California Car Accidents Involving Minimal Insurance

Q: What if the at-fault party has very little, or minimum, insurance coverage?

A: I often have to give clients the bad news that there’s only a minimal, or less than needed, insurance policy available from the at-fault party.  No matter how horrible the injuries or how big the medical bills, if the at-fault party only has $15,000.00 in bodily injury insurance coverage, then there’s only $15,000.00 available from the at-fault party’s carrier, and it is unlikely that substantial assets will exist.

Do yourself a favor: carry at least $100,000 in under-insured/uninsured motorist coverage through your own auto insurer.  That way, you know that you have at least $100,000 available to you no matter what.

If you were a passenger in a vehicle involved in a collision, check with the car driver.  You may be covered under his/her insurance coverage.  Lastly, you may also have insurance coverage at your disposal through a relative you reside with.  Many policies are written to allow residing relatives protection.