Do I need uninsured if I have comprehensive?
Asked by: Madilyn Pollich | Last update: January 4, 2026Score: 4.2/5 (52 votes)
Do I need uninsured coverage if I have comprehensive?
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.
Do you need uninsured motorist insurance if you have collision insurance?
Yes, it's still a good idea to have uninsured motorist coverage even if you have collision and comprehensive insurance. Here's why: Medical Expenses: Collision and comprehensive coverage do not pay for your medical bills.
Can you just have comprehensive insurance?
Though often referred to as "comprehensive insurance," comprehensive coverage refers to a specific coverage on an existing policy, not a separate type of insurance. Note that lenders may require you to carry comprehensive when you finance or lease a vehicle.
Is it best to have uninsured motorist coverage?
Under the California Financial Responsibility Act, Uninsured Motorist coverage is an important element in making certain that Californians are protected. Not only are medical bills, lost earnings and future losses recoverable, but other out of pocket expenses like home health care, babysitting, and personal assistance.
Do You Need Uninsured Motorist Coverage If You Have Full Coverage?
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.
What happens if you don't have uninsured motorist coverage?
Without uninsured motorist coverage, if you're injured or your vehicle is damaged in an accident with an uninsured or underinsured driver, you could end up paying for medical bills or vehicle repairs out of your own pocket.
When should I drop comprehensive coverage?
Your vehicle holds a low value: As with collision, consider dropping comprehensive coverage if your vehicle's market value is lower than a few thousand dollars. Figure in your deductible as well and the potential insurance payout may not be worth the price of the coverage.
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.
What happens if your car gets stolen and you have full coverage?
Downey drivers whose cars are stolen in Califonia will have car theft insurance if they have comprehensive coverage. That should cover you up to the Actual Cash Value (ACV) of your vehicle. If your car is damaged due to a break-in, you'll also be covered.
Does your insurance go up for 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.
Is it bad to not have collision insurance?
Without collision insurance, if disaster strikes, you could be stuck paying thousands of dollars for car repairs or for a new vehicle. If your car is totaled and you have a loan that's more than the value of your car, you'll still have to pay the remaining balance on your loan, which can be thousands of dollars.
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.
What is the difference between full coverage and uninsured motorist?
Liability is required by your state to legally drive on the road. Uninsured motorist coverage covers you and your passengers' medical bills if you are hit by another driver that does not have insurance. There is no such thing as "full coverage" but people normally use that term to describe comprehensive and collision.
Do I have to pay comprehensive deductible?
The deductible on your policy will apply if you file a claim for damage covered by comprehensive, however there are some instances in which you don't have to pay a comprehensive deductible. For example, cracks or chips in your windshield may be paid in full by your insurance company depending on the state you live in.
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.
What is a good collision deductible?
$500 is the most common car insurance deductible. Not every type of car insurance coverage uses a deductible. A higher car deductible can lower your insurance premium. You pick your deductible when buying insurance.
Do you have to pay deductible if not your fault?
If your coverage includes a Direct Compensation and Property Damage (DCPD) deductible, you must still pay the DCPD deductible even if you are not at fault.
What does comprehensive mean in car insurance?
Comprehensive coverage helps repair or replace your car after something other than a collision with another car. Things like theft, fire, hail damage or hitting an animal. It's optional if you own your car outright—but since these situations can happen to any driver, it's recommended to help with costly repairs.
Do you need uninsured motorist coverage if you have comprehensive?
Uninsured motorist property damage (UMPD): This pays for the damage to your car from an accident with an uninsured driver who is at fault. The limit is $3,500. This only pays if the uninsured driver is identified. You may not need it if you have collision coverage.
Will my car insurance go up if I make a comprehensive claim?
Comprehensive claims
Depending on your insurance company and your state, your rate may increase for damage-related incidents that were out of your control.
What is a good amount of comprehensive coverage?
Typical coverage amounts: Insurance experts recommend at least $100,000 per person and $300,000 per accident for bodily injuries, and $100,000 for property damage.
Why are there so many uninsured drivers?
Reason 1: They Can't Afford it
Putting aside a situation where you get into an accident and have to pay out of pocket for repairs and medical bills (yours or others involved), driving uninsured also carries steep fines and a loss of your license. You also may be surprised by how affordable car insurance can be.
Is uninsured motorist covered under collision?
You can file a claim with your auto collision coverage when your car gets hit by an uninsured driver or in other situations that involve a collision, like a single car accident. It can even cover damage to your car when you're at fault in an accident.