UM COVERAGE
Uninsured Motorist (UM) coverage in Florida is an important aspect of auto insurance that provides protection to policyholders in case they are involved in an accident with a driver who is either uninsured or underinsured. Despite laws requiring drivers to have auto insurance, some drivers on the road do not carry any insurance, or they may not have sufficient coverage to pay for the damages and injuries they cause in an accident. Here’s some basic information about UM coverage in Florida:
Purpose of UM Coverage
UM coverage is designed to pay for your medical expenses, lost wages, and other damages if you are hit by an uninsured or underinsured driver and they are at fault. This coverage applies to you, your family members, and any passengers in your vehicle, providing a safety net in such unfortunate scenarios.
Coverage Options
In Florida, UM coverage is offered in two forms:
- Uninsured Motorist Bodily Injury (UMBI): This covers medical expenses, lost wages, and pain and suffering caused by an uninsured or underinsured driver. UMBI coverage does not cover property damage.
- Stacked vs. Non-Stacked: Florida allows policyholders to choose between stacked and non-stacked UM coverage. Stacked coverage increases your UM limits based on the number of vehicles you insure. For example, if you have two cars and each has $25,000 in UM coverage, you can combine (or “stack”) these for a total of $50,000 in coverage. Non-stacked coverage, on the other hand, limits your UM coverage to the limits of a single policy, regardless of how many vehicles you insure.
Legal Requirements
While Florida law requires drivers to carry Personal Injury Protection (PIP) and Property Damage Liability (PDL) coverage, UM coverage is optional. However, insurance companies are required by law to offer UM coverage as part of their auto insurance policies. If a policyholder decides not to purchase UM coverage, this refusal must be made in writing.
Importance of UM Coverage
Given the high number of uninsured drivers in Florida, UM coverage provides critical financial protection. It ensures that you and your passengers can receive compensation for injuries and losses, even when the at-fault driver lacks sufficient insurance. Considering the potential cost of medical treatment and rehabilitation for serious injuries, UM coverage can be a valuable addition to your auto insurance policy.
Recommendations
While not mandatory, it’s strongly recommended to consider adding UM coverage to your auto insurance policy in Florida, especially if you frequently drive or have significant exposure to traffic accidents. Choosing the right coverage limits and understanding the difference between stacked and non-stacked options can maximize your protection in the event of an accident with an uninsured or underinsured driver.
UM coverage is an important consideration for Florida drivers seeking comprehensive protection beyond the minimum insurance requirements. It ensures peace of mind knowing that you have coverage in place to help cover unexpected costs arising from an accident with an uninsured or inadequately insured driver.
