If you’re going to be driving in Florida, one kind of insurance coverage you should have is uninsured or underinsured motorist coverage. This kind of coverage is protective in the case that you’re hit by someone who is not insured.
Uninsured motorist coverage is optional, which means that you don’t need it to drive legally in the state. However, it’s a good idea, since you may find that a driver you’re involved in a crash with is not carrying the coverage they should be.
What does uninsured or underinsured motorist coverage pay for?
Typically, this kind of insurance does not pay for the damage to your vehicle. Instead, it pays for those who have been injured in a car crash when the driver who caused the collision was uninsured or underinsured. This type of insurance can be used any time you are not found to be at fault for the collision.
The specific coverage you receive will depend on the policy, but underinsured or uninsured motorist coverage usually covers:
- Lost wage and disability
- Pain and suffering
- Medical bills
- Long-term care
- Replacement services for the kinds of things you can no longer do, such as cleaning your home or taking care of your yard
- The cost of retrofitting your home with a wheelchair ramp or other disability supports
Is it important to have this type of insurance coverage in Florida?
It’s not a bad idea to have uninsured or underinsured motorist coverage in Florida, because Florida has a high number of uninsured drivers. According to a 2020 report, around 27% of Florida drivers are uninsured. Another 2 million, it’s estimated, are driving with a suspended license.
Having all the coverage possible to protect you if you’re hit by someone who doesn’t have enough or any insurance is a smart choice. If that insurance company gives you trouble when you try to make a claim, you make be able to take legal action against it as well.
As a driver, it is your responsibility to take the steps necessary to protect yourself in these circumstances. Since Florida is known to have a high rate of underinsured and uninsured drivers, it’s worth determining if this kind of coverage is the right choice for you.