No, uninsured motorist coverage is not required in California, as drivers can reject the coverage in writing. Still, insurance companies are required to offer at least $15,000 in uninsured motorist bodily injury coverage per person (up to $30,000 per accident), as well as $3,500 in uninsured motorist property damage insurance per accident.… read full answer
Additionally, drivers have the option to purchase $15,000 in underinsured motorist bodily injury coverage per person (up to $30,000 per accident), along with $3,500 in underinsured motorist property damage insurance per accident.
For California drivers who do not opt out by rejecting the coverage in writing, uninsured/underinsured motorist coverage helps pay for a car accident in which the other driver doesn’t have car insurance, or doesn’t have enough coverage for the damage they caused.
Why You Should Get Uninsured Motorist Coverage in California
Normally, an at-fault driver’s insurance helps pay for any damage after an accident. However, if the other driver doesn’t have any – or enough – coverage, it can be time-consuming and difficult to sue them for funds to cover any medical or repair bills. That’s where this optional insurance coverage can help you save time and money.
Even though California does not require uninsured and underinsured motorist coverage, you should still consider buying it. In California, an average of 15% of drivers on the road don’t have car insurance, which means there is a 1 in 7 chance that the other driver won’t have coverage if you get into an accident. Car accidents in California can be very expensive, too.
Key Facts About Uninsured Motorist Coverage in California:
- Minimum Uninsured Motorist Bodily Injury: $15,000 per person and up to $30,000 per accident
- Minimum Uninsured Motorist Property Damage: $3,500 per accident
- Minimum Underinsured Motorist Bodily Injury: $15,000 per person and up to $30,000 per accident
- Minimum Underinsured Motorist Property Damage: $3,500per accident
- Uninsured Drivers on the Road: 15%
- Odds of a Crash with an Uninsured Driver: 1 in 7
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