If you’ve been in a car accident caused by an uninsured driver in Florida, you may be wondering how you’ll cover the costs of your injuries and vehicle damage.
Uninsured motorist coverage can provide vital protection, but many drivers need help understanding what it covers and how it works.
What is Uninsured Motorist Coverage?
Uninsured motorist (UM) coverage is an optional component of your auto insurance policy in Florida. The coverage helps pay for damages if you’re hit by a driver who has no insurance or whose coverage is insufficient to pay for your total losses.
UM coverage applies to bodily injury losses you suffer, such as:
– Medical bills
– Lost wages
– Pain and suffering
– Permanent disability
If you’ve purchased this component, it can also cover damage to your vehicle under uninsured motorist property damage (UMPD) coverage.
Why is UM Coverage So Important in Florida?
Florida has one of the highest rates of uninsured drivers in the nation. An estimated 1 in 5 Florida drivers are uninsured, according to the latest data from the Insurance Research Council. That means the odds of being hit by an uninsured driver are relatively high.
If you don’t have UM coverage and are hit by an uninsured driver, you may have to pay out of pocket for your losses or pursue an often challenging legal case against the at-fault driver. With UM coverage, your insurer covers your damages up to your policy limits.
How Much UM Coverage Should You Carry?
UM coverage is relatively inexpensive in Florida. For just a few dollars more per month, you can get coverage that matches your bodily injury liability limits. For example, if you have $100,000/$300,000 in bodily injury liability coverage, adding the same amount of UM coverage may cost less than $100 more per year.
It’s advisable to get as much UM coverage as you can reasonably afford. Medical bills can easily exceed a lower policy’s limits if your injuries are severe.
What If You Need To Use Your UM Coverage?
If you need to file a UM claim after an accident with an uninsured driver, your insurer will evaluate your losses, negotiate with you, and issue payment if they determine you were not majority at-fault. The process is similar to filing with the at-fault driver’s insurer, except you’re dealing with your insurance company.
Having UM coverage gives you a backstop to fall back on when the unthinkable happens. Don’t take chances on the road – protect yourself and your loved ones from uninsured drivers by adding this affordable yet invaluable coverage.
