So you’ve just been involved in a hit-and-run or an accident where the other driver either has no insurance or insufficient insurance coverage to cover your injuries. What now?

Accidents happen, and when they do, it’s crucial to have the right insurance coverage in place to protect yourself and your financial well-being. One type of coverage that often gets overlooked but can be a lifesaver is underinsured and uninsured motorist coverage. In this blog post. we dive into the importance of these coverages and how they can safeguard you in the event of a car accident on California’s roads.

Understanding Underinsured Motorist Coverage (UIM)

Underinsured motorist coverage, also known as UIM, is designed to provide additional protection when the at-fault driver’s insurance is insufficient to cover your damages. In other words, it acts as a safety net when the responsible party’s policy limits fall short of fully compensating you for your losses. This coverage can help bridge the gap and ensure you receive the necessary financial support to recover from your injuries and repair or replace your damaged property.

To give an example, if a third-party driver has a $15,000 policy (which is the minimum amount of coverage required in California) and you have $100,000 in underinsured motorist coverage, you can recover up to $85,000 from your own insurance company if the $15,000 third-party policy is not enough to compensate you for your injuries.  

Underinsured motorist coverage serves as a safety net to ensure there will be a minimum amount of coverage you can recover following a car accident. 

Understanding Uninsured Motorist Coverage (UM)

Uninsured motorist coverage, also known as UM, on the other hand, comes into play when the at-fault driver doesn’t have any insurance at all or in the event of a hit-and-run. It’s an unfortunate reality that some individuals choose to drive without proper insurance, leaving innocent victims vulnerable to financial hardships. Uninsured motorist coverage provides a layer of protection, stepping in to compensate you for your medical expenses, lost wages, and other damages when the responsible party lacks the necessary insurance coverage.

Why Underinsured and Uninsured Motorist Coverage Matters in California

If you’ve ever spent more than 5 minutes on the 101 or 405 freeways, the need for underinsured and uninsured motorist coverage should be exceedingly clear. California is known for its bustling roads and high population density. When you add traffic and aggressive driving into the mix, the likelihood of accidents increases significantly. Currently, California law only requires drivers to maintain minimum policy coverage of $15,000 per person and $30,000 per accident. We won’t go into the outrageous costs of medical care in this country, but we all know that a trip to urgent care or the ER can easily exceed $15,000.  Moreover, despite mandatory auto insurance laws, there are still individuals who drive without insurance. In such a scenario, having uninsured motorist coverage becomes even more critical.

The sad reality is that you cannot and should not rely on a third-party having enough insurance coverage to cover your injuries following a motor vehicle accident. Underinsured and uninsured motorist coverage ensures that you’re not left shouldering the financial burden caused by someone else’s negligence.

Conclusion

Underinsured and uninsured motorist coverage is not just an optional add-on to your auto insurance policy—it’s an essential component of comprehensive protection. By understanding the importance of these coverages and ensuring you have adequate coverage, you can rest assured knowing that you’re safeguarded against the financial hardships that may arise from an accident with an underinsured or uninsured driver. Consult with a knowledgeable personal injury lawyer to review your insurance coverage and ensure you’re adequately protected on the road. Your well-being and peace of mind are worth the investment in the right coverage. Drive safely and stay protected!