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Like nearly every state, California requires drivers to carry bodily injury and property damage liability insurance. Uninsured motorist coverage, on the other hand, is optional.
Just over 20% of California drivers are uninsured, according to the Insurance Research Council — one of the highest rates of uninsured drivers in the country.[1] Without uninsured motorist insurance, you may have to rely on your health insurance, collision coverage, or a lawsuit to pursue compensation after an accident with an uninsured driver.
In California, 1 in 5 drivers is uninsured.
Uninsured motorist insurance can help pay for your medical bills and car repairs if an uninsured driver causes an accident.
While California law doesn’t require uninsured coverage, insurers must offer it, and drivers must sign a waiver if they decline it.
California doesn’t require drivers to purchase uninsured motorist coverage. Insurance companies must offer it when you purchase a policy, but you can decline it in writing.
In California, drivers must carry liability insurance that meets the following minimum-coverage requirements:[2]
$30,000 in bodily injury liability coverage per person
$60,000 in bodily injury liability coverage per accident
$15,000 in property damage coverage
If you cause an accident, these coverages help pay for the other party’s medical expenses and property damage. But if an uninsured driver causes an accident, you may have to pay for your own injuries and vehicle repairs out of pocket.
It’s worth noting that in 2024, the average bodily injury claim was $28,278, and the average property damage claim was $6,770, according to the Insurance Information Institute.
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While uninsured motorist coverage is optional in California and many other states, it helps pay for your medical bills and related expenses when the at-fault driver is uninsured.
Coverage may also apply if you’re the victim of a hit-and-run. It can also help if the at-fault driver doesn’t have enough insurance to cover your damages.
You can add uninsured motorist coverage to both liability-only and full-coverage policies.
To help reduce the number of uninsured drivers, the state implemented the California Low-Cost Auto (CLCA) Insurance Program to make car insurance more affordable for low-income drivers.[3] Even so, a significant number of California residents choose to drive without insurance that meets the state’s minimum insurance requirements.
Uninsured motorist coverage applies when the at-fault driver in an accident has no insurance, or if a hit-and-run driver causes an accident.
By contrast, underinsured motorist coverage kicks in if you’re in an accident with an at-fault driver whose liability limits aren’t enough to pay for your injuries and damages.
As an example, say you’re injured in a car accident. The at-fault driver’s policy includes $30,000 in bodily injury liability coverage, but your medical bills total $50,000.
Your underinsured motorist insurance would help pay for your remaining medical costs after the underinsured driver’s coverage limits are exhausted.
If you have uninsured motorist coverage, your policy may include the following two types of protection:
Uninsured motorist bodily injury (UMBI) pays for your medical expenses and those of your passengers if an uninsured driver causes an accident. This coverage can also pay for rehabilitation expenses, child care, lost wages, pain and suffering, and emotional distress.
Uninsured motorist property damage (UMPD) covers up to $3,500 in car repairs, but only if the uninsured driver is identified. You may not need this coverage if you have collision insurance, but it can fill in the gap if you have only liability insurance.
Uninsured motorist insurance can also cover injuries and damages sustained in a hit-and-run accident.
If you need to file a claim after an accident with an uninsured driver, you’ll do so through your own insurance company. Your insurer will investigate the claim and pay covered damages, up to your policy limits.
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If you’re involved in an accident with an uninsured driver in California, follow these steps to file a claim:
Contact the police. If anyone has an injury, call 911. In some areas, police may respond to every accident, but this isn’t always the case. Be aware that some insurance policies require you to report the accident as part of the claims process.
Collect the other driver’s information. Request the other driver’s name, address, phone number, and driver’s license number, and record their license plate number.
Take photos. Use your phone to take pictures or a video of your vehicle’s damage and the accident scene.
Contact your insurer. Call your insurance agent or insurance claims line to report the incident. If you’re filing an uninsured motorist claim, you’ll need to provide documentation of your damages, such as your injuries, medical expenses, vehicle damage, and lost wages.
Report the accident to the California Department of Motor Vehicles. If anyone in the accident has an injury or if vehicle damage exceeds $750, you must report the accident to the California Department of Motor Vehicles within 10 days. If you fail to do so, the state could suspend your driver’s license.
Because you have to file a claim with your own insurance company, it may investigate to determine liability and damages before approving claim payments. Keeping detailed records and providing thorough documentation can make the claims process go more smoothly.
Since California has a high percentage of uninsured drivers, uninsured motorist coverage can be a valuable add-on to the best car insurance policy. Answers to the following frequently asked questions can help you make an informed decision.
Uninsured motorist insurance can be beneficial for any California driver. It’s especially useful for drivers who have longer commutes, drive in congested areas, or own a newer car that would be expensive to repair or replace.
The general rule of thumb is to carry the same amount of uninsured motorist coverage as you have in bodily injury liability protection. For example, if you have $100,000/$300,000 in bodily injury protection, it’s best to have the same uninsured motorist coverage limits.
No. California doesn’t require drivers to purchase uninsured motorist coverage. Instead, it’s an optional coverage option. But insurers must offer this form of insurance coverage when you buy a policy, and you’ll have to sign a waiver if you choose to decline it.
The main benefit of uninsured motorist coverage is financial protection if you’re in an accident with an at-fault driver who lacks adequate coverage. The primary drawback is a higher car insurance premium, but the trade-off can be worth it given California’s high rate of uninsured drivers.
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9+ years in personal finance writing
Certified Financial Counselor
Licensed property and casualty insurance agent
10+ years editing experience
NPN: 20461358
Featured in
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