Should You Keep Uninsured Motorist Coverage on Your Auto Insurance in Los Angeles?
If you drive in Los Angeles, keeping uninsured motorist coverage is generally worth the cost. The city has one of the highest rates of uninsured drivers in the country, and the coverage pays for your injuries and vehicle damage when the other driver is at fault but has no insurance. Dropping it might save a few dollars on your premium, but it leaves you financially exposed in a crash that is not your fault.
More from this site
Keep reading the latest coverage
Why Uninsured Motorist Coverage Matters in LA
California requires drivers to carry minimum liability insurance, but enforcement is inconsistent and many drivers operate without any coverage at all. In a metropolitan area with millions of vehicles and heavy traffic, the risk of being hit by an uninsured driver is significant. Without UM coverage, you rely on your own health insurance and collision coverage, which may not fully compensate you for lost wages, pain and suffering, or vehicle damage.
What Uninsured Motorist Coverage Pays For
UM coverage typically includes two parts:
- Bodily injury: Covers medical expenses, lost wages, and pain and suffering for you and your passengers when the other driver is uninsured and at fault.
- Property damage: Covers repairs to your vehicle in some policies, though California law requires a separate collision deductible in certain cases.
Factors That Should Influence Your Decision
Consider keeping UM coverage if you own a vehicle with significant value, have health insurance with high deductibles, or frequently drive in high-traffic corridors. Dropping it may make sense if you have substantial savings and assets to cover out-of-pocket costs, or if the premium increase is a severe financial strain. Review your policy limits annually and compare the cost of UM coverage against your potential exposure.
How to Decide for Your Situation
Talk to your insurance agent about your specific policy limits and the cost difference with and without UM coverage. Request a quote that includes the coverage and one that excludes it, then weigh the premium savings against the financial risk. For most LA drivers, the protection outweighs the modest additional cost.