Law Firms Advertise For Cases, But DON’T TELL YOU THIS VALUABLE INFORMATION
Did you know that Florida does not require drivers to carry Bodily Injury (BI) liability insurance? In Florida, that assumption could leave you and your family financially vulnerable. With no BI and no UM in play, the likelihood of pursuing a claim is minimal. That is why you need Uninsured/Underinsured Motorist (UM/UIM) Coverage.
The Florida Reality
BI liability insurance helps pay for medical expenses, lost wages, pain and suffering, and other damages when a driver causes a crash that injures someone else. Florida, however, does not require drivers to carry BI coverage.
Florida only requires $10,000 in Personal Injury Protection (PIP) and $10,000 in Property Damage Liability Coverage. PIP is designed primarily to cover a portion of your own initial medical expenses, and lost wages, regardless of who caused the crash. It does not replace the compensation that may be available through a BI claim.
So, what happens when an uninsured or underinsured driver seriously injures you?
Why FL Drivers Need UM/UIM Coverage
Uninsured/Underinsured Motorist (UM/UIM) coverage is designed to protect you and qualifying family members when you are injured by a driver who has no insurance or not enough insurance to cover your damages.
UM/UIM coverage can help provide compensation for:
- Past and future medical expenses and rehabilitation
- Lost wages and reduced earning capacity
- Pain, suffering, and other damages resulting from serious injuries
A driver can be considered “underinsured” when their available BI coverage is insufficient to compensate you for your damages. In other words, having insurance does not necessarily mean having enough insurance.
That is why UM/UIM coverage can be one of the most important protections on your Florida auto policy. It protects you and your family when the at-fault driver cannot adequately compensate you for your injuries.
Pro Tip: Ask About “Stacked” Coverage
Florida policies may provide stacked or unstacked UM coverage, and the difference can significantly affect the protection available to you. See our companion article in this issue to learn more about stacked versus unstacked coverage.
Take Action Today
Don’t wait until after a crash to discover what coverage you have. Pull out your Declarations Page and look for “Uninsured Motorist” coverage. Then ask your insurance agent:
- Do I have UM/UIM coverage?
- Is it stacked or unstacked?
- What are my coverage limits?
If your agent says you don’t need uninsured motorist coverage, they are wrong!
A few minutes reviewing your policy today could make a significant difference, if you or a loved one is seriously injured by an uninsured or underinsured driver.
Please feel free to contact us to review your auto policy because protecting your family starts before you hit the road.
