Getting into an accident is stressful enough. Finding out the other driver doesn’t have insurance adds a whole new layer of frustration – and it happens more often in California than a lot of drivers realize. Here’s what actually happens next and how to protect yourself.
Why This Is a Real Risk in Sacramento
California has a meaningful percentage of drivers on the road without valid insurance, despite it being legally required. Urban areas like Sacramento tend to see this more than smaller towns, which means the odds of being hit by an uninsured driver here are higher than you might assume.
What Happens Without Uninsured Motorist Coverage
If you don’t carry uninsured motorist coverage and you’re hit by a driver without insurance, you’re largely on your own to cover vehicle repairs and medical costs. Your only recourse against the at-fault driver directly is a lawsuit, which can be slow, expensive, and often unsuccessful if the person has no assets to collect from.
What Happens WITH Uninsured Motorist Coverage
Uninsured motorist coverage on your own policy steps in to cover your medical expenses and, depending on your specific coverage, vehicle damage, as if the at-fault driver had their own insurance. This is exactly the scenario this optional coverage is designed for, and it’s why many agents recommend carrying it despite it not being legally required.
Underinsured Motorist Coverage
A related but distinct coverage, underinsured motorist protection, applies when the at-fault driver has insurance, but not enough to cover your full damages. Given how common minimum-limit policies are, this coverage matters just as much as uninsured motorist protection.
Steps to Take If You’re Hit by an Uninsured Driver
- Call the police and get an official report, even if damage seems minor
- Photograph the scene, vehicle damage, and the other driver’s license plate
- Get the other driver’s name and contact information regardless of their insurance status
- Contact your own insurer promptly to report the accident and file an uninsured motorist claim if applicable
- Seek medical attention for any injuries and keep documentation
Hit-and-Run Situations
If the at-fault driver flees the scene, uninsured motorist coverage often applies here as well, since a hit-and-run driver is effectively an unidentified, uninsured party for claims purposes. This is another strong argument for carrying this coverage.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is uninsured motorist coverage required in California?
No, it’s optional, though it’s often recommended given the number of uninsured drivers on California roads.
Does uninsured motorist coverage cover my vehicle damage or just medical costs?
It depends on your specific policy – some include property damage coverage under uninsured motorist protection, while others focus primarily on medical costs. It’s worth confirming with your agent.
Can I sue an uninsured driver directly?
You can, but collecting a judgment from someone without insurance or significant assets is often difficult, which is why uninsured motorist coverage tends to be a more reliable path to recovery.
Protect Yourself Before It Happens
Eugene C. Yates Insurance Agency can review whether you have adequate uninsured and underinsured motorist coverage on your Sacramento auto policy. Contact us today for a free policy review.