Understanding Uninsured Motorist Coverage
No matter how carefully you drive, you cannot control the actions of those around you on the road. While it is important to do your part by remaining alert behind the wheel and refraining from distracted driving, others are not always so cautious — and if involved in a car crash with another driver that is underinsured or has no insurance coverage at all, it can make the ordeal that much more stressful. However, here’s how uninsured motorist coverage can help relieve this burden.
What is Uninsured Motorist Coverage?
Uninsured motorist (UM) coverage is an optional provision that you can add to your auto insurance policy. UM coverage offers protection for you, your relatives that live with you, and car occupants should you be injured in a crash involving an uninsured or underinsured motorist.
Although you are not required to purchase UM coverage in Florida, it’s something you should consider. Read on to learn the benefits.
UM Coverage Options
There are two types of UM coverage — non-stacked and stacked. Here are the differences:
Non-stacked UM Coverage
- Less expensive than stacked coverage
- Coverage limits for multiple vehicles are not combined.
- Coverage shown on your policy is the maximum collectible allowed.
Stacked UM Coverage
- Provides higher coverage limits than non-stacked
- Covers you in cars not listed on your policy (a friend’s car, company car, etc.)
- It offers coverage when riding on a motorcycle.
- The limit on your policy is multiplied based on the number of vehicles you insure.
- More costly than non-stacked UM coverage
Why get UM/UIM coverage?
According to a 2021 report from the Insurance Research Council (IRC), 1 in 8 motorists does not carry auto insurance. IRC stats also show that 20.4% of motorists in Florida are either underinsured or do not have coverage at all — an alarming statistic. With that said, if you’re injured in a car crash and you have UM coverage, you’ll be spared some of the out-of-pocket expenses for the following should you need it:
- Medical bills
- Lost wages/disability
- Long-term nursing care
- Medical devices (wheelchairs, crutches, etc.)
- Pain and suffering
- Loss of future enjoyment of life
- Wrongful death
UM coverage will also help with replacement services for things you may not be able to do due to your injury, such as hiring someone to clean your house, do yard work, laundry, etc.
Related Article: Is Uninsured Motors Coverage Necessary in Florida?
Therefore, if you have been hit by another driver and left to deal with the aftermath alone, this type of situation is called a “phantom driver” in Florida. It is critical in Florida that all drivers have UM/UIM coverage for accidents such as this.
You can file a claim against your own UM /UIM coverage if you were the victim of a hit and run, allowing you to potentially recover compensation even though you are unable to file a claim against the responsible party. The coverage kicks in after your personal injury protection (PIP) coverage has been exhausted.
Learn more about PIP coverage here: How Does PIP Insurance Work in Florida?
It’s important to note that uninsured motorist coverage does not cover property damages to your own vehicle. For property damage, you would need to make a claim of the negligent driver’s property damage coverage or your own collision coverage.
Involved in an Accident with an Uninsured Motorist? We Can Help.
Without UM/UIM coverage, you could be responsible for paying for other expenses out of pocket. You should not have to face this time alone and be left to cover the costs on your own. At Rosenberg & Rosenberg, P.A. our Fort Lauderdale personal injury lawyers understand how tricky insurance companies can be and how even seemingly simple claims can be denied, delayed, or underpaid.
Whether you have UM/UIM coverage or not. We can help you discern your best option for moving forward.
Contact Rosenberg & Rosenberg, P.A. today at (888) 499-6206 to schedule a free consultation.
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