120+ more)
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15 years at the Boston Globe
5+ years covering insurance industry
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Licensed property and casualty insurance agent
10+ years editing experience
NPN: 20461358
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25 years teaching risk management and insurance course
Former commercial lines underwriter
Updated
Nearly 1 in 5 Florida drivers lacks auto insurance, leaving insured motorists vulnerable if they’re involved in a car accident with someone who can’t pay for damages.[1]
If you have uninsured motorist (UM) coverage, your own insurance company may help cover medical bills, lost wages, and other costs after an accident caused by an uninsured driver. Without UM coverage, you’d have to rely on your own health insurance, sue the at-fault driver, or pay some expenses out of pocket.
Here’s what else you need to know about uninsured motorist coverage in Florida.
Florida insurers must include uninsured motorist coverage in every auto policy, but drivers can reject it in writing.[2]
UM coverage can help pay for injuries uninsured or underinsured drivers cause, as well as some hit-and-run accidents.
Florida’s high uninsured-driver rate makes UM coverage a valuable optional protection for many drivers.
Florida doesn’t require drivers to purchase uninsured motorist coverage.[3] That said, state law requires insurance companies to include UM coverage when you buy an auto insurance policy. If you don’t want the coverage, you must reject it in writing.
Florida’s minimum auto insurance requirements are relatively limited. Because Florida is a no-fault state, drivers must carry personal injury protection (PIP) and property damage liability coverage.
Although UM coverage is optional, it can be a smart addition for policyholders seeking financial protection against uninsured or underinsured drivers.
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Uninsured motorist coverage is an optional auto insurance feature that helps pay for injuries and related expenses when an at-fault driver has no insurance or doesn’t have enough coverage to fully compensate you.
In Florida, UM coverage generally steps into the shoes of the at-fault driver’s missing liability insurance. If you’re injured in an auto accident caused by an uninsured driver, your own insurance company may pay covered damages up to your policy limits.
Coverage may apply to you, certain family members living in your household, and passengers in your vehicle, depending on your insurance policy.
Uninsured motorist coverage is optional. But Florida law requires insurance companies to include UM coverage in every policy they write. If you don’t want it, you’ll need to sign a written rejection form. Whether you carry liability-only insurance or a policy that includes collision and comprehensive coverage, you can add uninsured motorist coverage.
Uninsured motorist coverage applies when the at-fault driver has no insurance. Underinsured motorist (UIM) coverage applies when the at-fault driver’s liability insurance limits are too low to cover your injuries and damages fully.
Many insurers combine UM and UIM coverage into a single endorsement, often called UM/UIM coverage. Be sure to read your policy thoroughly to ensure you have coverage in both instances.
Uninsured motorist coverage primarily protects people rather than vehicles, helping cover injury-related costs, depending on the policy and circumstances. Coverage includes:
Bodily injury coverage: This helps pay for medical expenses, rehabilitation costs, lost wages, pain and suffering, and other injury-related damages resulting from an accident caused by an uninsured or underinsured driver. Florida law only requires insurers to include UM coverage for bodily injuries.
Property damage coverage: This coverage may help pay for vehicle repairs and other property damage caused by an uninsured motorist. It could be especially helpful if you lack collision coverage.
UM coverage may also apply in certain hit-and-run accidents if you can demonstrate that another motorist caused the crash. Because UM claims generally require proof that another driver was at fault, documenting the accident and obtaining a police report can be especially important.
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If you’re involved in an accident with an uninsured driver, follow these steps to file a claim:
Call law enforcement and report the accident. Obtain a police report whenever possible.
Gather evidence. Take photos and document injuries and vehicle damage.
Notify your insurance company promptly. Most policies require timely notice of a claim.
Provide supporting documentation. Submit medical records, repair estimates, wage-loss documentation, and other evidence of damages.
Cooperate with the insurer’s investigation. Your insurance company will evaluate fault, damages, and policy coverage.
Review any settlement offer carefully. Think about consulting an attorney if your injuries are severe or the claim becomes disputed.
UM claims can sometimes be more complex than standard claims because your insurer may investigate whether the at-fault driver was truly uninsured and whether your injuries and damages qualify for coverage under the policy. That extra review can make documentation and prompt reporting especially important.
Uninsured motorist coverage can be confusing, especially in a no-fault state like Florida. Here are clear answers to common questions.
Any Florida driver could benefit from UM coverage, but it’s especially valuable for people seeking protection against uninsured drivers and coverage for major medical expenses.
Many insurance professionals recommend purchasing UM limits that match your bodily injury liability limits. Higher limits can provide greater protection against significant medical bills and other damages.
No. Florida doesn’t require drivers to purchase uninsured or underinsured motorist coverage. That said, insurers must include it when issuing an auto insurance policy, and drivers must reject it in writing if they don’t want the coverage.
The main advantage is financial protection if an uninsured or underinsured driver causes an accident. The main disadvantage is the added cost.
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15 years at the Boston Globe
5+ years covering insurance industry
Licensed property and casualty insurance agent
10+ years editing experience
NPN: 20461358
Featured in
25 years teaching risk management and insurance course
Former commercial lines underwriter
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