Why Uninsured Motorist Coverage Is So Important?

What is Uninsured Motorist (UM) Coverage?

Uninsured motorist coverage is a type of insurance that protects you when the at-fault driver in an accident doesn’t have liability insurance. It can also kick in if you’re the victim of a hit-and-run accident. Florida doesn’t require drivers to carry bodily injury liability coverage, meaning many drivers are underinsured or uninsured. Without UM coverage, you may pay out of pocket, even if the accident wasn’t your fault.

Florida’s Insurance Laws Leave Gaps in Coverage

Florida is a “no-fault” insurance state, which means:

  • You must carry Personal Injury Protection (PIP), which covers up to $10,000 of your medical bills and lost wages, regardless of fault.
  • However, PIP only goes so far, and if you suffer a serious injury, it won’t cover things like pain and suffering or long-term care.
  • Florida law does not require drivers to carry bodily injury liability coverage, meaning the driver who hits you may not have to pay a dime for your injuries.

UM coverage is one of the only ways to protect you if the other driver isn’t.

How Much UM Coverage Should You Carry?

We recommend carrying as much uninsured motorist coverage as you can afford. A good rule of thumb is to match it to your Bodily Injury Liability limits.

For example:

  • If your BI limit is $100,000/$300,000
  • Carry at least $100,000/$300,000 in UM/UIM

Stacked UM coverage (which multiplies your coverage based on the number of vehicles insured) can provide even more protection.

Hit-and-Run Accidents Are Shockingly Common in Florida

Florida experiences tens of thousands of hit-and-run crashes annually. Many of these drivers flee because:

  • They don’t have insurance.
  • They’re driving illegally.
  • They don’t want to be held accountable.

UM coverage treats hit-and-run drivers like uninsured drivers, meaning your policy can cover your injuries even if the at-fault driver disappears.

Example

Let’s say you’re rear-ended by a driver who ran a red light. You suffer a broken arm and require surgery. The at-fault driver:

  • Has no insurance
  • Has no assets
  • Can’t pay for your losses

If you have no uninsured motorist (UM) coverage, your PIP policy may only cover a portion of your medical bills, and nothing for pain, suffering, or long-term impact.

But if you had $100,000 in UM coverage, your own insurance company would step in to pay for:

  • Your medical bills
  • Your lost wages
  • Your pain and suffering
  • Any long-term impact or disability

You wouldn’t have to chase the at-fault driver or absorb the financial hit.

Florida’s Insurance Problem: Why You Can’t Rely on the Other Driver

Florida ranks near the top in the nation for uninsured drivers. According to the Insurance Research Council, nearly 1 in 5 Florida drivers have no auto insurance. Combine that with Florida’s low minimum coverage requirements, and you have a recipe for disaster.

In Florida:

  • Drivers are not required to carry Bodily Injury (BI) Liability coverage.
  • PIP (Personal Injury Protection) only covers up to $10,000 and usually doesn’t cover pain and suffering.

That means even a relatively minor accident can leave you facing tens of thousands of dollars in out-of-pocket expenses unless you have UM/UIM coverage.

Can I Still File a Lawsuit Against the Uninsured Driver?

Yes, but it’s often pointless. Drivers who lack insurance typically lack assets or income to satisfy a judgment. Even if you win a lawsuit, collecting the money is unlikely. That’s why uninsured motorist coverage is your best safety net.

Need Help After a Crash with an Uninsured Driver?

If you’ve been injured in an accident and are having trouble with a UM claim, or your insurance company is underpaying, don’t go it alone. Our expert Florida personal injury lawyers can help you fight for the compensation you deserve. Call us at 1-800-451-6786 or fill out our online contact form; we’re here 24/7 to help you overcome the challenges and move forward.