3 minute readAuto
Uninsured and underinsured motorist coverage pays for your injuries when the at-fault driver has no insurance or not enough of it. In California, where a large share of drivers carry minimum limits or none at all, it is one of the highest-value coverages per dollar on an auto policy.
What you need to know
Bodily injury vs. property damage
UMBI covers people; UMPD covers your vehicle and is usually a small limit with a deductible.
It follows you, not the car
UM generally protects you as a pedestrian, cyclist, or passenger in someone else's vehicle.
Do not reject it casually
Declining UM is a written election on California policies — make sure it was a decision, not an oversight.
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.