Uninsured drivers are a common concern on California roads. People just barely making ends meet may fail to pay their monthly premiums. Others intentionally cancel their policies after renewing their vehicle registration. Motorists without coverage may save money immediately, but they could then face personal liability if they cause collisions.
When drivers without insurance cause crashes, other motorists may rely on their own car insurance to pay their expenses. Underinsured driver coverage helps in such situations.
Not everyone who bikes regularly carries a cycling policy, but many cyclists are also licensed drivers. Can cyclists hurt by uninsured drivers use their insurance policies?
California car insurance coverage follows the driver, not the vehicle
Insurance rules are slightly different in every state. In many jurisdictions, liability coverage follows the car. No matter who drives the vehicle, the policy carried by the owner applies. In California, coverage follows the driver. Motorists who are also avid cyclists can use their automotive policies after a car-bicycle collision. They don’t need to be in their insured motor vehicles to use their policy’s protection.
Of course, filing a claim against a personal policy can increase future coverage costs. Cyclists hoping to hold the other party accountable may need to consider filing a lawsuit instead of just relying on their car insurance for compensation.
Even when insurance coverage is available from an at-fault driver, it may not be adequate to fully address the damages generated by a crash. Cyclists trying to recover their losses may need support exploring their options. Reviewing the circumstances of a bicycle crash caused by an uninsured motorist with a legal professional can help cyclists take the right steps to recover their losses.
