California uninsured motorist coverage gives a lot of protection
Uninsured motorist coverage provides protection in case you get in an accident with another person who doesn’t have insurance—even if you or a relative who lives in your home is injured as a pedestrian. (The Photographer/Creative Commons CC 0 1.0)
One type of auto accident insurance coverage drivers should have is California Uninsured Motorist Coverage (UM) of at least $15,000 per person and a minimum total of $30,000. UM is an extremely valuable type of insurance because it can cover you or relatives living in your home, even if they are in an auto accident when not in your car.
The California Department of Insurance explains automobile coverage on its website:
‘Uninsured motorist bodily injury (UMBI): This pays for injuries to you and any person in your car when there is an accident with an uninsured driver who is at fault. The limits are the same as your liability coverage limits.
‘Uninsured motorist property damage (UMPD): This pays for the damage to your car from an accident with an uninsured driver who is at fault. The limit is $3,500. This only pays if the uninsured driver is identified. You may not need it if you have collision coverage.’
But the coverage does not stop there. For example, if your child or even an aunt who lives in your home is walking down the street and gets hit by an uninsured driver who is at fault, UM can kick in. If they are injured, their medical bills are covered up to as much coverage as you buy on your UM bodily injury policy.
Such coverage can also apply if your resident relative (a relative who lives with you) is riding in someone else’s car and gets hit and injured.
UM coverage applies to the policy holder and resident relative pedestrians and passengers if the driver of the car that hits the pedestrian or auto does not have insurance. UM can also apply if the policy holder or a resident relative is driving or a passenger in someone else’s car and gets hit by the driver of a third party’s automobile.
There is also (UIM) underinsured motorist coverage, but we will cover that soon in another blog posting.
If you get in an accident in California, Krasney Law in the Inland Empire are experts in personal injury and auto-accident law and can help you deal with insurance companies or file a lawsuit or other legal action. We are experts at maximizing your settlement or jury award.
If you’ve been injured in a car accident, contact us today for a complimentary consultation.