WHY DOES MY INSURANCE HAVE TO PAY IF THE ACCIDENT WAS NOT MY FAULT?

If you have been in an accident that was not your fault, you may be wondering why your insurance has to pay.  The reason has to do with the fact that approximately one in seven drivers in California does not have insurance.  You need to carry insurance to protect yourself against those drivers that fail to be responsible and insure themselves.

Uninsured motorist coverage protects you as much as you are protected by your insurance when you are at fault for an accident.  You may be concerned that in response to the uninsured motorist payment your insurance company may raise your rates, but in 1988 California voters passed Proposition 103, which limits an insurance company’s ability to raise your rates when you make an uninsured motorist claim.  That doesn’t mean it won’t still happen, but you can take your business elsewhere if it does.

In response to the uninsured motorist claim, your insurance company may file a lawsuit against the uninsured driver to recover from them the money they paid to you.  This is how uninsured motorist coverage protects responsible drivers while also allowing the insurance companies to look out for their interests.  Watch the video to learn more.

If you have additional questions about auto accidents or dealing with insurance agencies, I want you to call me at (559) 702-5124.  I welcome your call.  Visit our educational website at www.NunesLaw.com for more videos and media content from our law firm.