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, which means many drivers on the road are underinsured or uninsured. Without UM coverage, you may be stuck paying out of pocket—even if the accident wasn’t your fault.

Why is UM Coverage so Important in Florida?

Florida consistently ranks among the top states for uninsured drivers. According to recent statistics, nearly 1 in 5 drivers in Florida are uninsured.  On top of that, Florida’s no-fault system only requires Personal Injury Protection (PIP) coverage, which typically only pays up to $10,000 in medical expenses and only a portion of that if you’re not severely injured. If you’re seriously hurt, PIP won’t come close to covering hospital bills, surgery, rehabilitation, or lost wages. UM coverage can help bridge the gap and protect you when the at-fault driver can’t—or won’t—pay.

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 hit you may not have to pay a dime for your injuries.

UM coverage is one of the only ways to make sure you’re protected if the other driver isn’t.

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 UM coverage, your PIP policy may only cover a portion of your medical bills—and nothing for pain and 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 yourself.

UM Coverage Is a Must-Have in Florida

Driving in Florida comes with plenty of risks, and unfortunately, not everyone on the road carries the insurance they’re supposed to. Even if you’re a safe, responsible driver, you can still end up in a crash with someone who isn’t. In a perfect world, every driver would carry adequate insurance, and accidents would be rare. But in Florida, reality is far messier. Uninsured Motorist (UM) coverage gives you a safety net when the other driver can’t (or won’t) pay for the harm they caused. It’s one of the smartest decisions you can make when buying or renewing your auto insurance policy in Florida.

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, you- 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.