Is Uninsured/Underinsured Motorist Insurance Required in California?

Newport Beach Car Accident Attorney Explains

Video Transcript:

Molly Hendrickson: 

Is uninsured or under-insured motorist insurance required in California, and what do people need to know about this part of their policy?

Michelle West: 

Uninsured and underinsured motorist coverage is not required in California. However, the insurance company is required to offer it to someone who is obtaining insurance and is required to have you sign off that you have been offered it and that you are declining it if that is what you are going to do. Uninsured and under-insured coverage is so critical in California and everywhere. It's critical to have it because you just don't know who else is on the road, whether they have insurance, and just to really protect yourself if... Even if the person is insured that hits you, if they're under-insured, then hopefully your insurance coverage will kick in to help you out, if for example, you are in a collision with somebody who has $15,000 of coverage and maybe you have $100 or $300 or more, it's really an important thing, and the insurance company should provide it to you. If they're not, there could be some liability for that insurance company, if they don't advise you of your rights to purchase that insurance.

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