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Uninsured motorist coverage can pay for expenses after an accident with someone who doesn’t have insurance. However, the exact details of what’s covered will depend on your policy, so it’s important to understand how uninsured motorist claims work.
When Can You Make an Uninsured Motorist Claim?
Uninsured motorist coverage is specifically for accidents where you’re hit by a motorist who doesn’t have insurance. Though insurance is technically required for all drivers in the state of California, it’s surprisingly common for accidents to involve uninsured motorists. Some common reasons the people around you might not have insurance include:
- They purposefully chose to drive without insurance
- Their policies lapsed without them realizing it
- They’re driving e-bikes or other vehicles that don’t need insurance
- They’re borrowing cars and using them in a way not approved by the insurers
Do All Policies Include Uninsured Motorist Coverage?
California requires all insurers to offer this coverage alongside their standard policies. You’ll only skip getting uninsured motorist coverage if you choose to waive coverage when signing up for a policy. This means most motorists end up with some uninsured coverage, but some may choose to waive it for a discount. Read your Chula Vista auto insurance policy carefully to see whether you have it or not.
What Will Your Uninsured Motorist Coverage Pay?
Uninsured motorist coverage kicks in when you’re in an accident that was caused by a party without insurance. The standard coverage pays for medical bills and lost wages caused by any injuries you and your passengers face. Some policies may also include coverage for damage to your vehicle, but this has to be specified on the policy.
How Much Uninsured Motorist Coverage Should You Have?
Like any other type of motor vehicle coverage, uninsured motorist coverage comes in many levels. The general recommendation is to have coverage of around $100,000 per person and $300,000 per accident. If you drive a lot or drive in high-risk areas, you might benefit from additional coverage.
If you want to know if you’re covered in the event of an accident with an uninsured driver, consult your insurance provider. Drivers who are searching for reliable, affordable auto insurance should reach out to the experienced professionals at Altra Insurance Services. In addition to auto coverage, we offer a variety of insurance products, including homeowners, business, and motorcycle insurance for Chula Vista residents and drivers throughout
San Diego County. Call one of our friendly agents today for a free quote.
Frequently Asked Questions
Does uninsured motorist coverage pay for hit-and-runs?
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Yes, if the police cannot find the responsible party for your accident because they fled the scene, uninsured motorist coverage can help.
How do you make an uninsured motorist claim?
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Contact your insurance provider via phone, email, or their website to start the claims process. Your insurer can walk you through each step of submitting your claim.
What happens if you don’t have uninsured motorist coverage?
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Without this type of policy, you would need to sue the other motorist in order to get compensation. However, this only works in cases where you know who hit you.
Should your uninsured motorist coverage be lower or higher than your normal policy?
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Most people choose to get uninsured motorist coverage that offers roughly the same amount of coverage as the rest of their policy.