California Uninsured Motorist Coverage
Protects against drivers lacking proper insurance
California Uninsured Motorist Coverage
California uninsured motorist coverage is an important add-on coverage option that all drivers in the Golden State should consider when purchasing auto insurance. This coverage helps protect you and your passengers if you are involved in an accident caused by an uninsured or underinsured driver. Due to the rising cost of car insurance in recent years and other factors, more drivers are uninsured on U.S. roadways than ever before. This is why you should consider adding this important optional coverage to your policy.
What is Uninsured Motorist Coverage?
Uninsured motorist coverage provides protection in situations where the at-fault driver either has no auto insurance or has insufficient coverage to pay for your losses. This coverage helps pay for injuries to you and your passengers as well as damage to your vehicle.
There are two main types of uninsured motorist coverage:
- Uninsured motorist bodily injury (UMBI) – Covers medical expenses, lost wages, pain and suffering, and other damages caused by an uninsured driver. This coverage protects the insured, family members, and passengers.
- Uninsured motorist property damage (UMPD) – Covers repair costs if an uninsured motorist hits your car. This is optional and may not be included in a standard policy.
Uninsured motorist coverage kicks in after any applicable payment from the at-fault driver’s insurance policy limits. It covers the difference between what you are owed for your damages and what the at-fault party’s coverage pays out.
For example, if an uninsured driver hits your car and causes $25,000 in damages, but their property damage liability only covers $15,000, UMPD would pay the remaining $10,000 so you are not stuck paying out-of-pocket.
How Much Does Uninsured Motorist Coverage Cost in California?
The cost of uninsured motorist coverage varies by insurance company and depends on factors like your location, driving record, and amount of coverage purchased. However, most insurers in California charge an additional premium between $17 to $80 per year for $30,000 of UMBI coverage.
Adding UMPD will cost slightly more, with estimates of around $30 to $100 per year for $3,500 in coverage. Overall, uninsured motorist coverage represents a relatively inexpensive way to protect yourself in California from those illegal drivers who are uninsured.
Here are estimated average annual premium costs for minimum UM coverage limits in major California cities:
- Los Angeles: $65
- San Diego: $62
- San Jose: $58
- San Francisco: $77
- Fresno: $69
The more coverage you buy, the more you will pay for uninsured motorist protection. California requires insurers to offer UMBI up to your bodily injury liability limits. Purchasing coverage that matches your liability limits is recommended for the best protection.
Which California Insurers Have the Cheapest Rates?
The best way to find affordable uninsured motorist coverage is to compare quotes from multiple top insurers. However, some companies usually offer lower rates than others.
USAA often has some of the lowest premiums in California, but only serves military members and families. Geico, State Farm, and Mercury also tend to have competitive pricing for uninsured motorist coverage.
Here are average yearly rates from top companies for a minimum $30,000 UMBI limits:
- USAA: $55
- Geico: $66
- State Farm: $71
- Mercury: $75
- Progressive: $79
- Allstate: $87
You may be able to save even more by bundling uninsured motorists with other coverage like collision or comprehensive. Multi-policy discounts for insuring your home or auto with the same provider can also lower your uninsured motorist costs.
Is Uninsured Motorist Coverage Worth Adding to Your Policy?
In most cases, uninsured motorist coverage is worth the small additional premium cost. Around 15% of drivers in California are uninsured, according to the Insurance Research Council. This equates to over 2 million uninsured motorists on the road.
Without UM coverage, you could be forced to sue the at-fault driver for your damages or cover expenses out-of-pocket. Lawsuits are expensive, time-consuming, and may yield no payout if the other driver has no assets.
Uninsured motorist protection lets your insurer handle the claim so you can get your car fixed or medical bills paid without hassle. It may be the only way to recover losses after an accident with an uninsured driver.
The peace of mind uninsured motorist coverage provides makes it a worthwhile investment for most California drivers. Even if you are never involved in an accident with an uninsured motorist, it protects you in case the unfortunate does happen. The low premium cost is a small price to pay to avoid the major financial risk of driving uninsured.
What are California's Uninsured Motorist Coverage Laws?
California has several important laws regarding uninsured and underinsured motorist coverage that drivers must be aware of:
- Insurers must offer UMBI at limits equal to your bodily injury liability coverage. Higher limits may also be purchased if desired.
- UMPD must be offered but is not required. Drivers can only accept this coverage in writing if they want it.
- Drivers can waive UMBI coverage in writing but this is not recommended. Waiving UM rejects protection up to your liability limits.
- UMBI cannot be reduced to lower limits unless a waiver is submitted in writing from the named insured on the policy.
- Stacking of UM policies is prohibited. You cannot add coverage limits from multiple vehicles or policies.
- Punitive damages and pain/suffering awards cannot be recovered from your own UM policy.
California also requires a minimum of $15,000 injury liability coverage per person and $5,000 property damage liability. It’s recommended to purchase higher limits of 100/300/50 or more for better protection.
Having uninsured motorist coverage that matches your liability limits ensures you will have sufficient coverage in accidents with uninsured drivers. Following state laws and requirements helps guarantee there are no gaps in your protection.
The Final Word on California Uninsured Motorist Coverage
Uninsured motorist coverage is critical protection all California drivers should strongly consider when buying auto insurance. For a relatively low cost, you can shield yourself from major out-of-pocket expenses if injured by an uninsured or underinsured motorist.
Comparing quotes from top insurers like Geico, State Farm, and USAA can help you find the most affordable UM coverage. Buying coverage that matches your liability limits provides the best financial protection after an at-fault uninsured driver causes vehicle damage or injuries.
Following California’s uninsured motorist laws and rules ensures your policy meets state requirements. Considering the high rate of uninsured drivers and the severe consequences of an accident with these motorists, uninsured motorist coverage is a smart investment that pays for itself following an incident.
Don’t take the risk of driving uninsured – make sure you have adequate UM coverage. To compare California uninsured motorist quotes where you live, enter your zip code and fill out a five-minute online application. Get the best coverage and protection for less