.png){kind=small}
As previously discussed on my website, you need strong underinsured/uninsured motorist coverage that mirrors your auto liability coverage limits.
If you are hit on a bicycle, make sure your auto liability limits match your underinsured/uninsured (UM/UIM) coverage limits. Don't reduce or "step down" your underinsured/uninsured coverage limits in an attempt to lower your policy premium just to save a few bucks. The savings are not big enough, and the potential expense can be devastating. For an insurance company to drop your underinsured/uninsured motorist's coverage effectively, they must obtain written permission from you. See Insurance Code Section 11580.2(a)(2).
For example, if you have a $500,000 liability policy, don't reduce your underinsured/uninsured motorist coverage to save a few dollars of premium.
Many bicyclists have expressed thanks for the above advice, but want to know where to find a back up umbrella policy with the underinsured/uninsured rider if the "bad guy" who hit you failed to have any insurance coverage, or had inadequate limits of coverage. In these economic times, this is all too common. I've briefly surveyed several brokers and companies for you and detail them below.* (If you find a better company, let me know!)
BROKER | LIMITS OF UMBRELLA COVERAGE |
Rathbone, King, & Seely/Burns & Wilcox Insurance Services/USAA San Francisco, CA (800) 531-8444 | Bodily Injury Limits: $2,000,000 UIM/UM Limits: $1,000,000 (Underlying Liability coverage: ) $300,000/$500,000 Total Cost: $ 1,130.00/year |
John Tesoriero www.insurancebyjohn.com Travelers Insurance Company | Bodily Injury Limits: $1,000,000/umbrella UIM/UM Limits: $1,000,000/umbrella Extra Cost: $ 440.00/year |
Brooke Roby Barney and Barney Insurance Services (858) 587-7548 Scottsdale Indemnity (800) 423-7675 Brooke.roby@barneyandbarney.com | Bodily Injury Limits: $1,000,000/umbrella UIM/UM Limits: $1,000,000/umbrella Cost: $ 233.00/year |
American Alternative | Cost: $ 420.00/year |
Anderson & Murison, Inc. Insurance Wholesalers Los Angeles, CA (323) 255-2333 www.andersonmurison.com | Call their personal Umbrella department for a variety of options including Scottsdale and Hudson below |
Scottsdale Insurance | $1,000,000/umbrella $ 208.00/year $2,000,000/umbrella $ 375.00/year |
Hudson Insurance | $1,000,000/umbrella $ 210.00/year $2,000,000/umbrella $ 380.00/year |
If you're injured, hire an experienced trial attorney.
Ride safe, Ride strong! Richard Duquette Bicycle Injury Trial Attorney Since 1983