Florida’s busy roads can be unpredictable. With a significant number of uninsured drivers, Florida’s vehicle owners should understand and obtain uninsured motorist coverage. This type of insurance protects you financially in case you’re involved in an accident with a driver who lacks adequate insurance coverage.

What Types of Uninsured Motorist Coverage Are Available in Florida?

In Florida, understanding the types of uninsured motorist coverage available is crucial for drivers seeking comprehensive protection. This type of coverage bridges the financial gap, ensuring that victims are not left bearing the financial burden of an accident. Here are the differences between the two coverages below:

  • Uninsured Motorist (UM) Coverage: This coverage kicks in when you’re involved in an accident with a driver who has no auto insurance. It helps cover medical expenses, lost wages, and other damages. This coverage also kicks in if the other driver flees the scene of the accident prior to you obtaining their information. Additionally, if you are hit as a pedestrian or a cyclist, and the other driver does not have insurance or flees the scene of the accident, this coverage will kick in and compensate you for your damages.
  • Underinsured Motorist (UIM) Coverage: UIM coverage is essential when the at-fault driver’s insurance is insufficient to cover all the damages. It fills the gap between the at-fault driver’s liability limits and the total cost of your damages. A good example is if you sustained severe injuries in a collision and the at fault driver has a small insurance policy that will not cover your medical expenses and pain and suffering. In a scenario such as this, you would be entitled to compensation from both the other driver’s insurance policy, as well as your own.

Both UM and UIM coverages serve as vital components of a robust auto insurance plan in Florida. They provide an essential safety net, safeguarding drivers from the financial strains caused by accidents involving uninsured or underinsured motorists. It’s important for Florida drivers to assess their needs and include these coverages in their policies to ensure they are adequately protected on the road.

What Are Florida’s Minimum Insurance Requirements and How Does UM Coverage Help?

Florida law requires drivers to carry a minimum of $10,000.00 of Personal Injury Protection (PIP) per person and $10,000.00 of Property Damage Liability (PDL) per accident. However, Florida doesn’t mandate uninsured motorist coverage. This gap in the law highlights the importance of UM coverage for comprehensive protection, and provides the following benefits:

  • Protecting Your Finances: UM coverage safeguards your finances from the high costs of medical bills, vehicle repairs, and other expenses that can arise from an accident with an uninsured driver.
  • Coverage for Hit-and-Run Incidents: In the case of hit-and-run accidents, where the at-fault driver is unidentifiable, UM coverage becomes a lifesaver, providing you with much-needed financial support.
  • Peace of Mind: Knowing you’re covered, regardless of the insurance status of other drivers, offers peace of mind while navigating Florida’s roads.

While Florida’s minimum insurance requirements provide a basic level of protection, adding UM coverage to your policy offers enhanced financial security and peace of mind. This coverage ensures that you’re prepared for a broader range of scenarios on the road, significantly reducing the financial and emotional stress in the event of an accident with an uninsured or underinsured driver.

How Do You Choose the Right UM Coverage for You in Florida?

Choosing the right UM coverage in Florida requires careful consideration. By thoughtfully assessing these factors below, you can select a UM policy that suits your needs best and provides adequate protection while on the road:

  • Evaluating Your Needs: Consider your personal circumstances, including your driving habits and the areas you frequent, to determine the level of coverage that’s right for you.
  • Policy Limits: Your UM coverage limits should align with your liability coverage limits to ensure balanced protection.

Selecting the appropriate UM coverage in Florida is a personalized process that involves considering your unique lifestyle and driving risks. With the right coverage, you can drive with confidence, knowing you’re well-protected against the financial implications of accidents involving uninsured or underinsured motorists.

Speak with Your Insurance Provider

Uninsured motorist coverage is an essential component of a comprehensive auto insurance plan in Florida. It provides a safety net against the financial repercussions of accidents with uninsured or underinsured drivers. By understanding and choosing the right UM coverage, you can drive with confidence, knowing you’re well-protected.

Seek advice from an insurance professional to understand the nuances of UM coverage and to find a policy that best suits your needs.

Get Legal Assistance If You’ve Been Injured Today

If you’ve been in an accident and were injured due to the negligence of the other driver, get legal help by contacting RTRLAW today for a free case review. Call us toll free at 1-833-HIRE-RTR (1-833-447-3787).