Many California drivers choose uninsured motorist coverage, and this option offers numerous benefits. Whether you’re new to driving or you’re exploring additional insurance options, you might not be familiar with this concept. Why is uninsured motorist insurance so important? How can it help you in the event of an accident or auto injury? Continue reading to learn more about this crucial form of insurance coverage in California.
What is Uninsured Motorist Coverage?
Uninsured motorist coverage provides options for compensation if you were injured by an uninsured motorist. In many situations, your access to compensation may be limited if the at-fault driver lacks insurance. Many insurance providers offer this form of coverage, and while it might be more expensive than the bare minimum auto insurance, it could be well worth the price.
Why is Uninsured Motorist Insurance Helpful?
Uninsured motorist insurance covers a potential gap for those seeking compensation after car accidents. In an ideal situation, drivers involved in car accidents will each have valid insurance. This allows the “victim” to pursue compensation by filing a claim against the at-fault driver(s). The at-fault driver can then turn to their own insurance coverage, and this should provide at least some level of compensation to the victim.
Unfortunately, car crashes may not occur under these ideal circumstances. Instead, the crash could involve one or more drivers who lack car insurance. In this case, the victim cannot access any compensation from an insurance policy – simply because these policies do not exist. As such, their access to compensation may be severely limited. With uninsured motorist coverage, however, drivers can avoid this potential issue.
Is Driving Without Insurance Legal in California?
Generally speaking, driving without valid insurance is illegal in California. If you are caught without insurance, you may face various fines and penalties. Subsequent offenses can lead to more serious penalties. That being said, it is technically possible to drive legally without insurance if you can demonstrate “financial responsibility” or the ability to pay potential damages associated with your driving. Aside from getting valid insurance, you could make a cash deposit of $35,000 with the DMV or obtain a surety bond for $35,000 from an insurance company. For the vast majority of motorists, however, insurance represents the only viable option.
Why Might Someone Drive Without Insurance in California?
There are several reasons someone might drive without insurance in California. Some might lack the financial capability to pay their insurance premiums. Others may believe that they will never need insurance due to their stellar driving records. Still others could be prohibited from driving – making both registration and insurance impossible.
Those driving stolen vehicles are, by default, uninsured. Unfortunately, the Golden State has some of the highest rates of vehicle theft in the nation – and the number is steadily climbing. Drivers of stolen vehicles may be especially likely to crash due to their reckless actions and disregard for the public. Stolen vehicles are also inherently more likely to become embroiled in police pursuits – further increasing the chances of a crash.
At the end of the day, the combination of rising economic pressures and increasing criminal activities makes it more likely than ever to crash with an uninsured driver. California is an at-fault state, which means that you must file a claim directly against someone who has caused your injuries through some form of documentable negligence. Although it might be easy to establish that an uninsured driver was negligent, it could be impossible to pursue compensation from a criminal or poor individual who has no assets to speak of. This is why uninsured motorist coverage is so crucial in California.
What About Underinsured Motorist Coverage?
A related concept is underinsured motorist coverage. Like uninsured motorist coverage, this form of insurance helps victims who cannot pursue enough compensation from existing sources after an accident. Although a motorist might have basic insurance coverage, their policy limits may be woefully inadequate to cover your various damages. The minimum liability requirements for California involve just $15,000 for injury or death to one person – and $30,000 for injury or death to more than one person. If your damages exceed this amount, you could struggle to pay your medical bills, cover your missed wages, and deal with emotional distress. Underinsured motorist coverage addresses these limitations.
Find a Qualified Auto Accident Lawyer in California
If you have been searching for an experienced auto accident lawyer in California, look no further than the Miracle Law, APC. Although an internet article can provide plenty of information about auto accident topics, it cannot offer you personalized legal advice in the same way as a qualified attorney. Your insurance needs may depend on your unique circumstances – so get in touch today to discuss options for compensation and coverage in California.