Do I really need uninsured motorist coverage in Florida?
Asked by: Miss Charlotte Waelchi | Last update: May 7, 2025Score: 4.8/5 (9 votes)
Do I need uninsured motorist coverage in Florida if I have good health insurance?
Since it is optional, Florida law does not require you to purchase UM or UIM. However, you stand to gain more if you have it. Even though you may have other types of car and health insurance, you'll pay significantly more out-of-pocket if you're injured in a car accident with an uninsured driver.
What is the disadvantage of uninsured motorist coverage?
Some cons to consider include: Additional cost: Adding uninsured motorist coverage to your policy typically increases your insurance premium, which can be financially burdensome. It is important to weigh the benefits against the added cost and your budget.
What happens if an uninsured motorist hits you in Florida?
Getting in an accident with an uninsured driver in Florida when they're at fault adds another level of stress and frustration. What happens if someone hits you without insurance in Florida? In most cases, your insurance will cover an accident with an uninsured motorist in Florida.
Can I reject uninsured motorist coverage in Florida?
Florida law requires that automobile policies include Uninsured Motorist coverage at limits equal to the Bodily Injury Liability Limits (Split Limits) or Combined Single Limit for Liability Coverage in your policy unless you select lower limits offered by the company, or reject Uninsured Motorist coverage entirely.
Do I Really Need Uninsured Motorist Coverage in Florida?
What happens if you don t have uninsured motorist coverage in Florida?
Uninsured Motorist (UM) Coverage in Florida
Opting out could result in serious financial consequences if you get into an accident with an uninsured driver or an underinsured driver. Damages that uninsured motorist policies cover include: Property damages. Medical expenses, both present and future.
What is the truth about underinsured motorist coverage?
Underinsured motorist coverage, which is usually offered alongside uninsured motorist coverage, protects you if you're hit by a driver who doesn't have enough coverage to pay for the damages or injuries they caused. Both coverages are mandatory in many states and highly recommended for all drivers.
Is it worth suing an uninsured motorist?
It may be better to file a claim with your own insurance company if you have uninsured motorist coverage. Unless the at-fault driver is stable financially or has well-off parents or guardians and can afford to cover your damages in full, you may want to avoid the unnecessary trouble of suing.
Why is uninsured motorist coverage so expensive in Florida?
Uninsured Drivers
With 20.4% of Florida drivers uninsured, the burden falls on insured drivers to cover the costs. This scenario leads to higher premiums for everyone, as insurance companies need to offset the risk of covering accidents involving uninsured drivers.
Will my insurance go up if an uninsured motorist hits me?
However, under California's proposition 103, insurance companies are not allowed to raise rates or drop a person because they made an uninsured motorist claim.
Do you want uninsured motorist?
California law does not require you to carry uninsured motorist (UM) or underinsured motorist (UIM) coverage—so, legally, you don't need either one. However, UM/UIM is an important and commonsense coverage to carry.
What is the best amount of uninsured motorist coverage?
I always recommend buying Uninsured Motorist coverage up to an equal amount with your third-party liability coverage, if you can afford it. This means, if you have $100,000 in liability coverage, you should buy $100,000 in Uninsured Motorist coverage.
Which is better collision or uninsured motorist?
Deductible Comparison: UMPD generally has a lower deductible compared to collision coverage. This can be beneficial in reducing immediate out-of-pocket costs. Broader Coverage: UMPD can cover not just your vehicle but also other property, such as a fence or a garage, if damaged by an uninsured driver.
Is it OK to not have uninsured motorist coverage?
Like UMC coverage, UIM coverage is a mandatory part of your car insurance policy in California unless you sign a written waiver. It is highly recommended since the minimum automobile insurance required in California is often too low to cover damages for all but minor fender benders.
How much uninsured motorist coverage should you have in Florida?
Florida's No-Fault Law requires motor vehicles registered in Florida be insured with at least $10,000 in personal injury protection (PIP) and $10,000 property damage liability (PDL) coverage throughout the motor vehicle registration period.
Does uninsured motorist claim raise my rates in Florida?
The short answer is no, Florida law prohibits the insurance company for raising your rates. In Florida, insurance companies are prohibited from raising your rates for filing an uninsured or underinsured (UM) claim.
What happens if I reject uninsured motorist coverage in Florida?
In recent years, the average UM bodily injury claim was over $32,000. If you choose to reject UM coverage, you will be stuck paying the difference out of your own pocket.
Do I need uninsured motorist coverage in Florida if I have Medicare?
Yes, you may need uninsured motorist coverage in Florida even if you have Medicare or other health insurance policies. Here's why: Health insurance typically pays only for medical bills. UM coverage, on the other hand, includes non-medical expenses such as your lost income, pain and suffering, and disability needs.
Do I need uninsured motorist coverage in Florida if I have PIP?
Florida is notorious for having many uninsured motorists on the road. Therefore, all drivers in Florida need to carry uninsured motorist (UM) coverage to supplement their PIP benefits. Our car accident attorneys at Mickey Keenan Law discuss the importance of UM coverage and how it works in Florida.
Does an uninsured motorist claim go against your insurance?
California Law Forbids Insurers to Raise Rates
This makes California one of only two states in the country which has legislation on the books preventing insurance companies from arbitrarily raising rates after a consumer files an uninsured motorist claim following a no-fault accident.
Can you sue an uninsured driver in Florida?
Suing an uninsured or underinsured motorist in Florida
In some circumstances, filing a lawsuit to recover damages from an auto accident is a viable option. If you suffer serious injuries and require extensive medical care, it may be worth the effort to sue in civil court.
How do insurance companies go after uninsured drivers?
If the at-fault party is uninsured, the insurer may pursue subrogation against the driver personally.
Do I have to pay the deductible for an uninsured motorist?
What is an uninsured motorist deductible? If an uninsured driver damages your vehicle and you carry uninsured motorist property damage (UMPD) coverage on your auto policy, your uninsured motorist coverage deductible is the amount of money you pay out of your own pocket for the claim on your damaged car.
What are the advantages of uninsured motorists coverage in meeting the problem of uninsured drivers?
Uninsured motorist coverage pays for all medical expenses tied to injuries suffered in a crash with an uninsured or hit-and-run driver. This includes hospital bills, ambulatory transport, prescriptions, physical therapy, and more up to policy limits. Medical costs per person often exceed $100,000 for serious accidents.
How much underinsured motorist bodily injury do I need?
California Minimum Liability Information
While California used to only require that people carry $15,000 worth of liability insurance, I have good news! As of January 1, 2025, the new minimums are: $30,000 for bodily injury or death per person. $60,000 for bodily injury or death per accident.