Having Uninsured Motorist Converge on your auto policy in Florida is vital to ensuring that you are financially protected in the event of an accident. Even if someone else caused the accident, you may not be adequately covered if you do not have Uninsured Motorist Coverage.
Many people assume that if they are involved in an accident where someone else is at fault, the other driver is responsible for paying for all of the medical expenses and injuries that they cause. This is an error that many people find out the hard way after they are injured in an auto accident.
According to the Insurance Information Institute, in a 2021 study, approximately 20.4% of drivers in Florida have no auto insurance whatsoever. That means that “1 in 5 drivers on Florida roads do not have any auto insurance.” This ranks Florida at number six for uninsured drivers in the United States.
Florida is one of the most expensive states for auto insurance premiums in the United States. Simply put, many people cannot afford to pay for auto insurance, so they elect not to get it or get the bare minimum coverage.
If you’ve been in an accident in Bonita Springs, Naples, or Fort Myers, please call Pittman Law Firm, P.L. at (239) 603-6913 or contact us online to discuss your options for pursuing compensation.
Two Types of Coverage Protecting Against Uninsured or Underinsured Motorists
In this section, we'll delve into the two crucial types of coverage that safeguard you against the unexpected when you're on the road: uninsured motorist coverage and underinsured motorist coverage. These insurance components serve as a safety net, offering protection when you're involved in an accident with a driver without insurance or insufficient coverage to compensate for the damages and injuries you may incur.
Uninsured Motorist Coverage
Uninsured Motorist Coverage, or “UM,” covers injuries and damages you sustain in an auto accident when you are struck by a driver without insurance. It is important to note that Bodily Injury Liability Insurance, which covers you if you are injured due to another driver's negligence, is not mandatory in Florida. It is an optional coverage. This means that anyone who elects not to carry Bodily Injury Liability Coverage in Florida will not have the insurance coverage needed to pay for any medical bills or injuries that you sustain in an accident that they caused.
Underinsured Motorist Coverage
The second type of coverage is called Underinsured Motorist Coverage, or “UIM.” This coverage protects you if you are hit by a driver who does have bodily injury insurance but not enough coverage to fully cover your medical expenses and injuries sustained in an accident. If this is the case, then your insurance company steps in and pays the rest of your claim under your Underinsurance Motorist Coverage.
Uninsured and Underinsured Motorist Coverage in Florida
Some states require two separate policies: one policy called Uninsured Motorist and another called Underinsured Motorist Coverage. Florida combines these policies into one that covers Uninsured and Underinsured claims. This means that if you have Uninsured Motorist Coverage on your Florida auto policy, it will cover you if you are struck by a vehicle with no Bodily Insurance Liability coverage or not enough Bodily Injury Coverage to cover your claim fully.
Having Uninsured Motorist coverage on your policy is one way that you can fully protect yourself from financial ruin should you be struck and injured by a negligent driver. Florida had the third most car accidents of any state in America in 2020. The chances of being involved in an accident in Florida are relatively high. You can see if you have this important coverage by looking at your auto insurance policy or calling your insurance agent.
At Pittman Law Firm, P.L., we handle complex personal injury cases in Bonita Springs, Naples, and Fort Myers. Please contact us at (239) 603-6913 about your claim.
**Disclaimer: This is not legal advice or to be inferred as legal representation.**