3 minute readAuto
Your own uninsured motorist coverage steps in for your injuries, and collision coverage handles your vehicle. Without UM/UIM, you are left chasing a driver who by definition had no assets set aside for this — which usually means paying your own medical bills.
What you need to know
UM vs. UIM
Uninsured motorist applies when the other driver has no coverage; underinsured applies when their limits are too low to cover your injuries.
Match it to your liability limit
Carrying high liability but low UM protects everyone but you and your family.
Report it either way
File a police report and notify your carrier promptly, even if you think the damage is minor.
Common mistakes
- Carrying California's minimum limits, which a single injury accident can exhaust.
- Declining or under-buying uninsured motorist coverage.
- Leaving a household driver off the policy.
- Filing small physical-damage claims near the deductible.
- Never updating mileage, garaging address or commute after a change.
When to talk to an agent
Talk to an agent before adding a teen driver, after buying a vehicle, after an accident or ticket, or any time you are not sure whether your liability limits would survive a serious at-fault crash.
Frequently asked
This article is general information, not a policy or a promise of coverage. What your policy pays depends on its specific terms, limits and exclusions. Ask us to review your actual policy before making a decision.