Uninsured Motorist Coverage: What you need to know!

In a state where 14% of motorists, or about 1 in 7 drivers were uninsured or underinsured, according to a 2023 study by the Insurance Research Council (IRC)*.  This means there’s a 14% chance that they driver of the vehicle you get into an accident with, won’t have the liability insurance to cover your additional expenses when your PIP (Personal Injury Protection) coverage runs out.  The minimum car insurance required to drive legally varies by state. For Florida, the minimum coverage is $10,000 for PIP.  While $10,000 may seem high, an ER trip or hospital stay can quickly result in thousands in medical debt.  Uninsured motorist coverage helps pay for the additional expenses such as medical bills, lost income, property damage, and pain and suffering.

If you are in an accident with an underinsured driver, you may be on the hook for out-of-pocket expenses. This is why uninsured motorist coverage (UM) is so important. It protects you and your family in the event of an accident with an uninsured or underinsured driver. It also protects you in the event the person who hits you flees the scene and you are unable to get their contact information.  Uninsured motorist coverage is a separate insurance policy that insurance providers offer motorists in Florida.  This policy lets drivers protect themselves in the event they get into an accident with an underinsured or uninsured driver.

Our biggest piece of advice to any driver is to purchase UM coverage. Uninsured motorist coverage is not mandatory in Florida, but provides you an extra layer of protection if the other driver does not have insurance coverage.  While it may be an additional monthly cost, it could potentially save you thousands in the event of an accident.

If you have been in an accident and another driver without insurance is at fault.  You may have injuries and financial loses that PIP wont cover.  One of our attorneys, can help review your uninsured motorist coverage policy and evaluate your case to determine if you are entitled to compensation.  To learn more about uninsured motorist coverage or to speak with someone for about your case, contact Fonvielle Lewis Messer & McConnaughhay.

https://www.iii.org/fact-statistic/facts-statistics-uninsured-motorists