Why you Need Uninsured Motorist Coverage in Florida

The expression, “an ounce of prevention is worth a pound of cure”, seems like it was written in reference to car insurance.

Florida law requires all motorists to carry the minimum automobile insurance coverage which includes $10,000 for Personal Injury Protection (PIP) and another $10,000 for property damage. If you have ever been in an automobile accident you know this is simply insufficient and could be a nightmare in the event of a serious accident.  

Given these low thresholds you must protect yourself by ensuring you carry uninsured (UM) or underinsured motorist (UIM) coverage on your policy. Unfortunately, insurance companies are not motivated to push this type of coverage in their sales pitches and often charge higher premiums for this coverage. Despite the cost, not carrying this coverage in Florida could be a big mistake.  

Uninsured motorist coverage can protect you from damages due to another driver who does not have automobile insurance, hit and runs and in cases with catastrophic damages. 

No Insurance – if the other motorist does not have insurance or their insurance policy has lapsed, your uninsured motorist coverage will step in to cover your losses. 

Phantom Vehicles/ Hit and Runs– if you have been hit by a motorist who leaves the scene of the accident and you are unable to locate their insurance, your uninsured motorist coverage will step in to cover your losses. 

Catastrophic Injuries – if you have suffered catastrophic injuries your uninsured motorist coverage may cover the gap in coverage between the other motorist's bodily injury coverage and the amount of your damages, up to your uninsured motorist coverage amount. 

Finally, at each renewal period be sure to double check that your uninsured motorist coverage is still active on your policy.