When driving on California roads, you expect others to follow the law like you do. But what happens when they don’t? What happens when someone who has no insurance hits you? This is where uninsured motorist coverage in California becomes more than just a box to check; it becomes your financial lifeline.
Many drivers ask us, Do I really need this coverage? We get it. Insurance can feel overwhelming and expensive. But here’s the truth: The cost of not having uninsured motorist coverage when you need it can be devastating.
At Henderson Law, we’ve spent more than two decades protecting people who were hurt because of someone else’s carelessness and who too often were uninsured. Here’s what you need to know.
Many California Drivers Are Uninsured
California requires all drivers to carry a minimum amount of liability insurance. But the reality is, not all drivers do.
According to the Insurance Research Council, approximately 16.6% of California drivers are uninsured. That means nearly 1 in 6 vehicles on the road could hit you with zero coverage. No matter how careful you are behind the wheel, there’s a good chance you’ll cross paths with one of them.
What Is Uninsured Motorist Coverage in California?
Uninsured motorist coverage (UM) helps when the other driver does not have insurance to cover your damages. Although California uninsured motorist coverage is not required, your insurance company must offer it, allowing you to opt in for coverage. In fact, California law requires insurance companies to offer this coverage to every driver who purchases insurance, and you have to reject it in writing if you don’t want it.
We’ll be blunt: rejecting it is a dangerous gamble.
What About Underinsured Motorist Coverage (UIM)?
Countless drivers are underinsured. This means they carry the legal minimum, but not nearly enough to cover the damages in a serious accident related to hospital stays, surgery, lost wages, or long-term therapy. The state requires minimum liability limits of:
- $30,000 for injury or death to one person;
- $60,000 for injury or death to more than one person; and
- $15,000 for property damage.
Insurers bundle California uninsured motorist coverage with underinsured motorist coverage in your policy, which is commonly known as UM/UIM coverage. Many opt out for this coverage without fully understanding what they’re declining, leaving potential gaps in coverage.
Why You Need Coverage
Do you need uninsured motorist coverage in California? Ultimately, it’s your call, but features of this coverage include:
- Covers medical bills. If an uninsured driver hits you, your UM coverage steps in to pay for your injuries. It can help cover emergency care, ongoing treatment, rehabilitation, and even future medical expenses related to the accident.
- Protects passengers. Your UM/UIM coverage usually extends to any passengers in your vehicle, including family members. This means the people you care about most won’t be left unprotected in the event of a serious crash.
- Covers you as a pedestrian or cyclist. Even if you’re not in a car, your UM coverage can protect you if an uninsured driver hits you while walking or biking. This added layer of protection is especially important in California, where pedestrian and bicycle accidents are common.
- It’s usually affordable. UM/UIM coverage is typically inexpensive compared to other parts of your policy, especially considering what’s at stake. Adding it to your policy is a small cost that can save you tens of thousands of dollars in the long run.
No one anticipates being in an accident, but they do happen, and it is important to ensure you’re fully protected in all situations.
Case Study: The Importance of Uninsured Motorist Coverage
Here’s a common scenario: You’re driving home from work. A distracted driver runs a red light and hits you head-on. You’re rushed to the hospital, miss weeks of work, and rack up $60,000 in medical bills. Then you find out the driver who hit you has no insurance. Without uninsured motorist coverage, you’re stuck. You can sue the driver, but you won’t see a dime if they have no assets or income.
Now, imagine the same scenario with UM/UIM coverage. Your own insurance pays the bills, covers your lost wages, and helps you rebuild your life. If you value your health, financial security, and peace of mind, consider adding UM/UIM coverage to your policy.
Protecting Yourself and Your Future
Uninsured motorist coverage in California is your safety net. It’s how you take control in a world where others may not follow the rules.
At Henderson Law, we’ve represented countless people hit by uninsured or underinsured drivers. We’ve seen firsthand the difference UM/UIM coverage can make, and the heartbreak when it’s not there.
Here’s what we recommend:
- Review your auto policy today;
- Make sure UM/UIM coverage is included and sufficient; and
- If you’re not sure what you have, ask your insurance agent.
If you’ve already been in an accident and are unsure how to proceed, that’s where we come in.
Don’t Let Someone Else’s Mistake Destroy Your Life
You can’t control what other people do on the road. But you can control how prepared you are to deal with the fallout.
At Henderson Law, we help accident victims like you uncover the truth, claim what they’re owed, and stand up to insurance companies who would rather keep you in the dark. Don’t let them. We’ve spent over 20 years fighting for justice and recovering millions for clients. More importantly, we’ll treat your injury as if it were our own.
Contact us today if you’ve suffered an injury in an accident involving an uninsured driver. We offer free, no-obligation consultations and will help you determine exactly what your claim is worth.