When is it helpful to have UM/UIM insurance?

There are several accident scenarios when having UM/UIM coverage may be useful.

Hit-and-Run Accidents

When the at-fault driver flees the scene of an accident, there may not be any available insurance for some time. In fact, only about 10 percent of all hit-and-run drivers are caught and held accountable.

Even when these drivers are caught, it is likely they do not carry insurance. This may be why they fled the scene of the accident in the first place.

No-Contact Accidents

A no-contact accident occurs when one driver causes an accident without ever damaging his or her vehicle. An example of this is if a driver runs you off the road, causing you to crash into a solid object, and then keeps going.

Even though you are not at fault for the collision, there is no other driver whose insurance you can file a claim with because the other driver likely has no idea the crash happened.

Accidents With Unlicensed or Undocumented Drivers

UM/UIM coverage may also be useful if you are injured in an accident with an unlicensed driver, as he or she most likely does not have insurance coverage.

Although undocumented immigrants can obtain a driver’s license in California, so they can purchase insurance, data shows that many cancel or downgrade their coverage shortly after paying their first premium.

Why You Should Carry More Uninsured/Underinsured Motorist Coverage in California