Some people wonder what happens when you are involved in a car accident and the driver who hit you does not have enough liability coverage or does not have any liability insurance. In California, drivers are required to carry insurance. The minimum required liability coverage required is only $15,000 for injury or death to one person and $30,000 for injury or death to more than one person. (California Insurance Code §11580) In the event that you find yourself in an accident with someone who has no insurance coverage or with injuries that exceed their policy limits, you may be able to make a claim under your own car insurance.

          Uninsured motorist (UM) and Underinsured motorist (UIM) coverage can help protect you when an at-fault driver does not have sufficient insurance to cover the costs of your injuries, wage loss, or pain and suffering. Uninsured motorist coverage protects you when the at-fault party does not carry any liability insurance. Underinsured motorist coverage helps in the event that you are in an accident and the at-fault driver has a liability insurance policy with low limits that will not cover the cost of medical expenses, future care, wage loss, or other damages available under the law. Contact your insurance company to see whether you have UM/UIM coverage. If you are involved in a car accident, UM/UIM coverage could protect you financially in the event a driver does not have insurance or does not have sufficient liability coverage.