There are many questions about coverage that arise during the purchase of auto insurance. One of the common questions is should I opt in for uninsured/underinsured motorist coverage? The Law Offices of Larry H. Parker recommends that you do opt in for uninsured/underinsured motorist coverage. Even though you are not legally required to opt in for uninsured/underinsured motorist coverage, if you get into an accident where the at-fault driver is uninsured and you do not have uninsured/underinsured motorist coverage, you could be stuck with expensive medical bills and you would be unable to collect on pain and suffering for your physical injuries.
Underinsured coverage operates a little differently and it is to your benefit. By the way, if you buy uninsured motorist coverage, underinsured coverage comes with it at no additional cost. Underinsured coverage works in the following way: if you get into an accident and you have coverage, lets say for $50,000, but the at fault driver only has $15,000 of coverage, underinsurance coverage allows you to recover the difference between your underinsurance coverage ($50,000) and the $15,000 that the at fault driver has. Therefore, under these circumstances your net additional benefit you would be entitled to is $35,000.
California law requires auto insurance companies to offer uninsured/underinsured motorist coverage. It is an additional cost that varies by insurance providers, but the extra cost is greatly outweighed by the safety and security the added insurance coverage provides. If you or a loved one has been injured in an auto accident through no fault of your own, contact The Law Offices of Larry H. Parker today at (800) 333-0000 for a free consultation. Our experienced car accident attorneys are here to help you get through these difficult times and fight for you.
