Joe called. He had sustained severe injuries as a result of a negligent driver. Investigation revealed the other party had no insurance coverage, (or minimum insurance coverage). Joe had waived unisured/underinsured motorist coverage. Could I help him?

One of the LAST things you want to think about before going on a ride is insurance. One of the FIRST questions your attorney will ask you is whether the other driver had insurance. Of course, you won't know because you were hauled away in an ambulance and so your attorney will then ask you whether you have any uninsured motorist coverage. The reason is simple. If there is no insurance coverage there's probably no case and you wind up " holding the bag " with no compensation for your injuries. This is why it is more important to know your insurance policy before you need it. Unfortunately, Joe didn't.

Every motorcyclist should know the following:

COVERAGES: WHAT ARE THEY AND WHAT DO THEY MEAN?

A/B. LIABILTY:
Pays for personal injury and property damage and or claims against you caused by your vehicle.

C. MEDICAL PAYMENTS:
Pays reasonable medical expenses for bodily injury to your passengers.

D. COMPREHENSIVE:
Pays for loss or damage to your vehicle, (fire/theft), excluding collision.

G. COLLISION:
Pays for collision damage to your vehicle, (minus deductible).

U. UNINSURED MOTORIST/UNDERINSURED MOTORIST:
(The most important coverage for you.)
Pays for bodily injury to you caused by:

• 1. uninsured motorist
• 2. underinsured motorist
• 3. hit and run

U1. UNINSURED MOTORIST PROPERTY DAMAGE:
Covers damage to your vehicle caused by an uninsured vehicle.

LIMITS OF COVERAGES
A. MINIMUM LIMITS.
The minimum limits of financial responsibility for bodily injury and property damage are $15,000/$30,000/$5,000, Section 16430 Cal. Veh. C.

B. There are various levels of limits, (15/30, 25/50, 50/100, 100/300, ect.), that can be purchased from insurance company with a surprisingly small increase in premium.

C. There are even umbrella policies that can be purchased with limits of $10,000,000.00 or more.

D. Whatever limit you purchase, keep in mind that full coverage does not mean sufficient coverage.

ADJUSTING LIMITS TO MAXIMIZE COVERAGE-SOME ADVICE
A. Never waive uninsured motorist coverage.

B. Improve your limits of coverage, for example: 15/30/5 to 25/50/10, (at least or higher if you can afford it).

C. Balance your coverage, for example: Coverage A 100/300 with coverage U 30/60 change to 100/300 for coverage A and U or at least 50/100 for both coverage A and coverage U.

DISCUSSION,
The new laws will not eliminate the uninsured/underinsured motorist problem and your best defense is a strong offense. Know your insurance policy and make sure you have the right coverage before you go on that great ride.

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