Across the United States, millions drive without auto insurance, putting themselves and others at serious financial risk.
Although almost every state requires coverage, some have higher rates of uninsured drivers than others. This map
highlights the states that have the highest percentages of uninsured drivers.
Why Uninsured Motorist Coverage Is So Important in California
Many drivers assume that if they are hit by another car, the other driver’s insurance will pay for the damage. Unfortunately, that is not always the case. Millions of drivers in the United States are on the road without insurance, which creates serious financial risk for responsible drivers.
In fact, California ranks among the states with the highest percentage of uninsured drivers in the country.
For this reason, Uninsured Motorist Coverage (UM/UIM) is one of the most important protections you can have on your auto insurance policy.
The Growing Problem of Uninsured Drivers
Across the United States, a significant number of drivers operate vehicles without insurance coverage. Some simply cannot afford it, while others ignore the legal requirement to carry insurance.
According to data from the Insurance Information Institute and Insurance Research Council, the states with the highest percentages of uninsured drivers include:
- Mississippi – 28.2%
- New Mexico – 24.1%
- Michigan – 22.3%
- Tennessee – 21.3%
- Missouri – 20.7%
- Florida – 20.6%
- California – 20.4%
- Colorado – 19.7%
- Washington – 19.1%
- Georgia – 19.0%
That means about 1 out of every 5 drivers in California may not have insurance.
What Happens If an Uninsured Driver Hits You?
If you are involved in an accident with a driver who has no insurance, you could face serious problems such as:
• Medical bills
• Vehicle repair costs
• Lost wages from injuries
• Legal expenses
Without the proper coverage, you might have to pay these costs out of your own pocket.
This is where Uninsured Motorist Coverage becomes essential.
What Is Uninsured Motorist Coverage?
Uninsured Motorist Coverage (UM) protects you if you are injured in an accident caused by a driver who does not have insurance.
It can help cover:
- Medical expenses
- Pain and suffering
- Lost wages
- Injuries to passengers in your vehicle
There is also Underinsured Motorist Coverage (UIM), which applies when the at-fault driver has insurance, but their limits are too low to cover your damages.
Why This Coverage Is Critical in California
Because California has such a high number of uninsured drivers, declining this coverage can be risky.
Many drivers only carry the state minimum liability limits, which may not be enough to cover serious injuries or expensive vehicle repairs.
Having strong UM/UIM coverage helps ensure that you and your family are protected financially, even if the other driver is not responsible.
How Much Uninsured Motorist Coverage Should You Carry?
A good rule of thumb is to carry the same limits as your liability coverage.
For example:
- $100,000 / $300,000 liability
- $100,000 / $300,000 uninsured motorist
This helps ensure that your protection is consistent regardless of who caused the accident.
Protect Yourself Before an Accident Happens
Car accidents are stressful enough without worrying about whether the other driver has insurance.
Adding Uninsured Motorist Coverage to your policy is usually very affordable, but it can provide thousands—or even hundreds of thousands—of dollars in protection.
If you’re unsure whether your current policy includes this coverage, it’s a good idea to review your policy with a licensed insurance professional.
Need Help Reviewing Your Auto Insurance?
If you live in Westminster, Irvine, Huntington Beach, or anywhere in Orange County, our team at Starwest Insurance Services can review your coverage and help make sure you’re fully protected.
We’ll compare multiple carriers and help you find the best protection at the best price.
📞 Call or text today for a free quote.