Uninsured motorist coverage is a practical necessity in Florida, even if you have comprehensive and collision insurance. Collision insurance will pay for the repair of your vehicle if you are hit by an uninsured driver, but it won't cover any of your medical expenses and comprehensive insurance won't cover your expenses after an accident. In Florida, coverage for uninsured motorists is optional, but it's important to consider purchasing it to add an extra layer of protection in the event of a car accident. If you don't have health insurance, uninsured motorist coverage is essential.
Florida law doesn't require you to have coverage for uninsured drivers, but insurance companies are required to offer a minimum amount of coverage for uninsured drivers, also called UM. If you decide not to purchase coverage for uninsured drivers, you must exclude yourself from coverage in writing. However, choosing not to participate could have serious financial repercussions if you have an accident with an uninsured driver or with an underinsured driver. Standard policies for uninsured drivers cover you, the policyholder, your spouse, and any family member who lives in the same house as you.
The most common scenario in which UM coverage is important is when injuries occur as a result of an accident involving a negligent driver who does not have or has insufficient bodily injury liability coverage. If you've been in an accident with an uninsured or underinsured driver, call Mickey Keenan Law to get the settlement you deserve. Uninsured motorist coverage helps pay for damages if you have a car accident with a driver who doesn't have bodily injury liability coverage. Usually, the same insurance policies also protect you if the responsible driver was underinsured rather than completely uninsured.
Another option, if possible, could be to find an alternative defendant, someone who is at least partially responsible for the accident, with better insurance coverage or with the resources to pay your claim. If you don't have bodily injury insurance coverage and the other driver doesn't have bodily injury insurance coverage, no matter the severity of your injury, you won't be able to recover anything from your insurance company other than the PIP coverage required for medical expenses and lost wages. Even if you have UM coverage, your insurance company may unfairly deny or limit compensation for injuries suffered in the accident. In conclusion, uninsured motorist coverage is a practical necessity in Florida and should be considered when purchasing auto insurance.
It's important to understand that even if you do purchase this type of coverage, there may still be financial repercussions if you are involved in an accident with an uninsured or underinsured driver. If this happens, it's best to contact a lawyer who specializes in personal injury law to ensure that you get the settlement that you deserve.
