“In three words I can sum up everything I’ve learned about life: it goes on.”
Uninsured Motorist Coverage in California (and most states) is confusing. Let’s understand some general principles.
Note that I’m avoiding discussion of underinsured motorist coverage and related topics.
Caveat: this is a complicated and dreary area of law. Better drink some coffee before proceeding.
General Principles of Uninsured Motorist Coverage in California
Uninsured Motorist Coverage (“UMC”) law is based on statute, namely, Insurance Code sections 11580.2 to 11580.5.
Every California driver should carry UMC. The insurance company must offer it to you. And I recommend you buy it, because its purpose is important.
The purpose is to compensate an injured driver when there’s no liability insurance to cover the driver’s injuries. A classic example is when a driver who hits your car doesn’t have car insurance.
Be aware, however, that UMC does not apply unless you were injured by an “uninsured driver,” which has a specific definition. In most cases, “uninsured driver” simply means someone who doesn’t have insurance. Duh.
The minimum limits of UMC are $15,000 for the injuries of 1 person, $30,000 for the injuries of more than 1 person. That’s known as a split limit policy. You can also get $30,000 of coverage, known as a combined single limit policy.
Named insureds are covered under UMC. And depending on the language of the auto policy, other people may be covered too, like passengers.
Although I don’t go into hit-and-run accidents and “phantom vehicles,” understand that there must be physical contact between your car and the car of an uninsured driver.
And don’t forget this: don’t settle a claim with someone responsible for the accident without first getting permission from your insurance company. If you do, the insurance company may deny your UMC.
Pay to Sue Your Insurance Company
Occasionally people are hesitant to bring a UMC claim because they don’t want to sue their insurance company.
My advice is this: you pay your insurance premiums so you can sue your insurance company if you’re hit by an uninsured driver; otherwise, you can’t recover in a car accident. Insurance companies understand this.
But are you concerned that your insurance company will increase your premiums if you make a UMC? Don’t be. It’s against the law. Read Insurance Code section 491. California law prohibits insurance companies from raising your premiums if you weren’t at fault.
Questions? Contact Me for a free consultation.
Evan Walker
La Jolla AttorneyEvan W. Walker is a La Jolla attorney who has practiced law since 2008. He has practiced law throughout California, Connecticut, and Louisiana.
Evan worked for and defended insurance companies during the first 7 years of his practice. Since 2015, he has represented people with personal injury and property damage claims and insurance disputes.
Evan's practice is devoted to serious personal injury claims and catastrophic property damage claims. Areas of focus include security claims against bars and other businesses, government tort claims, fire and flood claims, and inverse condemnation. On behalf of clients, Evan has fought insurance firms, international companies, cities, bars, and casinos.
Evan regularly shares his expertise with other attorneys by teaching courses on insurance and inverse condemnation. He has taught several continuing legal education courses to Attorney Credits, a nationwide CLE company, and ProLawCLE, another nationwide CLE company. He also contributes to various podcasts and publications.
Associations:
- Member, State Bar of California
- Member, San Diego Bar Association
- Member, Consumer Attorneys of California
- Member, Consumer Attorneys of San Diego
- Member, La Jolla Bar Association
- Member, La Jolla Village Merchants Association
- Member, San Diego Chamber of Commerce
