{"id":6363,"date":"2022-10-25T10:37:14","date_gmt":"2022-10-25T17:37:14","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.costulessdirect.com\/?p=6363"},"modified":"2022-12-28T14:16:32","modified_gmt":"2022-12-28T14:16:32","slug":"is-uninsured-underinsured-motorist-car-insurance-mandatory-in-california","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.costulessdirect.com\/blog\/is-uninsured-underinsured-motorist-car-insurance-mandatory-in-california\/","title":{"rendered":"Is Uninsured\/Underinsured Motorist Car Insurance Mandatory in California?"},"content":{"rendered":"\n
No. The laws vary from state to state, but California drivers are not required to carry coverage against damages or injury caused by uninsured and underinsured motorists as part of their minimum auto insurance<\/a> policies. <\/p>\n\n\n\n Nevertheless, that doesn\u2019t mean it\u2019s not a good idea, and even critical for some motorists, depending on their coverage. Why? Let\u2019s take a look at auto insurance in the Golden State. <\/p>\n\n\n\n Uninsured Motorist Coverage (UM) or Underinsured Motorist Coverage (UIM) kicks in to help you pay for accident damages caused by a driver who either does not have any car insurance or who doesn\u2019t have enough auto insurance to cover your damages. This coverage also covers you when you are in an accident caused by a hit and run driver. <\/p>\n\n\n\n In California, it\u2019s considered an optional car insurance coverage. <\/p>\n\n\n\n It\u2019s cheap for the protection you get. UM or UIM averages between $50-$75 annually. That breaks down to around $6 per month. Why is this such a good deal? California is the 10th highest state in the nation for uninsured drivers<\/a>. <\/p>\n\n\n\n California does not require UM or UIM. That doesn\u2019t mean it\u2019s not a good idea. You might be surprised to learn that with today\u2019s costs, you may be an underinsured motorist \u2013 even if you have the legal amount required. Let\u2019s explain. <\/p>\n\n\n\n California requires a minimal amount of liability insurance, which consists of bodily injury\/death liability insurance and property damage liability insurance, in the amounts of $15,000\/$30,000 bodily injury or death one person\/more than one person and $5,000 property damage. <\/p>\n\n\n\n The purpose of liability car insurance is to protect other people in the case of an accident caused by you. If you cause a collision, your liability insurance will pay for the damage to the vehicles of other parties, as well as personal injury to others and property damages, up to your coverage limits. What this liability insurance does not<\/em> cover is any damage to your own vehicle or injury to yourself. <\/p>\n\n\n\n The point is, it\u2019s a bare-bones insurance plan, with the main purpose being to satisfy the state\u2019s legal requirements at the lowest possible cost. So do you think this minimal coverage plan would completely cover your own damages or injuries caused by an uninsured or underinsured motorist? Do you think if you total someone\u2019s brand new Corvette in an accident you cause that your measly $5,000 property damage insurance coverage is going to pay for their repairs? Unlikely. <\/p>\n\n\n\nWhat is Uninsured Motorist Coverage? <\/h2>\n\n\n\n
How Much Does Uninsured Motorist Coverage Cost in California? <\/h2>\n\n\n\n
Auto Insurance Requirements in California <\/h2>\n\n\n\n