A CHECKLIST FOR REVIEWING YOUR UM/UIM POLICY

Why LA & OC Drivers Need Uninsured Motorist Coverage

For drivers in Los Angeles and Orange County, uninsured and underinsured motorist coverage is worth checking before a crash leaves unanswered questions about payment. A useful first step is to review what your own policy actually includes.

This checklist helps you prepare a focused conversation with your insurer or agent. For an introduction to the subject, see our UM/UIM coverage guide.

Gather the documents for the current policy period

Find your declarations page, policy wording, endorsements, and any signed coverage selection or rejection forms. Confirm that the dates match the period you want to review. An insurance ID card alone may not show the details you need.

Keep a copy of the documents you reviewed and the date of your conversation. If something is missing, ask your insurer for it instead of interpreting an empty space as a coverage decision.

Insurance Claim

Distinguish the coverage names

The California Department of Insurance’s auto insurance guide explains uninsured and underinsured motorist coverage, bodily injury and property damage coverage, and medical payments coverage. These address different losses and have their own conditions and limits.

Do not assume that the liability limits on your declarations page are also your UM/UIM limits, or that a bodily injury coverage automatically pays for repairs to your car. Ask the insurer to identify the relevant policy sections.

Six questions to ask your insurer or agent

  1. Does this policy currently include uninsured and underinsured motorist bodily injury coverage?
  2. What limits apply per person and per accident, and where are they shown?
  3. Which insured people and vehicles are covered, and what exclusions should I understand?
  4. How does this policy address a hit-and-run situation? What notice or documentation does it require?
  5. What coverage, if any, addresses damage to my vehicle in these situations?
  6. If I change coverage, when does the change take effect, and what will the premium be?

Request written confirmation of the answers and any changes. Keep the confirmation with the updated declarations page. Avoid choosing a limit solely from a general article; review your needs and available options with a qualified insurance professional.

Use a simple review note

Record each coverage name, the limit shown, the relevant policy page, and any open question. Label uncertain items “confirm with insurer.” This gives the conversation a clear agenda and helps you check the updated paperwork against what you requested.

If a crash has already happened

Find the policy that was in effect on the crash date and ask the insurer about applicable coverage and reporting requirements. Do not assume that purchasing or increasing coverage now changes protection for an earlier loss.

Keep the claim number, correspondence, and requested documents together. If you were injured and need help understanding your options, contact Bridgewater Law Group. The policy terms and facts of the collision determine which coverages may apply.