawsuit against the at-fault party for the damages they caused, tapping into your own uninsured motorist coverage can be a much more direct way to resume your daily life after an accident.
