Florida has one of the highest rates of uninsured drivers in the country. If you get into an accident with a driver who doesn’t have insurance, you may be left paying for medical bills, lost wages, and other damages on your own. Uninsured motorist (UM) coverage is an optional insurance policy that helps protect you financially when the at-fault driver has little to no insurance.

What Is Uninsured Motorist Coverage?

Uninsured motorist coverage is a type of car insurance that pays for damages if you are in an accident with a driver who doesn’t have liability insurance. It also covers accidents involving underinsured drivers—those who have insurance but not enough to cover all damages. In Florida, UM coverage is not required, but insurance companies must offer it. If you choose not to purchase it, you must opt out in writing.

What Does UM Coverage Pay For?

UM coverage helps cover expenses that arise from an accident with an uninsured or underinsured driver. These include:

• Medical expenses (current and future)

• Lost wages

• Loss of earning capacity

• Pain and suffering

• Disability-related costs

• Funeral expenses in the case of wrongful death

Who Is Covered by UM Insurance?

Uninsured motorist coverage typically protects more than just the policyholder. It can also cover:

• The policyholder, whether driving or riding as a passenger

• Family members living in the same household

• Passengers in the insured vehicle

• Anyone driving the insured vehicle with permission

UM Coverage vs. PIP in Florida

Florida is a no-fault state, meaning all drivers must carry Personal Injury Protection (PIP) insurance. PIP covers medical expenses and other costs regardless of who caused the accident. However, it has limitations. PIP only covers up to $10,000 in medical expenses, and it does not pay for pain and suffering.

UM coverage steps in when PIP is not enough. It covers damages beyond PIP limits and includes compensation for pain and suffering, which PIP does not cover.

Why UM Coverage Is Important in Florida

Florida has a high number of uninsured and underinsured drivers. The Insurance Research Council reports that 26.7% of drivers in the state are uninsured. Many insured drivers only carry the state minimum, which is often not enough to cover serious injuries. Without UM coverage, you could end up paying out of pocket for medical bills and other damages.

Types of Uninsured Motorist Coverage

There are two main types of UM coverage available in Florida:

• Uninsured Motorist Bodily Injury (UMBI): Covers injuries sustained in an accident caused by an uninsured driver.

• Underinsured Motorist Bodily Injury (UIMBI): Covers injuries when the at-fault driver’s insurance is insufficient to pay for all damages.

Both types of coverage can be “stacked” or “non-stacked.” Stacked UM coverage allows you to combine coverage from multiple vehicles on your policy for higher limits, while non-stacked UM coverage provides coverage only up to the limits on a single vehicle.

What to Do After an Accident With an Uninsured Driver

1. Seek Medical Attention – Even if you feel fine, some injuries take time to appear. Seeing a doctor ensures your injuries are documented.

2. Call Law Enforcement – Florida law requires you to report accidents that involve injuries, deaths, or significant property damage.

3. Gather Information – Get the other driver’s name, contact information, and details about their insurance status.

4. Collect Evidence – Take photos of the accident scene, vehicle damage, and any visible injuries. Speak to witnesses and get their contact information.

5. Notify Your Insurance Company – Inform your insurer about the accident as soon as possible. If you have UM coverage, you can file a claim.

6. Consult a Florida Personal Injury Lawyer – A lawyer can help you understand your options and negotiate with insurance companies for fair compensation.

Get Help With D2 Law

Uninsured motorist coverage is one of the best ways to protect yourself from financial hardship after an accident with an uninsured or underinsured driver. With Florida’s high number of uninsured motorists, having this coverage can mean the difference between financial stability and overwhelming medical debt. If you’ve been in an accident with an uninsured driver, contact D2 Law at (800) 790-5641 for a free consultation. We can help you understand your options and fight for the compensation you deserve.