Can my policy help if I have only liability coverage?
Reviewed by Andrew (Andy) R. Gillin
California State Bar #45226 ↗ · Approval recorded November 4, 2026
How we record review approvalThis part of a car policy usually pays for harm you cause to other people. It is not the same as coverage for your own injuries. The whole policy needs review.
In this guide
Here’s an example
A driver calls their plan “liability only.” They check the coverage page to see what it pays for.
A made-up example to explain the idea. Your facts may lead to a different answer.How the rule works
Read the whole policy, not just its name. Coverage for harm from an uninsured driver is different from medical payments. Your health plan is different too.
Legal references: [1] California Department of Insurance — Automobile insurance guide · [2] Insurance Code § 11580.2 — Uninsured motorist coverage
What can change the answer?
The price of a policy does not tell you all it covers. Waivers and exclusions can matter. So can who was driving.
Court decisions behind this answer
A case can help explain a rule. Its facts and limits matter too.
Waller v. Truck Ins. Exchange, Inc.
Supreme Court of California · 1995
11 Cal.4th 1, pp. 18–19
The court read the policy to decide if a loss might be covered. What the contract says matters.
This was a business policy. It does not show what your own car policy pays.
Case applicability reviewed as recorded above.
A useful next step
Get the policy and coverage page. Ask which benefits may apply to you and why.
If you are unsure which rule applies, a lawyer can review your facts and any deadlines. Learn about GJEL’s injury representation.
The law behind this guide
The references below support the legal discussion. Their application depends on the facts.
- California Department of Insurance — Automobile insurance guide ↗Agency guidance · Review recorded above
- Insurance Code § 11580.2 — Uninsured motorist coverage ↗Statute · Review recorded above
- Waller v. Truck Ins. Exchange, Inc. (1995) 11 Cal.4th 1 ↗Case law · Review recorded above
Updated 2026-11-04. Read our editorial standards.