Uninsured Motorist Coverage – A Must On All Automobile Policies

Did you know that hundreds of accidents happen each month in San Diego county alone? There is a pretty good chance you and I will be in one during our lifetime. It could be minor or involve significant injuries or even death. This combined with the fact that a large percentage of California drivers are uninsured or have the minimum liability requirement of $15,000. makes it extremely important that we have sufficient Uninsured Motorist coverage as part of our own policy.

Without ample limits of uninsured motorist coverage, there is a very good chance that if you sustain a somewhat minor injury in an accident, you will not be adequately compensated. To put it in prospective, if you sustain a spraining injury to your back that requires therapy and a couple weeks off of work, you will have a claim probably in excess of the State minimum of $15,000. If you require surgery, then your claim probably exceeds $100,000. Your Uninsured coverage will essentially step into the shoes of the negligent party and pay you fair damages then seek reimbursement from that party. This occurs without affecting your premiums. The cost to add this coverage is minimal and I suggest you purchase the greatest single limit your insurance company sells.

During my 21 years of practicing in this area, I would estimate that approximately 75 percent of my personal injury cases involve inadequate limits on the negligent party. The greatest benefits when dealing with your own insurance company when settling your claim is both the requirement that they deal with you fairly and in a timely fashion along with not having to spend days in court trying to collect a fair recovery.