Uninsured motorist
Coverage on your own policy for when the driver who hit you had none — including a hit-and-run.
It is the coverage most people forget they have, and the one that saves the claim when the other driver is never found. This is general information, not legal advice.
What it means
Uninsured motorist coverage is offered with every California automobile liability policy and applies where the at-fault driver has no insurance. It also reaches a hit-and-run, where nobody is identified at all.
The claim is against your own insurer, which changes the relationship: they are paying, so they are adverse to you on value while still owing you duties as their insured.
Notice requirements and time limits under these policies are strict and shorter than the ordinary deadline to sue. Missing them is a real risk.
Where this is dealt with properly
This entry is the short answer. These pages own the subject.
Common questions
- The driver drove off and was never identified. Am I covered?
- Uninsured motorist coverage is written to reach that situation. There are proof requirements, and reporting the collision promptly matters.
Start a case review call
On a case review call, I go through the facts with you: what happened, when, whether you were hurt, whether anyone represents you, and how to reach you. It is not legal advice, and I will not put a value on your claim.
Sources: Ins. Code, § 11580.2 (uninsured and underinsured motorist coverage); Veh. Code, § 20001 (the duty to stop after an injury crash).