Does California require uninsured motorist coverage?

What the Law Says

California does not mandate that drivers purchase uninsured motorist (UM) or underinsured motorist (UIM) coverage — but it does require insurers to offer it with every auto liability policy, and drivers must explicitly reject it in writing to opt out.

Under California law, every automobile liability insurance policy must include an offer of uninsured and underinsured motorist coverage. The minimum limits for UM coverage must be at least $15,000 per person and $30,000 per accident for bodily injury, and $5,000 for property damage — unless the insured rejects the coverage in writing.

The law ensures drivers are informed of this protection before they choose to forgo it. Insurers must provide a clear, separate form for written rejection, and the rejection remains valid for the life of the policy unless revoked in writing.

Statutory Text

No automobile liability insurance policy insuring against loss resulting from liability for bodily injury or death arising out of the ownership, maintenance, or use of a motor vehicle shall be delivered or issued for delivery in this state unless it contains an offer of uninsured motorist coverage...

— Ins. Code § 11580.2(a)(1) — Uninsured motorist coverage required

Statutory Text

The limits of liability for uninsured motorist coverage shall be not less than fifteen thousand dollars ($15,000) for bodily injury to or death of one person in any one accident, thirty thousand dollars ($30,000) for bodily injury to or death of two or more persons in any one accident, and five thousand dollars ($5,000) for property damage...

— Ins. Code § 11580.2(b)(1) — Minimum limits

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