Consumers buy insurance in order to protect themselves from the unexpected. But what happens if their insurance benefits aren’t what they expected? In today’s world, it’s possible that an uninsured driver could cause serious damage to another person and their vehicle. In these situations, extra insurance coverage could be essential to getting accident benefits.    

“Uninsured motorist coverage helps to fill in coverage gaps…” Were you in an accident caused by an uninsured driver? The car accident attorneys at the Coye Law Firm know that this is one of the most stressful types of car accidents. If you need help getting insurance benefits that you may be entitled to under a UM policy, call our office today.

What is Uninsured Motorist Coverage?

Uninsured Motorist coverage, also known as UM or UIM for Underinsurance Motorist, helps to fill in coverage gaps when a driver needs additional benefits in a car accident claim. This coverage is optional and some drivers may think that it is unnecessary. Even though UM is not required by law in Florida, it can be a very valuable asset in the case of a serious car accident.

How UM Coverage Works in Florida

Florida vehicle owners are required to have a car insurance policy with at least $10,000 in personal injury protection (PIP) and $10,000 in property damage (PD) liability. PIP coverage pays for the insured driver’s injuries whether or not they were at fault for the car accident. Property damage benefits pay for damage that the insured driver causes.

Where does uninsured motorist coverage come in? Well, if you only have $10,000 in personal injury protection, but a negligent driver causes a car accident in which you break your neck, those benefits will be used up quickly. It is very expensive to get emergency treatment, hospital care, and long-term rehabilitative services. If you don’t have additional areas of coverage, you may have to pay for it out of your own pocket. This can be devastating to Florida’s drivers and their families.

Uninsured/Underinsured Motorist coverage could pay benefits in this situation. Because if the at-fault driver doesn’t have adequate coverage to pay for the injuries they’ve caused, UM can help the accident victim claim benefits for their injuries. 

Just like other optional car insurance coverages, the benefits are exhausted once they meet the policy’s limit. Additionally, many states make it impossible to get Uninsured Motorist coverage without Bodily Injury coverage, which pays benefits for any injuries the insured driver causes in an accident. States want to make sure that drivers are protecting others as well as protecting themselves when buying car insurance, so BI may be sold as package deal with UM/UIM.

Is Uninsured Motorist Coverage Necessary?

Mandatory car insurance coverage in Florida is written law, so drivers are required to purchase policies that have these protections. However, the optional coverages are just that: options. Uninsured Motorist Coverage is entirely optional, but definitely helpful if you’re in an accident. Drivers have a choice to make when buying car insurance in Florida.

Uninsured motorist coverage can protect you and your family in a car accident with an uninsured driver. Adding this coverage to your car insurance policy could potentially help you alleviate financial and emotional stress caused by an accident. Before you buy an insurance policy or modify an existing insurance policy, you want to evaluate your needs and how much money you are able to pay for insurance coverage each month. 

Insurance Dispute Attorneys

Injured drivers are understandably angry at the situations they are working to resolve. On top of the stress associated with injuries or property damage, the insurance company may deny your claim and slow down your recovery. Call a car insurance dispute lawyer at the Coye Law Firm today for help. We want to help injured drivers recover all they are eligible to receive from the insurance company and other sources of liability in a car accident.