If you're like most California drivers, you bought auto insurance, paid your premium, and moved on. But having insurance and having enough insurance are two very different things — and the gap between them can cost you hundreds of thousands of dollars.
Here are five signs your current coverage might not be protecting you the way you think.
1. You're Carrying California's Minimum Limits
California requires drivers to carry at least $30,000 per person / $60,000 per accident in bodily injury liability, and $25,000 in property damage liability. These numbers sound reasonable — until you compare them to what accidents actually cost.
A soft tissue injury claim in California averages $15,000–$75,000. A spinal injury? $150,000–$500,000 or more. A fatality claim can reach $500,000 to $2 million. If your limits are at the state minimum and you cause a serious accident, you're personally responsible for every dollar above your coverage.
2. You Haven't Reviewed Your Policy in More Than Two Years
Your life changes — your insurance should too. If you've bought a new car, moved to a new neighborhood, gotten married, had kids, or started a business, your coverage needs have likely shifted. A policy that made sense two years ago may have significant gaps today.
3. You Don't Have an Umbrella Policy
An umbrella policy provides an extra layer of liability protection above your auto and home policies — typically $1 million or more — for a surprisingly affordable annual premium. If you own a home, have savings, or have any assets worth protecting, an umbrella policy is one of the smartest investments you can make.
Without one, a serious accident could put your home, savings, and future earnings at risk.
4. You're Not Sure What Your Policy Actually Covers
If you can't quickly answer "what are my bodily injury limits?" or "do I have uninsured motorist coverage?", that's a red flag. Many drivers don't fully understand their own policies — and that confusion can be costly when a claim happens.
5. You've Never Had a Professional Review Your Coverage
Most people buy insurance online or through a call center and never speak to an actual agent. A local, independent agent can look at your full picture — your assets, your lifestyle, your risks — and make sure your coverage actually matches your needs.
The good news: finding out where you stand doesn't have to be complicated or expensive. Right now, McNeilly Insurance Agency is offering a free, no-obligation insurance review for San Diego families.
In about 30 minutes, we'll walk through your current policies, identify any gaps, and give you honest recommendations — no pressure, no sales pitch.
McNeilly Insurance Agency serves San Diego and the greater Clairemont area. Call us at (858) 900-9790.