Florida Uninsured Motorist Claims

The Importance of Uninsured/Underinsured Motorist Coverage in Florida

At the Law Offices of Jason Turchin, we understand the importance of being fully protected in the event of a car accident. Unfortunately, many drivers in Florida do not have adequate insurance coverage, which can leave them vulnerable to financial ruin in the aftermath of a serious accident. That is why we are here to help you understand the importance of uninsured/underinsured motorist coverage in Florida and why you should make sure you have this protection in place. If you need a Florida car accident attorney to file a UM insurance claim, you can Chat with us or call us today at 954-515-5000 for a free consultation.

What is Uninsured/Underinsured Motorist Coverage?

Uninsured/underinsured motorist coverage is an insurance policy benefit that provides coverage for damages and injuries that result from an accident caused by a driver who either has no insurance or insufficient insurance to cover the full extent of the damages. In Florida, this coverage is not mandatory, but it is highly recommended.

The coverage can provide compensation for medical expenses, lost wages, pain and suffering, and other damages that result from the accident. This coverage is particularly important for drivers who have a lot of assets to protect, as the costs of an accident can easily exceed the minimum insurance requirements set by the state.

How Does Uninsured/Underinsured Motorist Coverage Work in Florida?

In Florida, uninsured/underinsured motorist coverage works differently depending on the type of coverage you have. There are two types of uninsured/underinsured motorist coverage in Florida: uninsured motorist coverage and underinsured motorist coverage.

Uninsured Motorist Coverage

Uninsured motorist coverage provides compensation for injuries sustained in an accident caused by an uninsured driver. This coverage can also provide compensation for pain and suffering, lost wages, and other expenses related to the accident. UM coverage generally applies when the at-fault driver and owner had no bodily injury coverage on their policy, no insurance at all, or you were in a hit and run accident and want to file a claim.

Underinsured Motorist Coverage

Underinsured motorist coverage provides compensation for your losses caused by an underinsured driver and owner. This coverage generally applies when you are hurt in a car accident in FL and the at-fault person’s insurance limits were not high enough to fully compensate you for your injuries.

Why is Uninsured/Underinsured Motorist Coverage Important in Florida?

Uninsured/underinsured motorist coverage is particularly important in Florida for several reasons. First, Florida has one of the highest rates of uninsured drivers in the country, with an estimated 26% of drivers on the road without insurance. If you are involved in an accident with an uninsured driver and you do not have uninsured/underinsured motorist coverage, you may be left with substantial out-of-pocket expenses.

Second, even if the other driver has insurance, they may not have enough coverage to fully compensate you for your injuries and damages. Florida’s minimum insurance requirements for bodily injury coverage are only $10,000 per person and $20,000 per accident, which may not be enough to cover the full extent of your damages.

Finally, even if you have health insurance, it may not cover all of your medical expenses related to the accident. Uninsured/underinsured motorist coverage can help cover these expenses and prevent you from having to pay for them out of pocket. Imagine a situation where someone suffers a broken arm requiring surgery after a car accident and the at-fault party only carried $10,000 in bodily injury coverage. Having UM/UIM on your policy could entitle you to tens of thousands of dollars more.

At the Law Offices of Jason Turchin, we are dedicated to helping our clients obtain the compensation they deserve after a car accident. If you have been involved in an accident caused by an uninsured or underinsured driver, it is important to seek legal representation as soon as possible. We work on a contingency fee basis, so you don’t have to pay us any fees or costs if there is no recovery.