California is a stunning state famous for its beaches, big cities, and crazy cool lifestyle! But behind the wheel, it can also be a state with intense hazards on highways. From clogged freeways to unpredictable weather patterns, driving in California has its own set of hazards. Which is why it is more important than ever to be insured.
California boasts one of the most populous and diverse states in the U.S., and one of the busiest roadways, too. Millions of vehicles on the road mean that accidents can occur at any time, and the effects can be devastating, financially and emotionally. Whether you’re involved in a minor fender bender or a significant car accident, it’s essential to have the proper auto insurance to help cover the financial costs of vehicle repairs, medical expenses, and potential liability claims.
For California drivers, auto insurance isn’t only a good idea—it’s a legal necessity. To protect the other driver in case of an accident, the state mandates that all drivers have a certain amount of liability insurance.
California has changed minimum required auto insurance coverage limits, and it’s imperative to have the proper amount of coverage. Beginning in 2025, the new law raises the minimum liability limits on auto insurance policies to $30,000 in coverage per person and $60,000 in coverage per incident for bodily injury and to $25,000 for property damage. This shift suggests rising medical care, vehicle repair, and overall accident-related costs. Switching to a plan with premiums staying in place removes a hedge against rising costs.
The amount of insurance you previously thought would be the right amount of protection may not protect you fully if you are in a serious enough accident. So, while it’s important to meet the required minimum amounts of coverage, it is often a good idea to look into any higher limits that you could potentially give yourself to protect your assets.
One of the most dangerous issues on the road in California is driving without the proper insurance. It is nothing personal against California drivers, though, because according to the Insurance Information Institute (Ill), about 15% of every California motorist is uninsured. That’s because, if you get into a crash with an uninsured driver, you might be stuck footing the bill for medical costs, car repairs, and possibly coverage of a legal battle—and the other driver’s insurance won’t be there to pick up the tab. That’s when Uninsured Motorist (UM) Coverage takes the game to another level.
UM coverage is intended to pay out when you’re in a crash with someone who doesn’t have insurance, or doesn’t have enough insurance to pay for your damages. It’s an important last layer of protection to keep you from potential high costs following an accident with a driver who isn’t sufficiently insured. And it is now mandatory in California for all auto insurance contracts to include Uninsured Motorist Bodily Injury (UMBI) coverage, which means that Californians have a much easier time getting access to this crucial insurance coverage. You can decline the coverage, but keep in mind that without it, you may be paying out of pocket for medical expenses and other damages if the at-fault driver isn’t insured.
With more and more motorists on the road without insurance and accident costs rising, UM coverage is more important than ever. The following points demonstrate why you should seriously consider adding it to your auto insurance policy.
As stated, the ratio of uninsured drivers in California is relatively high. Having an accident with one of these drivers can mean you’re on the hook for your own medical bills, car repairs, and other expenses.
You may meet a legally certified financial responsibility limit in the form of the minimum liability coverage, but be unable to pay rising medical costs or vehicle repair costs. UM coverage can help fill the gap, so you’re not financially stranded after a crash.
Being insured by UM coverage creates peace of mind. The fact that you are protected from the expenses related to collisions, which underinsured or uninsured drivers cause, would take a huge pressure off you if you are involved in an accident.
Not only is your car and property at risk, but your health and safety are too. The cost can soon mount up if you or a family member is injured in a crash involving an uninsured driver. UM insurance can help pay for medical bills, lost income, and pain and suffering, so you don’t have to face those challenges by yourself.
Take some time now to review your auto insurance. See if you’re meeting the new state minimum requirements, and think about raising your liability limits to ensure you’re thoroughly protected.
If you don’t already have it, you should definitely consider adding Uninsured Motorist coverage to your policy. It’s one of the best protections you can get in this landscape of uninsured drivers.
If you are uncertain whether you are covered, and/or about law changes, reach out to an insurance representative. They can also help you evaluate your risks and suggest the right kind of coverage for your specific situation.
Car insurance in California is becoming increasingly important with both new insurance policy limits and the rising threat of uninsured drivers. Keeping up with new requirements and adding significant coverage, such as Uninsured Motorist coverage, will help to make sure that you and your family remain safe and protected on the road. Don’t wait until after an accident happens, act today and be covered with the proper auto insurance amount!
Free Case Evaluation