Learn how Florida uninsured/underinsured motorist coverage can protect you after a car crash in Miami.
The best time to buy insurance in Florida is before a car accident, but many people wonder what the different types of coverage are and what they mean. Florida leads the nation in uninsured drivers, which is why the single most important coverage someone can buy is uninsured/underinsured motorist coverage (sometimes called UM coverage).
What is “uninsured motorist” coverage?
Uninsured motorist coverage is a type of insurance that helps protect you if you’re hit by a driver who does not have insurance (uninsured) or who does not have sufficient insurance to pay for all of your damages (underinsured). This insurance covers both and applies in either situation.
If you do not have UM coverage and the other driver has no insurance and no other means to pay, you may be responsible for paying for any damages you incur out of your own pocket, even if the other driver is fully at fault for the accident.
This is why it is so important to have uninsured motorist coverage as part of your auto insurance policy. It can protect you financially if you’re ever in an accident with an uninsured driver.
What does uninsured motorist coverage pay for in Florida?
Uninsured motorist coverage in Florida can help pay for your:
- Medical expenses. This includes past and future medical bills related to your injuries, regardless of fault.
- Lost wages. If you’re unable to work due to your injuries, UM coverage can help replace lost income.
- Pain and suffering. In Florida, UM coverage can also compensate you for the physical and emotional pain and suffering caused by the accident, but only if you sustain a permanent and serious injury.
Uninsured motorist coverage is not mandatory in Florida, but given the high rate of uninsured drivers, it is highly recommended as part of a comprehensive auto insurance policy to provide additional protection in case of accidents with uninsured or inadequately insured drivers.
Understanding your insurance coverage and rights after a car crash.
What car insurance is required by law in Florida?
Florida follows a unique approach to car insurance, known as a “no-fault” system. This means that regardless of who caused the accident, each driver’s own insurance policy typically covers their own injuries and damages, up to certain limits.
Here’s what’s legally required for car insurance in Florida:
- Personal injury protection (PIP). This coverage pays for medical expenses, lost wages, and other related costs incurred by you and your passengers, regardless of who caused the accident. The minimum required coverage is $10,000 per person and $20,000 per accident. PIP covers 80% of your necessary and reasonable medical expenses up to $10,000 resulting from a covered injury, even if you caused the crash. This can include medical treatment, surgery, X-rays, dental and rehabilitation services, and even funeral expenses. Additionally, PIP covers 60% of your lost wages if your injuries prevent you from working.
- Property damage liability (PDL). This coverage pays for repairs or replacement of damaged property belonging to others, excluding your own car. The minimum required coverage is $10,000.
Florida’s minimum coverage amounts are considered very low compared to other states. Carrying additional insurance, particularly for bodily injury (BI) liability (which covers injuries to others) and uninsured/underinsured motorist coverage, is highly recommended to protect yourself financially in case of serious accidents.
You can also choose a higher PIP coverage amount depending on your individual needs and financial situation.
What isn’t covered under Florida’s mandatory car insurance?
While all states require that drivers have some form of auto insurance, Florida is one of the very few states that does not require drivers to carry what is known as bodily injury (BI) liability coverage.
In Florida, bodily injury (BI) liability insurance covers expenses related to injuries that the policyholder causes to someone else in a car accident (if those expenses exceed the amount covered by that driver’s own PIP insurance, which is required for all Florida drivers). This can include economic damages like medical bills and lost wages associated with the injuries inflicted on the other party.
For example:
Let’s say you cause an accident in which the other driver incurs $30,000 in medical bills. Their own PIP insurance would only cover a portion of these costs, typically up to $10,000, depending on their policy’s specific terms and limits.
If you have bodily injury liability coverage, it would help cover the remaining $20,000. If not, you could be personally responsible for paying the excess amount, which underscores the importance of having adequate BI coverage in Florida, despite it not being a mandatory requirement.
A guide to accidents with uninsured motorists in Florida
Learn about your legal options in Miami if you get in an accident with an uninsured driver.
What happens if an uninsured/underinsured motorist hits you in Florida?
So, what happens if you’re hit by a driver who has only the minimum insurance requirements in Florida (which does not include BI liability coverage) and you suffer catastrophic injuries that result in extensive medical bills and leave you unable to work?
Well, you could sue them through a personal injury lawsuit, but if they don’t have enough assets to cover your bills, you would be stuck figuring out how to pay them yourself. That is, unless you have uninsured motorist coverage.
Do I need uninsured motorist coverage in Florida if I have PIP?
In most cases, yes, as it may be the only way to protect yourself if you’re hit by an uninsured or underinsured driver.
The reality is that many Florida drivers do not have any insurance at all or, at best, have insurance that will not pay anything for the injuries or lost wages that other drivers suffer if they cause an accident. Uninsured motorist coverage can help protect you in this situation by paying for some or all of the damages you incur.
Looking for the best Miami car accident attorney to help with your claim?
Navigating the complexities of car accident claims and understanding the nuances of Florida’s auto insurance requirements can be overwhelming. At Redondo Law, knowledgeable Miami car accident attorney Mike Redondo is dedicated to providing expert legal assistance to ensure you receive the compensation and justice you deserve.
Mike spent the early years of his career representing insurance companies to reduce their liability. Now, he puts that insider knowledge to use for his clients to get them maximum compensation for their claims.
If you or a loved one has been seriously injured in an accident caused by someone else’s negligence, don’t wait to get the legal help you need. Contact Redondo Law today for a free consultation using the form below, and let us help you on your journey to recovery and justice.
