SANTA CLARITA UNINSURED MOTORIST INJURIES

In my experience, uninsured/underinsured motorist (UM/UIM) coverage is the single most valuable part of any auto insurance policy. Time and time again, I've represented clients in accidents where the other driver either had no insurance, or didn't have enough. When that happens, your own UM/UIM coverage becomes critically important.

Why This Matters More Than People Realize

For nearly 60 years, California's minimum required liability insurance was just $15,000 per person / $30,000 per accident / $5,000 for property damage ("15/30/5") — a figure that hadn't been adjusted since 1967. As of January 1, 2025, under Senate Bill 1107, California raised those minimums to $30,000 per person / $60,000 per accident / $15,000 for property damage ("30/60/15"), the first increase in nearly six decades.

Even doubled, that's still often nowhere near enough to cover serious injuries. A single hospital stay after a car accident can easily exceed $50,000 — more than the entire per-person minimum. That's exactly why your own UM/UIM coverage matters so much: even when the other driver is carrying the legally required minimum, it may fall far short of what your injuries actually cost.

I've recently handled personal injury cases where the responsible party carried only the state minimum in insurance. My clients were fortunate to have their own UM/UIM coverage to turn to for additional compensation — but even that wasn't always enough. The amount of UM/UIM coverage you carry is completely within your control, even though the other driver's insurance isn't. That's exactly why it's worth reviewing your own policy limits before you ever need them.

California Does Not Require UM/UIM Coverage — But Insurers Must Offer It

California does not mandate that drivers carry UM/UIM coverage, but insurance companies are required to offer it. If you want to decline it, you generally have to sign a written waiver. Given how many drivers on California roads carry only the state minimum — or no insurance at all — most attorneys strongly recommend carrying UM/UIM coverage that matches or exceeds your liability limits.

Steps to Take After an Accident With an Uninsured or Underinsured Driver

• Contact law enforcement and get a copy of the accident report — this is essential for filing a UM/UIM claim
• Collect information from everyone involved, including contact information, license plate numbers, and insurance details if available
• Get medical care immediately, even if injuries seem minor at first — medical records support your claim
• Notify your own insurance company as soon as possible, since most policies require prompt reporting
• Document your losses — keep records of expenses, property damage, and other costs from the accident
• Consult an attorney experienced with UM/UIM claims before accepting any settlement offer

Negotiating With Your Own Insurance Company

It might feel unusual to negotiate against your own insurer, but that's exactly what a UM/UIM claim involves — you're making a claim against your own policy. Insurance companies still aim to minimize payouts on these claims the same way they would on any other, so having an attorney review any settlement offer before you accept it can make a real difference.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is uninsured motorist coverage required in California?

No. California doesn't require UM/UIM coverage, but insurers must offer it, and declining it generally requires a signed written waiver.

What's the difference between "uninsured" and "underinsured" motorist coverage?

Uninsured motorist coverage applies when the at-fault driver has no insurance at all. Underinsured motorist coverage applies when the at-fault driver has some insurance, but not enough to cover your damages — in that case, your own policy can provide additional coverage up to your UM/UIM limits.

How much UM/UIM coverage should I carry?

There's no one right answer, but since California's current minimum liability limits ($30,000 per person / $60,000 per accident) are still often far below what a serious injury actually costs, many attorneys recommend carrying UM/UIM coverage that matches your own liability limits rather than the state minimum.

How long do I have to file a UM/UIM claim in California?
​
UM/UIM claims generally follow shorter timelines set by your own insurance policy in addition to California's statute of limitations, so it's important to report the accident and speak with an attorney promptly rather than waiting.

​Robert Mansour can help advise you regarding your case.  He serves the entire Santa Clarita Valley including Valencia, Canyon Country, Saugus, Newhall, Castaic, Stevenson Ranch, and surrounding communities. Call Santa Clarita personal injury attorney Robert Mansour at (661) 414-7100 for a free consultation and evaluation of your case.  You can also fill out our Free Case Evaluation form.

Injured by an uninsured motorist?

​Free consultations and access to our attorney network.