Car accidents are stressful enough without worrying about who’s going to pay the bills. But what happens if the other driver has no insurance—or not enough of it? Unfortunately, that’s more common than many people realize. And when it happens, you could be stuck with serious injuries and no clear way to get compensation. That’s why uninsured and underinsured motorist (UM/UIM) coverage matters. It’s designed to protect you when the other driver can’t.
What Is Uninsured/Underinsured Motorist Coverage?
Uninsured motorist (UM) coverage steps in when the at-fault driver has no insurance at all. Underinsured motorist (UIM) coverage applies when that driver has insurance but not enough to cover your losses.
This type of coverage helps with:
- Medical bills
- Lost wages from missed work
- Pain and suffering
- Other damages related to your injuries
In California, insurance companies are required to offer UM/UIM coverage—but drivers aren’t required to buy it. If you choose not to include it in your policy, you have to decline it in writing. Unfortunately, many people do just that, not realizing how valuable it can be until they need it.
How UM/UIM Coverage Works After an Accident
Let’s say you’re driving home from work when another driver runs a red light and slams into your car. You’re injured, your car is wrecked, and you need weeks of medical treatment. When you file a claim, you find out the driver either has no insurance or just the bare minimum required under California law. That minimum may not even begin to cover your hospital bills. If you have UM/UIM coverage, your own auto policy steps in to help. You file a claim with your insurer, who then evaluates your injuries and losses just like a standard liability claim.
It’s important to understand:
- You’re not “suing yourself”
- You’ve been paying premiums for this protection—it’s yours to use.
- You still need to show what your damages are, and your insurer may push back
- Your carrier cannot raise your premiums for using your UM/UIM, assuming the accident was not your fault.
We’ll help you present a strong claim and make sure your insurance company treats you fairly. Just because they’re your insurer doesn’t mean they’ll automatically offer what you deserve. We’ve seen too many cases where people are shortchanged when they needed help the most.
How to Know If You Have This Coverage
UM/UIM coverage is easy to overlook until it’s needed. So, how can you find out if your policy includes it? Here’s what to do:
- Look at your policy’s declarations page—the summary of your coverages and limits.
- Search for terms like “UM,” “UIM,” or “Uninsured/Underinsured Motorist Coverage.”
- If you don’t see it, call your insurance company and ask.
- If you declined it, there should be a signed waiver on file.
We recommend reviewing your policy once a year, just to be safe. And if you don’t have this coverage, talk to your insurer about adding it. It’s usually affordable and can make a big difference when the unexpected happens.
Why We Recommend Carrying UM/UIM Coverage
California has one of the highest numbers of uninsured and underinsured drivers in the country. Even if you follow the rules, there’s no guarantee the person who hits you will.
UM/UIM coverage gives you a safety net. It helps you avoid being stuck with medical bills and other losses that aren’t your fault. This coverage is beneficial for several reasons:
- It protects you and your passengers.
- It gives you options when the other driver can’t pay.
- It can keep you from falling into financial hardship after an accident.
Many people don’t realize they have this coverage until they need it. And unfortunately, we’ve also seen what happens when it’s not there. The difference can be life-changing.
We’re Here to Help After an Accident
After a car accident, you may be dealing with pain, stress, and financial pressure. If the driver who hit you didn’t have enough insurance—or any at all—we can help you make a claim under your own policy.
At Casper, Meadows, Schwartz & Cook, we’ve been representing injured people throughout California for decades. We understand how insurance works, and we know how to stand up for your rights. Let us review your case and help you recover what you’re owed. Contact us today for a free consultation. We’ll walk you through your options and fight for the outcome you deserve.