One out of every four drivers in Florida does not carry auto insurance. If one of those uninsured drivers hits you, you may not be able to recover the full amount of compensation you need for your injuries, lost wages and other damages.
In Florida, Uninsured Motorist Coverage is an optional coverage you can purchase on your own auto insurance policy. Uninsured Motorist coverage is for you and your relatives who live with you, and people who occupy your car.
UM pays you for injuries caused by an auto accident where the at-fault driver is uninsured (has no insurance) or under-insured driver (not enough insurance). UM coverage can be used where you or your family members or driver of your car did not cause the auto accident.
Florida is a no-fault insurance state. This means that insurance companies cover their own policyholders in minor accidents. Drivers must purchase personal injury protection (PIP) insurance, which covers up to $10,000 of medical bills and related expenses.
Yet, what happens if you are seriously injured in a car accident? To recover more than $10,000, you need to bring a claim against the other driver.
How Much UM/UIM Coverage Should You Purchase?
You must purchase bodily-injury liability coverage in order to purchase uninsured/underinsured motorist coverage. The amount of UM/UIM you are able to purchase depends entirely on the amount of bodily injury coverage you have – if you purchase $30,000 in bodily injury coverage, you may only purchase up to $30,000 in UIM/UM coverage.
