You’re driving home, following the rules of the road, when suddenly—another car slams into yours. The impact is jarring, but after gathering yourself, you step out to exchange information. The other driver looks uneasy. Then they say something that changes everything: “I don’t have insurance.”
Now, you’re left wondering—who is going to pay for the medical bills, lost wages, and car repairs? If the at-fault driver has no insurance, will you be forced to cover the costs on your own?
This is the reality many Florida drivers face. The state has one of the highest rates of uninsured motorists, meaning the risk of encountering an uninsured or underinsured driver is higher than most people expect. Without uninsured motorist coverage, you could be left covering thousands of dollars in expenses for an accident that wasn’t your fault.
What is Uninsured Motorist Coverage?
Uninsured motorist coverage (UM coverage Florida) is an add-on to your car insurance policy that protects you if you’re hit by a driver who doesn’t have insurance or doesn’t have enough coverage to pay for your damages.
Unlike other states, Florida car insurance laws do not require drivers to carry bodily injury coverage. This means that if another driver causes an accident and doesn’t have insurance, there may be no money available to cover your injuries.
Many people assume that Personal Injury Protection (PIP) will cover everything, but PIP only pays a portion of your medical expenses. It does not cover lost wages beyond a certain limit, and it does not compensate for pain and suffering.
Without uninsured motorist coverage, you may find yourself stuck paying medical bills and other expenses that should have been covered by the at-fault driver’s insurance.
Why Uninsured Motorist Coverage is Essential in Florida
Florida is one of the worst states in the country for uninsured drivers. Many people on the road either carry the bare minimum insurance or no insurance at all.
The reason? Florida law only requires drivers to have Personal Injury Protection (PIP) and Property Damage Liability (PDL). Neither of these covers injuries you suffer due to another driver’s negligence.
This means that if an uninsured or underinsured driver causes an accident, you could be left paying for:
- Emergency room visits
- Surgeries and medical treatments
- Lost income if you can’t work
- Long-term rehabilitation and therapy
To make matters worse, hit-and-run accidents are common in Florida. If a driver fleeing the scene damages your car or injures you, hit-and-run insurance included in uninsured motorist coverage can protect you.
Without uninsured motorist coverage, the financial burden of an accident could fall entirely on you, even when the crash was not your fault.
See how personal insurance can help protect you.
What Does Uninsured Motorist Coverage Pay For?
If an uninsured or underinsured driver causes an accident, UM coverage can help pay for a wide range of expenses. This includes medical bills, lost wages, and even emotional distress caused by serious injuries.
Medical Expenses
Medical bills after a car accident can be overwhelming. Hospital stays, surgeries, rehabilitation, and doctor visits add up quickly.
PIP only covers a portion of these expenses, and health insurance may not cover everything. Uninsured motorist coverage ensures you don’t have to pay thousands of dollars out of pocket.
Lost Wages
If your injuries keep you from working, you may face a loss of income while you recover. This can be devastating, especially if you have monthly bills, rent, or a mortgage to pay.
UM coverage helps replace your lost wages, allowing you to focus on healing instead of worrying about how to pay your expenses.
Pain and Suffering
Unlike PIP, uninsured motorist coverage compensates you for pain, suffering, and emotional distress caused by the accident.
Severe injuries can lead to lifelong complications, affecting your ability to work and enjoy life. Having the right coverage ensures you receive compensation for the long-term impact of an accident.
Learn how to file a claim after an accident.
How Much Uninsured Motorist Coverage Should You Have?
Many people ask, “How much uninsured motorist coverage should I have?” The answer depends on how much financial risk you’re willing to take.
Medical care is expensive, and long-term injuries can cost tens of thousands of dollars. If you only carry minimum coverage, you may not have enough protection when you need it most.
When deciding on coverage limits, think about:
- Your health insurance coverage – If you have high-deductible health insurance, UM coverage can help pay medical bills.
- Your job and income – If you rely on your paycheck to cover expenses, having UM coverage ensures you’re financially protected if an injury prevents you from working.
- Legal protection – If the at-fault driver doesn’t have enough insurance, you might have to sue them to recover damages. UM coverage helps avoid the legal hassle.
Many drivers choose coverage limits that match their liability insurance vs uninsured motorist coverage to ensure full protection.
Uninsured Motorist Coverage vs. Collision Coverage
Many people confuse uninsured motorist coverage with collision coverage, but they cover completely different situations.
- Uninsured Motorist Coverage – Pays for your medical bills, lost wages, and pain and suffering when an uninsured driver causes an accident.
- Collision Coverage – Pays for repairs to your car, regardless of who caused the accident.
Both are important, but one does not replace the other. If you’re concerned about medical bills and financial losses, uninsured motorist coverage is essential.
Filing a Claim After an Accident with an Uninsured Driver
If you get into an accident and the at-fault driver doesn’t have insurance, take action immediately to protect yourself.
- Call 911 – A police report will document the accident and help with your claim.
- Gather Evidence – Take pictures, collect witness statements, and write down details.
- Notify Your Insurance Provider – Report the accident to your insurance company as soon as possible.
- Work With an Adjuster – Provide any required documents and follow up on your claim.
Having hit-and-run insurance included in your policy helps if the at-fault driver flees the scene without providing information.
FAQs
Do I Need Uninsured Motorist Coverage in Florida?
Yes. Florida does not require all drivers to carry bodily injury coverage, so many drivers have no way to pay for damages they cause.
What Happens If I Get Hit by an Uninsured Driver in Florida?
Without UM coverage, you may have to pay for medical bills, lost wages, and other damages out of pocket.
Is UM Coverage Required in Florida?
No, but it’s highly recommended due to the high number of uninsured drivers on the road.
Protect Yourself with the Right Coverage
Florida drivers face unique risks. Uninsured drivers, hit-and-run accidents, and underinsured motorists make it more important than ever to have the right protection.
Without uninsured motorist coverage, you could be left paying for injuries and damages that should have been covered by the at-fault driver.
Make sure you’re protected before an accident happens. Explore personal coverage options with ThompsonBaker to find the right plan for your needs.
