# Facing the Risk: How Uninsured and Underinsured Motorist Coverage Keeps Florida Drivers Safe | GOLDLAW ![florida car accident](https://goldlaw.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/10/Bad-Car-Accident.jpg) ## Uninsured and Underinsured Motorist Coverage When you think about auto insurance, the first thing that likely comes to mind is protecting your car. However, there’s a critical aspect of insurance that often gets overlooked: protecting yourself and your passengers from drivers who aren’t adequately insured. Welcome to the world of [Uninsured/Underinsured motorist coverage,](https://www.forbes.com/advisor/car-insurance/uninsured-motorist-coverage/) which is especially vital in Florida. For a free legal consultation, call [561-222-2222](tel:+15612222222) ### **What is Uninsured/Underinsured Motorist Coverage?** Uninsured Motorist (UM) and Underinsured Motorist (UIM) coverage is an extra layer of protection for you and your loved ones. Here’s how it works: [Click to contact](https://goldlaw.lawbrokr.com/goldlaw/wrongful-death/questions/160310) our personal injury lawyers today ### **Uninsured Motorist (UM) Coverage** This kicks-in when you’re involved in an accident with another driver who does not have any insurance coverage. Yes, it’s illegal to drive without insurance in Florida, but that doesn’t stop many folks from rolling the dice. According to a 2021 study done by the [Insurance Information Institute](https://www.iii.org/fact-statistic/facts-statistics-uninsured-motorists), 20.4% of drivers in Florida do not have insurance coverage, the 6th highest percentage in the U.S. Call or text [561-222-2222](tel:+15612222222) or complete a [Free Case Evaluation form](https://goldlaw.lawbrokr.com/goldlaw/wrongful-death/questions/160310) ### **Underinsured Motorist (UIM) Coverage** This coverage steps up when you are in a crash with someone whose insurance doesn’t cover all your medical bills or damage. For example, say your medical bills are $50,000 but the other driver’s insurance only covers up to $25,000. UIM will help pay the difference. Complete a [Free Case Evaluation form](https://goldlaw.lawbrokr.com/goldlaw/wrongful-death/questions/160310) now ### **Options in Florida** In Florida, you can purchase UM/UIM coverage as a single combined policy, meaning it will cover both scenarios: those without insurance AND those with not enough insurance. Florida also offers “stacked” and Non-stacked” UM/UIM options: - **Stacked Coverage** – This allows you to combine or “stack” the limits of each vehicle you won for a higher total coverage amount. For example, if you have two cars, each with $25,000 in coverage, you’d have a total of $50,000 in available coverage if you chose to stack. - **Non-Stacked Coverage** – This does NOT combine coverage limits. The coverage for each vehicle remains separate. ### **Why EVERY Florida Driver Needs UM/UIM Coverage** You might wonder: “Why should I bother with this type of insurance if every driver is required to have insurance by law?” Here’s why: **Not Everyone Follows the Law** – Despite the legal requirements, a significant number of drivers in Florida, – as noted above – either have no insurance or inadequate coverage. That’s a risk you don’t want to take. **Protect Your Wallet** – If an uninsured/underinsured driver hits you, guess who might be left footing the bill? YOU! Without UM/UIM coverage, you could be left paying out-of-pocket for medical bills, car repairs, and other damages, even if the accident wasn’t your fault. **Medical Costs Can Skyrocket** – Even minor injuries can lead to massive medical bills, If you’re relying solely on another driver’s insurance and they’re underinsured, you might find yourself in a financial bind. **Peace of Mind** – Having UM/UIM coverage means you have one less thing to worry about on the road. Accidents are stressful enough without having to fret over how you’ll cover unexpected expenses. ### **Don’t Depend on the “Other” Driver’s Insurance** It’s tempting to think, “Well, if I’m in an accident, the other driver’s insurance will take care of it.” But what if they can’t or won’t? Here are a few reasons NOT to depend on another driver’s coverage: 1. **Limited Liability** – the other driver’s policy might have minimum liability limits, which can be quickly exhausted with serious injuries or multiple claims. 2. **Delay in Payout** – Even if the other driver is insured, insurance companies often take time to settle claims. If you’re waiting on someone else’s insurance, you might wait longer for compensation. 3. **Potential for Disputes –**In some cases, the other driver’s insurance might dispute the claim, arguing about fault or the extent of injuries. Having you own UM/UIM coverage ensures they you have an advocate in your corner. While Florida law mandates every driver to have insurance, relying on “the other guy” is a big risk. Don’t leave your health and finances to chance. Investing in Uninsured/Underinsured Motorist Coverage is a smart decision for peace of mind, protection, and the well-being of your family and passengers. Consider it not just another insurance policy, but as a shield of protection against the unpredictable roads of Florida! *Were you injured, or was your property damaged by an Uninsured or Underinsured driver? A car accident can be a devastating experience, so it’s essential to know your rights and what actions you need to take to protect yourself, both physically and legally. The [West Palm Beach car accident lawyers](https://goldlaw.com/west-palm-beach-fl/car-accident-lawyer/) at [GOLDLAW](https://goldlaw.com/) are here to help!* *Call **561-222-2222** to schedule a **FREE** consultation. GOLDLAW is your car accident firm of choice because:* - *We have the financial resources smaller firms, don’t, allowing us t battle the insurance industry.* - *We have experienced, board-certified lawyers that handle ONLY personal injury cases.* - *We have served the legal needs of the West Palm Beach community for over 20 years. We live here and are locally owned and operated. [GOLDLAW](https://goldlaw.com/) truly cares about your well-being!* * * Wrongful Death Blog Posts: ### [Family of Supraja Alaparthi May Have Legal Case in Parasailing Incident](https://goldlaw.com/blog/family-of-supraja-alaparthi-may-have-legal-case-in-parasailing-incident/) Legal Case in Parasailing Incident Supraja Alaparthi's family may have a case against any company or person found ### [Family of Sydney Wolf May Have Legal Case Against Lyft and Driver](https://goldlaw.com/blog/family-of-sydney-wolf-may-have-legal-case-against-lyft-and-driver/) Legal Case Against Lyft and Driver Sydney Wolf was hit and killed this past Sunday by a passing car after police say ### [Christopher Cipra Family May Have a Case for Wrongful Death](https://goldlaw.com/blog/christopher-cipra-family-may-have-a-case-for-wrongful-death/) Wrongful Death claim of Cipra's Family Christopher Cipra’s golf trip with friends to Florida went from bucket list ### [Parents of 10-Year-Old Autistic Tahfin Chowdhury May Have Wrongful Death Case Against Turtle Cay in Riviera Beach Drowning](https://goldlaw.com/blog/parents-of-10-year-old-autistic-tahfin-chowdhury-may-have-wrongful-death-case-against-turtle-cay-in-riviera-beach-drowning/) Wrongful Death Case Against Turtle Cay Ten-year-old Tahfin Chowdhury became the sixth child in Palm Beach County to --- Source: https://goldlaw.com/blog/facing-the-risk-how-uninsured-and-underinsured-motorist-coverage-keeps-florida-drivers-safe/