Navigating Florida’s roads means understanding the insurance policies that protect you in the event of a car accident. At The Black Law Company, we often meet clients who are confused about the differences between uninsured (UM) and underinsured motorist (UIM) coverage. These protections can significantly impact your ability to recover damages after an accident. If you’re wondering, “Do I need uninsured driver coverage in Florida?” or want to understand the differences, you’ve come to the right place. Let’s break down these coverages and explain why they are important for all Florida drivers.
What is UM & UIM Coverage?
UM and UIM insurance provide financial protection in accidents where the at-fault driver either has no insurance or doesn’t have enough insurance to cover the damages and injuries they’ve caused. While they might seem similar, they serve different purposes.
Uninsured Motorist Coverage (UM)
Uninsured motorist coverage protects you if you’re in an accident with a driver who has no auto insurance. In Florida, where personal injury protection (PIP) is mandatory but bodily injury liability insurance isn’t, UM coverage is particularly valuable. This coverage protects you, your family members who live with you, and your passengers from personal injuries, damages, or deaths caused by an uninsured driver. It can cover medical costs, lost wages, and pain and suffering.
Underinsured Motorist Coverage (UIM)
Underinsured motorist coverage applies when the at-fault driver has insurance, but their policy limits aren’t enough to cover your total losses. Like UM, UIM can cover medical expenses, lost wages, and other damages that exceed the at-fault driver’s policy limits. In Florida, UIM supplements the inadequate coverage of the at-fault driver, ensuring you don’t bear the financial burden.
UM vs. UIM: What’s the Difference?
The key difference between uninsured and underinsured motorist coverage lies in the insurance status of the at-fault driver. UM coverage kicks in when the at-fault driver has no insurance, protecting you from medical expenses, lost wages, and other damages. UIM coverage, on the other hand, comes into play when the at-fault driver has insurance, but it’s insufficient to cover your costs. UIM ensures you don’t have to pay out-of-pocket for expenses related to the accident.
In Florida, UM and UIM are usually sold together, though you can reject them in writing. Given the high number of uninsured drivers in the state, it’s strongly recommended to carry both coverages for comprehensive protection. Opting for both UM and UIM is a safer choice than relying on just one.
This post was written by Okoye Morgan Jr., a lawyer with extensive knowledge as a personal injury law firm Carver City FL. Okoye is one of the founding partners of The Black Law Company, specializing in personal injury law, trust and estate law, civil litigation law, and criminal defense.
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