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Florida’s roads are known for their sunshine, palm trees, and bustling traffic. But amidst the beautiful scenery, there lies a harsh reality—many drivers on Florida roads are either uninsured or underinsured. This presents a significant risk for those of us who take pride in ensuring our families and vehicles are protected. At Viles & Beckman, LLC, we believe in advocating fiercely for your rights and helping you understand the importance of protecting yourself with uninsured motorist coverage (UM). This article will break down what UM coverage is, how it works in Florida, and why it’s essential for your financial security.What is Uninsured Motorist Coverage?Uninsured Motorist Coverage, often referred to as UM coverage, is designed to protect you financially if you’re involved in an accident with a driver who doesn’t have any insurance. This type of coverage ensures that if an uninsured driver causes an accident, you won’t be stuck footing the bill for medical expenses, lost wages, or property damage.In Florida, while state law requires drivers to carry Personal Injury Protection (PIP) and Property Damage Liability (PDL), it does not mandate uninsured motorist coverage. However, choosing not to add UM coverage to your policy could leave you financially vulnerable in the event of a crash involving an uninsured or underinsured driver.Types of Uninsured Motorist Coverage in FloridaThere are two main types of uninsured motorist coverage available in Florida:
- Uninsured Motorist (UM) Coverage
UM coverage comes into play when you are in an accident caused by a driver who has no auto insurance at all. It covers medical expenses, lost wages, and pain and suffering that result from the accident. Additionally, UM coverage can also protect you if the at-fault driver flees the scene of the accident (hit-and-run) before you can get their insurance information.
- Underinsured Motorist (UIM) Coverage
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This type of coverage is crucial when the at-fault driver’s insurance is insufficient to cover all of your damages. In these cases, the UIM coverage fills the gap between what the at-fault driver’s insurance covers and the total amount you are owed. For example, if your medical bills and damages exceed the at-fault driver’s insurance limits, UIM coverage will step in to cover the remaining costs.Both UM and UIM coverages work together to provide a financial safety net, ensuring that you and your family are not burdened by unexpected costs from an accident with an uninsured or underinsured driver.Why Florida Drivers Need UM CoverageFlorida ranks among the top states with the highest number of uninsured drivers on the road. According to some estimates, nearly 20% of Florida drivers are uninsured. This means that if you get into an accident, there’s a 1 in 5 chance that the other driver might not have any insurance to cover the damages.For drivers in Florida, this risk can be particularly daunting given the state’s minimal insurance requirements. Under Florida law, drivers are only required to carry $10,000 in Personal Injury Protection (PIP) and $10,000 in Property Damage Liability (PDL). This provides a very limited scope of coverage, and in many serious accidents, these amounts can be quickly exhausted. If the other driver is uninsured or underinsured, you could be left responsible for paying the difference—unless you have uninsured motorist coverage.UM coverage can help alleviate this financial burden by ensuring that your own insurance will step in to cover the costs, whether it’s for medical bills, lost wages, or pain and suffering. At Viles & Beckman, we see the impact of accidents on families every day, and we believe that UM coverage is one of the smartest decisions Florida drivers can make to protect themselves.Florida’s Minimum Insurance Requirements and How UM Coverage Fills the GapsFlorida’s minimum insurance requirements are not enough to cover most accidents, leaving drivers who only carry the legal minimum dangerously underinsured. Here’s a breakdown of Florida’s basic requirements and why UM coverage is so important:
- Personal Injury Protection (PIP): $10,000 per person. PIP covers your own medical expenses and lost wages up to the policy limit, regardless of who is at fault. However, this amount can be quickly exhausted in a severe accident.
- Property Damage Liability (PDL): $10,000 per accident. PDL covers the cost of damages to another person’s vehicle or property if you are at fault in an accident.
These minimums may seem adequate, but in reality, a single hospital visit or car repair could far exceed these limits. And when the at-fault driver is uninsured, there is no additional recourse unless you have UM coverage. UM fills the gap by covering the remaining expenses, allowing you to focus on recovery without the financial strain.How Uninsured Motorist Coverage Works in Real-Life ScenariosLet’s take a closer look at a few examples to illustrate how uninsured motorist coverage can protect you in real life.Scenario 1: Hit-and-Run AccidentImagine you are driving home from work and a car suddenly rear-ends you at a red light. The other driver speeds away before you can get their information, leaving you to deal with the damage. In this situation, your UM coverage would step in to cover your medical bills and the repair costs for your car.Scenario 2: Underinsured DriverYou’re involved in an accident where the other driver is at fault, but their insurance only covers $10,000 in damages. Unfortunately, your medical bills and car repair costs total $30,000. Your UIM coverage would cover the remaining $20,000, preventing you from having to dip into your savings or take on debt to cover the costs.Scenario 3: Pedestrian AccidentYou’re crossing the street when a car strikes you, causing serious injuries. The driver doesn’t have insurance. UM coverage can provide compensation for your medical expenses and lost wages, even though you weren’t in your vehicle at the time of the accident.Choosing the Right UM Coverage for Your NeedsSelecting the right level of UM coverage in Florida requires careful consideration of your personal circumstances and financial situation. Here are a few tips to help you choose the best coverage for your needs:
- Assess Your Risk: Consider how often you drive and the areas where you typically travel. If you frequently drive in high-traffic areas with a large number of uninsured drivers, it might be wise to invest in higher UM coverage limits.
- Balance Your Coverage: Your UM coverage limits should ideally match your liability limits. This ensures that you are protected in case of an accident, whether the other driver is uninsured or you are found at fault.
- Consult with an Insurance Professional: Speak with your insurance agent about the different coverage options available to you. They can help you evaluate your risks and determine the appropriate amount of UM coverage for your specific situation.
Click To ContactPeace of Mind on Florida RoadsAt Viles & Beckman, we’ve helped countless clients navigate the complexities of auto insurance claims, and we know that having the right coverage in place can make all the difference in a stressful situation. Uninsured motorist coverage offers peace of mind, knowing that even if the other driver doesn’t have insurance, you won’t be left shouldering the financial burden. Our goal is to ensure that you’re protected every step of the way, just as if you were a member of our own family.Get Legal Assistance If You’ve Been InjuredIf you’ve been injured in an accident involving an uninsured or underinsured driver, our team at Viles & Beckman is here to help. We understand the complexities of these cases and will fight tirelessly to ensure that you receive the compensation you deserve. Whether you need assistance navigating your insurance claim or pursuing legal action, we’re here to stand by your side.Contact us today for a free consultation and let us help you get the peace of mind and financial recovery you deserve.
