Florida drivers often assume the other driver’s insurance will pay after a crash. That’s not always true. Some drivers carry no bodily injury coverage at all, and others carry very little. That’s where uninsured motorist coverage in Florida comes in.
What Uninsured Motorist Coverage Does
Uninsured motorist coverage in Florida is often called UM for short. It steps in when the driver at fault can’t pay for your injuries. Maybe that driver had no bodily injury coverage. Maybe the limits were too low for your losses. Or the insurance company went under. Many UM policies also cover hit-and-run crashes when the other driver is never found.
UM pays on top of your PIP benefits. PIP covers part of your medical bills and lost income no matter who was at fault. But it has a low limit, and it doesn’t cover pain and suffering. UM can help fill that gap when your injury is serious enough to meet Florida’s threshold.
Florida’s Rules on Buying UM Coverage
A Florida auto policy with bodily injury liability coverage must also include UM. The named insured can turn it down, but only in writing. That rejection has to be made on a state-approved form with a bold warning at the top. Under section 627.727, Florida Statutes, UM limits match bodily injury limits. The policyholder can pick lower limits in writing.
If you signed a rejection form years ago, that choice can carry over when your policy renews. Many drivers only learn they turned UM down after a crash.
Stacked vs. Non-Stacked UM Coverage in Florida
Florida insurers can offer two kinds of UM:
- Stacked coverage lets you add up the UM limits for each car on your policy.
- Non-stacked coverage limits you to the coverage on one car. It usually costs less.
If you have more than one car, ask your agent which type you have.
Steps to Take After a Crash With an Uninsured Driver
If the other driver has little or no insurance, call the police. Then tell your own insurer about the crash right away. Get medical care within 14 days, or you may lose access to PIP benefits. Save each bill, report, and receipt. On a UM claim, your own insurer is the one paying. Its goals may not match yours. Be careful about giving a recorded statement.
A quick look at the declarations page shows whether you carry uninsured motorist coverage in Florida, and how much.
This post was written by a professional at All Accident Solutions. All Accident Solutions is a full-service personal injury law firm in Fort Myers, FL, handling cases for clients who need a car accident lawyer in Fort Myers, a personal injury attorney in Cape Coral, a car accident attorney in Naples, a personal injury lawyer in Bonita Springs, a car accident lawyer in Port Charlotte, a personal injury attorney in North Port, as well as a truck accident lawyer, Uber accident lawyer, pedestrian accident lawyer, or auto accident lawyer. The firm also helps injured clients connect with doctors and other medical providers for care when needed. As one of the personal injury law firms near you, we serve clients throughout Fort Myers, Bonita Springs, Cape Coral, Lehigh Acres, Port Charlotte, Naples, North Port, and Southwest Florida. Our experienced team provides clear guidance and dependable support, making us a local choice for personal injury law near you, focused on communication, responsiveness, and care.
