Uninsured motorist coverage pays for your injuries when a driver with no insurance, or a hit-and-run driver, causes a crash. In California, it’s not required, but insurers must offer it and you have to reject it in writing to go without it. With about 1 in 5 California drivers uninsured in 2023, most Sacramento drivers have good reason to keep it.
Here’s what it covers, what it doesn’t and how to choose limits.
⚠️ Scope note: This guide covers uninsured and underinsured motorist coverage on personal auto policies in California. Coverage details, conditions and deadlines vary by policy. A licensed agent can explain your policy’s specific terms.
What is uninsured motorist coverage?
Uninsured motorist coverage (UM) pays for injuries to you and your passengers when the at-fault driver has no liability insurance. Underinsured motorist coverage (UIM) pays the difference when the at-fault driver has insurance, but not enough to cover your injuries. In California, they’re usually sold together as UM/UIM under Insurance Code §11580.2.
UM/UIM can help pay for:
- Medical bills and future treatment
- Lost wages while you recover
- Pain and suffering, depending on the claim
How many California drivers are uninsured?
About 20.4% of California drivers had no insurance in 2023, according to the Insurance Research Council, published by the Insurance Information Institute. That’s roughly 1 in 5 drivers and puts California among the 10 highest states. Nationally, 15.4% of drivers were uninsured in 2023, up from 12.4% in 2017.
Underinsurance is a problem too. Many drivers carry only California’s minimum of 30/60/15. If one of them seriously injures you, $30,000 may not go far.
Is uninsured motorist coverage required in California?
No, but it’s the default. California insurers must offer UM/UIM on every auto policy, and you can only decline it by signing a written rejection, under Insurance Code §11580.2. If you signed a rejection form years ago to save money, you might not have this coverage now.
What’s the difference between uninsured and underinsured coverage?
| Uninsured motorist (UM) | Underinsured motorist (UIM) | |
| When it applies | At-fault driver has no insurance, or many hit-and-run cases | At-fault driver has insurance, but limits are too low |
| What it pays | Your injury costs, up to your UM limit | The gap between their limits and your damages, up to your UIM limit |
| Example | An uninsured driver runs a red light on Florin Road and you’re hurt | A driver with a $30,000 limit causes $70,000 in injuries |
Does uninsured motorist coverage pay to fix my car?
Usually not much. UM/UIM is mainly about injuries. California does have uninsured motorist property damage coverage, but it’s limited and generally requires the uninsured driver to be identified. For most people, collision coverage is what repairs the car when an uninsured driver hits you, minus your collision deductible.
| Coverage | Pays your injuries | Pays your car repairs |
| UM/UIM bodily injury | Yes | No |
| Uninsured motorist property damage | No | Limited; generally requires an identified driver |
| Collision | No | Yes, minus your deductible |
| Medical payments | Yes, limited amounts | No |
Does UM cover a hit-and-run?
Often, yes, for injuries. California’s UM law treats many unidentified hit-and-run drivers as uninsured motorists, but there are conditions, including reporting the crash to police promptly. If you’re in a hit-and-run:
1. Get to safety and call 911 if anyone is hurt.
2. Report the crash to police right away, even if you think it’s minor. Your UM claim may depend on a timely police report.
3. Write down everything you remember: time, place, the other car’s color, make, direction and any partial plate.
4. Look for witnesses and cameras at nearby homes and businesses.
5. Photograph your car and the scene.
6. Call your insurer or agent the same day and ask about UM and collision coverage.
7. File an SR-1 with the DMV within 10 days if anyone was injured or damage is over $1,000 (DMV SR-1 form).
How much uninsured motorist coverage should I carry?
Many drivers match their UM/UIM limits to their own liability limits. In California, UM generally can’t exceed your liability limits, so if you want more UM protection, you’ll usually raise both.
Things to weigh:
- Your health insurance. It may cover some medical bills, but not lost wages or pain and suffering.
- Your income. If an injury kept you out of work for months, how would you pay the bills?
- Your family. UM can also cover passengers in your car.
- The cost difference. Ask a licensed agent to quote several UM limits side by side.
Frequently asked questions
Question: Do I need uninsured motorist coverage in California?
Answer: It isn’t required, but insurers must offer it, and you must reject it in writing to go without. With about 20.4% of California drivers uninsured in 2023, many drivers choose to keep it.
Question: Does uninsured motorist coverage pay for my car?
Answer: Mostly no. UM/UIM is mainly for injuries. California’s uninsured motorist property damage coverage is limited and generally requires an identified driver. Collision coverage is what usually repairs your car.
Question: Does uninsured motorist coverage cover hit-and-run accidents?
Answer: It often covers injuries from a hit-and-run, because California’s UM law treats many unidentified fleeing drivers as uninsured. Report the crash to police promptly, since your claim may depend on it.
Question: How much UM coverage can I buy?
Answer: In California, UM generally can’t exceed your own liability limits. Many drivers match their UM limits to their liability limits. A licensed agent can quote the options.
Question: What’s the difference between UM and UIM?
Answer: UM applies when the at-fault driver has no insurance. UIM applies when they have insurance, but not enough to cover your injuries.
The bottom line
With roughly 1 in 5 California drivers uninsured, UM/UIM is the coverage that protects you from other people’s choices. Check your declarations page to make sure you have it, consider matching it to your liability limits, and pair it with collision coverage so your car is protected too. A licensed agent can show you what it costs.
About the Author
Brandon Erickson | IVMG LLC
With 7 years of experience writing insurance content, I specialize in creating clear, informative, and engaging articles that help consumers better understand auto, home, and other types of insurance. My writing focuses on answering real customer questions, simplifying complex insurance topics, and creating useful content that performs well in search engines while providing genuine value to readers.
Last updated: November 2026 | Next review: Quarterly
Disclaimer: This content is for general informational purposes only and is not insurance, legal, or financial advice. Brandon Erickson is not a licensed insurance agent. Please speak with a licensed insurance agent about any questions regarding your coverage.