Average Uninsured Motorist Settlement in California
Legally reviewed by: Jessica Anvar Stotz, JD, MBA
The average uninsured motorist settlement in California is below approximately $15,000 due to several key factors in the state’s insurance landscape.
California’s minimum required liability coverage is only $15,000 per person, and since uninsured motorist coverage typically mirrors these minimums, many claims are automatically capped at this amount.
Additionally, many collisions result in minor injuries with medical bills under $10,000, and insurance companies push to settle these quickly in the $5,000-$12,000 range.
The state’s pure comparative negligence system often reduces settlements due to shared fault, while the high rate of uninsured drivers (around 15%) means many claims must be settled for whatever limited coverage is available, even when damages might warrant more.
See What Your Case Might Be Worth
Use the uninsured motorist settlement calculator below to see what you case might be worth. Estimates can happen in 90 seconds or less.
*Please note, the figures presented in this calculator are approximations based on past case results and should not be interpreted as a prediction or guarantee. Each case is unique and requires personalized legal guidance.
Factors Affecting Uninsured Motorist Settlement Amounts in California
Insurance Policy Limits
- California minimum UM coverage is $15,000 per person/$30,000 per accident
- Settlement cannot exceed the policy limits regardless of actual damages
- Higher policy limits allow for potentially larger settlements
- Stacking of policies is not permitted in California
Medical Factors
- Severity and type of injuries sustained
- Length and type of medical treatment required
- Presence of pre-existing conditions
- Long-term prognosis and permanent disabilities
- Need for future medical care
- Quality and completeness of medical documentation
- Gaps in medical treatment
Economic Damages
- Total medical bills (past and projected future costs)
- Lost wages and income
- Loss of earning capacity
- Property damage
- Out-of-pocket expenses
- Cost of household services if unable to perform them
Non-Economic Damages
- Pain and suffering
- Emotional distress
- Loss of enjoyment of life
- Mental anguish
- Impact on personal relationships
- Loss of consortium
Liability Considerations
- Clear evidence of fault
- Comparative negligence percentage
- Available evidence (police reports, witness statements, photos)
- Presence of aggravating factors (DUI, reckless driving)
- Multiple parties involved
- Hit-and-run circumstances
Legal Representation
- Quality and experience of legal representation
- Negotiation skills of attorney
- Track record with similar cases
- Resources available for investigation and experts
Insurance Company Factors
- Insurance company’s claims practices
- Adjuster’s evaluation and authority
- Company’s settlement history
- Current settlement policies and practices
- Risk assessment of taking case to trial
Timing and Procedural Factors
- Statute of limitations considerations
- Stage of claim (pre-litigation vs. litigation)
- Strength of demand package
- Quality of investigation
- Availability and credibility of witnesses
- Time elapsed since accident
Documentation Quality
- Accident scene photos
- Vehicle damage documentation
- Medical records completeness
- Expert opinions and reports
- Witness statements
- Employment records for wage loss
- Proof of uninsured status of at-fault driver
Personal Factors
- Age of injured party
- Prior accident history
- Pre-existing medical conditions
- Credibility as a witness
- Lifestyle impact
- Geographic location (jury pool tendencies)
Common Misconceptions About Uninsured Motorist Settlements
Insurance Coverage Misconceptions
- Believing your rates will automatically increase if you file a claim (not true for uninsured motorist claims where you’re not at fault)
- Thinking you can’t make a claim if you have minimum coverage
- Assuming hit-and-run accidents aren’t covered by uninsured motorist insurance
- Believing you must pay your deductible (often waived for uninsured motorist claims)
- Thinking you can’t file a claim if you’re a passenger
Settlement Process Misconceptions
- Believing you must accept the first offer
- Thinking the settlement amount will match someone else’s similar accident
- Assuming the process will be quick
- Believing you can reopen the claim after settling
- Thinking you can’t negotiate without a lawyer
Medical Treatment Misconceptions
- Believing you should wait to seek treatment until the claim is approved
- Thinking you must use specific doctors
- Assuming all medical bills will automatically be covered
- Believing you can’t get treatment if you can’t afford it upfront
- Thinking minor injuries don’t need documentation
Legal Misconceptions
- Believing you have unlimited time to file a claim
- Thinking you can’t sue if the other driver is never found
- Assuming your insurance company is on your side
- Believing lawyers are too expensive (most work on contingency)
- Thinking you need to go to court to get a settlement
Documentation Misconceptions
- Believing the police report is enough evidence
- Thinking insurance companies will gather all necessary evidence
- Assuming verbal agreements are binding
- Believing photos aren’t necessary if there’s minimal visible damage
- Thinking witness statements aren’t important if police were called
Have Questions About Your Accident?
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