The name speaks for itself. This type of insurance coverage will cover you for your “non-property” related damages (Bodily Injury, Pain and Suffering, Loss of Enjoyment of Life, Emotional Distress) in a Car or Motorcycle injury accident, if the other motorist who is “at fault,” has no liability insurance.
In the State of California we feel that this type of coverage is mandatory due to the vast amount of people driving around illegally without insurance. This coverage will also cover hit and runs.
We recommend purchasing the most UM/BI coverage you can afford, and at least a minimum of $100,000.00 if you drive a car, and a minimum of $500,000 if you ride a motorcycle.
If you are in an accident and the other motorist is uninsured, this coverage will be your only recourse in many instances. Do not drive in California without some kind of UM/BI coverage.
By Norman Gregory Fernandez, Esq. , Copyright 2006
Hey Thanks for the great information!
I have great experience with my uninsured motorist coverage. I could have been in a lot of trouble without it.
I got hit during a police chase which totaled my car and put me into the hospital for 2 weeks. Of course the guy they were chasing had no insurance and the car he was driving was stolen.
This is a great point. If you drive a lot, this is a great option. The odds of getting into some sort of accident are high. Be prepared for the worst and face the best. There are a lot of uninsured motorist out there. Get covered.
Uninsured motorists are becoming a growing problem. Here in the UK we have the same problem and some insurers have started to offer a similar insurance product to cover motorists in such eventuality. I agree Norman dont drive without insurance which will cover you in these instances.
personal injury claims
This is absolutely becoming a big western world issue, with bikers and drivers not having adequate insurance, other policy holders are having to cover the bill.
Yes, car insurance is really important, accident can happen anytime especially when you’re on the busy road of Cali. And no matter how much responsible drivers we are we’re still prone to accidents on the road and just to lessen the damages it could bring us, it is still better to get insured. Thanks for sharing Norman.
Well i think this type of insurance cover is mandatary in most countries, because accidents can happen regardless of how good you are.
I have personal experience in being a victim of sorts: Years ago my (then, now ex) wife and I let our insurance lapse, we were young and were going to check into lower rates. Well that week, days after our insurance lapsed, we were hit by a drunk driver, without insurance too of course……so, never drive without insurance friends!
I completely agree with you! It is vital that you take out a comprehensive insurance policy and one that won’t mess you around when it comes to claiming! Rather pay that bit extra for a quality policy that encounter risk when it really matters!
Thank you for give very nice info.I completely agree with you!
you should see the price of insurance in the UK its crazy!
You’d be surprised how many people are out there without insurance. Some people put so much damage on their driving records, they can’t afford insurance. Some people are just feeling the economy and other things come first before the insurance. I agree, make sure you are covered.
I think it works differently over here in Northern Ireland. If someone hits you or your vehicle when they are uninsured, you have to make your claim through the NIO. The insurance you mentioned is a fantastic idea though. I don’t think anything like that has been introduced over here yet, it would be a lot easier than claiming through the NIO.
Lyss I am glad to see Northern Ireland enjoying the Biker Law Blog.
Norm
i am feeling unlucky because this type of insurance is not provided in india
I completely agree with you norman!
I sucks that we have to pay to cover another persons butt if they don’t have insurance. How can people get away without having it?
That is neat that this biker is a lawyer. Anyone can ride but to ride with knowledge is the best rider out there. No matter what your career is you can always feel freedom on a bike.
Don’t get why people are driving even though they dont have insurance