UNINSURED MOTORIST CLAIM

If you operate a vehicle on any public road within the state of California, you are required by law to provide proof of insurance.

The minimum insurance coverage required in California is listed below:

• $15,000 for injury or death of 1 person per accident
• $30,000 for injury or death of 2 or more persons per accident
• $5,000 for property damage per accident

Persons operating a vehicle in this state who are unlicensed or have an invalid California or out-of-state driver's license are subject to the same financial responsibility laws as valid California licensed drivers.

Government statistics estimate that over 13% of drivers are driving without a valid license. In addition, countless licensed drivers purchase insurance in order to register their vehicle but cancel afterward. This means that it is quite possible that you may be involved in a motor vehicle accident and have no way of recovering damages against the negligent driver; and even if the negligent driver does have insurance, he may not have enough insurance to cover your damages.

"Uninsured motorist" means that the person responsible for your injuries is operating a vehicle without any insurance coverage whatsoever. If you have purchased uninsured motorist coverage, you will be able to collect from your insurance company to recoup your damages (both property and personal).

"Underinsured motorist" means that the person responsible for your injuries does not have adequate liability insurance to cover your damages. If you have purchased underinsured motorist coverage, you will be able to collect from your insurance company to recoup your damages (both property and personal) that exceed the responsible party's limits.

If your insurance company disputes your uninsured motorist claim, it can require you to participate in an arbitration wherein an arbitrator decides the value of your case. If your insurance company unreasonably delays payment under this coverage, or refuses to pay you at all and requires you to go through the arbitration procedure, you may have an insurance bad faith claim against your insurer.

It is imperative that you purchase an insurance policy that includes "underinsured motorist" and "uninsured motorist". This additional coverage will protect you against a negligent driver's financial irresponsibility because it will place the responsibility on YOUR insurance company to compensate you for your losses.

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CHAIN, YOUNGER, COHN & STILES
1430 Truxtun Avenue
Bakersfield, CA 93301-5220
Tel: 661-323-4000