Do I need uninsured bodily injury?
Asked by: Gerhard Dietrich | Last update: November 6, 2025Score: 4.5/5 (64 votes)
Do I need uninsured motorist bodily injury coverage?
California law does not require you to carry uninsured motorist (UM) or underinsured motorist (UIM) coverage—so, legally, you don't need either one. However, UM/UIM is an important and commonsense coverage to carry.
What happens if I don't have bodily injury coverage?
If you cause an accident and don't have bodily injury liability coverage, you may be sued and held legally responsible for paying the other party's related medical costs out of your pocket.
What is the disadvantage of uninsured motorist coverage?
Some cons to consider include: Additional cost: Adding uninsured motorist coverage to your policy typically increases your insurance premium, which can be financially burdensome. It is important to weigh the benefits against the added cost and your budget.
Is it better to have uninsured motorist or collision coverage?
Here's why: Medical Expenses: Collision and comprehensive coverage do not pay for your medical bills. UM coverage can cover medical expenses, lost wages, and pain and suffering if you're hit by an uninsured driver.
Do You REALLY Need Uninsured Motorist Coverage?
Will insurance go up after uninsured motorist claim?
This is because when you cause an accident and have to make a claim to pay for damages caused to other people, your rates typically do increase. However, under California's proposition 103, insurance companies are not allowed to raise rates or drop a person because they made an uninsured motorist claim.
Do I really need collision coverage?
If you wouldn't be able to afford the costs to repair your car, or even more so, buy a new one to replace it, having collision insurance is that added layer of protection that can prevent you from financially being responsible for expensive damages — and that's really important.
Do I need personal injury protection?
While it varies by state, personal injury protection insurance may be a good idea if you have the option. Currently, several states require personal injury protection (PIP) coverage, regardless of whether you have health insurance.
How do insurance companies go after uninsured drivers?
If the at-fault party is uninsured, the insurer may pursue subrogation against the driver personally.
Do I need optional bodily injury coverage?
BI liability coverage is required in nearly every state, so you should instead consider how much car insurance coverage you need. Remember, BI covers injuries you cause to other people in an accident, so you don't have to risk your personal assets to compensate them.
Do I need injury insurance?
Why should I get Personal Accident insurance? Personal Accident insurance can help protect you and your family from the loss of income that results from not being able to work. Depending on cover chosen, an accident could pay a benefit as a result of death or injury.
What is an example of a bodily injury?
Bodily injury refers to the physical damage caused to a person's body. It can also be known as physical injury. Examples of bodily injuries could include: Cuts, abrasions, bruises, burns, and lacerations.
What happens if you don't have full coverage on a financed car?
Lender Requirements: Many lenders mandate full coverage to protect their financial interest in the vehicle. If you fail to maintain the required coverage, the lender may impose force-placed insurance, which is often more expensive and offers minimal coverage.
Does bodily injury cover me?
Bodily injury liability insurance helps pay the costs described above for another person or people that are injured in a car accident where you're found liable. This may include a driver or passengers in another car, pedestrians or unrelated passengers in your own car.
Is there a deductible for an uninsured motorist?
The amount of your UMPD deductible will vary based on your state. It usually falls in between $100-$1,000. Note that some states may have a separate deductible for hit-and-run claims. You may not have the option to choose your deductible amount for UMPD coverage.
Is it worth suing an uninsured driver?
Suing the uninsured driver might not be worth it unless they are financially capable of satisfying a judgment. After a crash with an uninsured or underinsured driver, contact a car accident lawyer about your legal options.
What if I don't have uninsured motorist coverage?
If you do not have uninsured motorist coverage, or if the amounts you will recoup through your police will not be enough to cover all of your costs, you have the option of taking legal action. In California, accident victims have the right to file a personal injury lawsuit to recover damages from a negligent party.
What happens if you don't pay for a car accident?
A few things could happen if you are sued for a car accident and cannot pay the resulting judgment. The court could garnish your wages, put a lien on your property, or order you to sell assets to come up with the money. If you still cannot pay, you could be sent to jail.
Is it worth having personal injury cover?
Personal accident cover isn't something you need by law and you're under no obligation to buy it as an add-on. Nevertheless, knowing that you have a policy can give you and your loved ones peace of mind, knowing there's some financial help if you're involved in a serious accident.
What is the difference between bodily injury and personal injury protection?
Personal injury protection (PIP) insurance coverage includes payment for medical and rehabilitation expenses, loss of income, and funeral and burial expenses. Bodily injury liability coverage includes payment for any physical injuries from an accident you cause.
Is it better to have a $500 deductible or $1000?
Remember that filing small claims may affect how much you have to pay for insurance later. Switching from a $500 deductible to a $1,000 deductible can save as much as 20 percent on the cost of your insurance premium payments.
When should you drop collision insurance?
If your vehicle is paid off, there are only a few instances that justify dropping collision coverage: Your vehicle's value is less than a few thousand dollars: If your car holds minimal value, collision coverage may not be worth carrying. This is especially true when a large car insurance deductible is involved.
Why would you not want to have collision coverage?
Collision insurance only pays up to the current market value of your car, minus your collision deductible. Since older cars typically have a low market value, collision coverage won't pay out much, if anything, in a total loss. Be sure to research your car's worth before deciding on whether to drop the coverage.