When shopping for car insurance in Florida, you might wonder if adding uninsured/underinsured motorist (UM/UIM) coverage is worth the extra cost. UM/UIM coverage helps protect you financially if you’re hit by a driver who either doesn’t have insurance at all or enough insurance to cover your losses. Since Florida has a high rate of uninsured drivers, knowing the pros and cons of UM/UIM coverage is important.
Here’s a simple guide to help you decide if uninsured/underinsured motorist coverage is the right choice for you.
What Is Uninsured/Underinsured Motorist Coverage?
Uninsured/underinsured motorist coverage protects you if you’re injured in a crash with a driver who has no insurance. It also covers hit-and-run accidents if the other driver flees and can’t be found.
In Florida, UM/UIM coverage isn’t required by law, but insurance companies must offer it when you buy car insurance. You can choose to accept or reject it, depending on your needs.
Pros of Uninsured/Underinsured Motorist Coverage in Florida
Florida is a “no-fault” state for car accidents, and drivers must purchase personal injury protection (PIP) coverage. However, PIP often isn’t enough to cover your losses in a serious crash, and drivers in Florida aren’t required to carry liability insurance. That means that purchasing UM/UIM coverage may be a good idea.
Here are some of the benefits:
Financial Protection
The biggest advantage of UM/UIM coverage is financial protection. If you’re hurt by an uninsured/underinsured driver, you can rely on your UM/UIM coverage to pay medical bills, lost wages, and pain and suffering. Without UM/UIM coverage, you’d have to pay these costs yourself, which can add up quickly after a serious accident.
High Rate of Uninsured/Underinsured Drivers
Florida has a high number of drivers who don’t have liability insurance, which is the insurance that would compensate you if you file a claim against them. If you get into a crash with one of these drivers, they probably can’t afford to pay for your injuries. UM/UIM coverage ensures you have a way to cover your costs, even if the at-fault driver has no insurance or money.
Covers More Than Just Medical Bills
UM/UIM coverage pays for many types of losses, including:
- Medical bills (hospital visits, therapy, medication)
- Lost wages if you miss work because of your injuries
- Pain and suffering damages from severe injuries
- Long-term care or rehabilitation expenses
PIP insurance only covers some of these losses, and it might not even cover all of them.
Peace of Mind
Knowing you’re protected even when others aren’t responsible can give you peace of mind. You won’t have to worry about how you’ll handle medical bills or lost income after an accident.
Cons of Uninsured/Underinsured Motorist Coverage in Florida
There are some potential drawbacks (or at least things to consider) when it comes to buying uninsured/underinsured motorist coverage in Florida, which include:
Extra Cost on Your Policy
The biggest drawback to UM/UIM coverage is cost. Adding UM/UIM coverage will raise your insurance premiums slightly. However, many drivers find the small extra cost worth the significant protection it provides.
You Might Already Have Health Insurance
If you have good health insurance coverage, you might think UM coverage is unnecessary. However, your health insurance won’t cover lost wages, pain and suffering, or other non-medical expenses that UM coverage does.
May Not Be Necessary if You Have Strong Savings
If you have enough savings to comfortably cover major medical costs and lost wages, you might consider UM/UIM coverage less necessary. But even then, the peace of mind from knowing you’re protected might still make UM/UIM coverage worthwhile.
If you’re ever injured in a crash involving an uninsured/underinsured driver in Florida, having UM/UIM coverage can help protect you financially. A knowledgeable Florida car accident lawyer can help you navigate your insurance claim, ensuring you get the full compensation you deserve.
If you have questions or need legal help after an accident, reach out to a trusted car accident attorney today for a free consultation.
Contact the Miami Car Accident Law Firm of Zayed Law Offices Personal Injury Attorneys for Help Today
If you have hemiplegia caused by a car accident or other traumatic injury, you may be entitled to compensation from the responsible party. An experienced personal injury lawyer can help you navigate the legal process and fight for your rights at every step. Schedule a free consultation with a personal injury lawyer to discuss what they can do to help you.
For more information, please contact the experienced Joliet brain lawyers at Zayed Law Offices Personal Injury Attorneys today. We offer free consultations.
We proudly serve Cook County, Will County, Kendall County, and its surrounding areas:
Zayed Law Offices Personal Injury Attorneys – Chicago Office
10 S La Salle St STE 1230, Chicago, IL 60603
Phone:(312) 726-1616
Hours: Open 24/7
Our firm is located near you. We have an office in Chicago
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Zayed Law Offices Personal Injury Attorneys – Joliet Office
195 Springfield Ave, Joliet, IL 60435
Phone: (815) 726-1616
Our firm is located near you. We have an office in Joliet
Find us with our GeoCoordinates: 41.5254295,-88.1381011
