Uninsured motorist (UM) coverage is a type of insurance that provides protection for drivers in the event of an accident caused by someone without liability insurance. According to the Florida Bar Association, UM coverage can cover lost wages, illnesses, bodily injuries, medical expenses and illnesses resulting from a motor vehicle collision. It falls into two categories: bodily injury and property damage. Both types of UM insurance are designed to replace the liability coverage that the at-fault driver should have purchased.
If you are involved in an accident caused by someone without liability insurance, you can file a claim with your own policy. Depending on the state and policy, drivers can also purchase underinsured motorist (UIM) coverage, which can be used when the at-fault driver's liability insurance is insufficient. If the driver who caused the accident only has the insurance coverage required by the state, minimal additional coverage, or no insurance coverage, UM coverage may be the only way to recover financial compensation. Collision insurance will pay for the repair of your vehicle if you are hit by an uninsured driver, but it won't cover any of your medical expenses and comprehensive insurance won't cover your expenses at all after a collision.
Working with an experienced law firm at UM Florida can help hold the insurance company accountable and prevent it from denying your claim. If a driver who doesn't have BIL insurance injures you, you could be responsible for your medical bills, lost wages, and other damages that aren't covered by your PIP coverage. The UMPD could also be a worthwhile purchase if you don't want your collision premium to increase in the event of a claim following an accident with an uninsured driver. If you suffer serious injuries that exhaust your PIP benefits, you can file a claim against your UM coverage to receive compensation for damages not covered by the PIP. Some states require drivers to carry both types of vehicles, while others only require bodily injury coverage for uninsured motorists.
In addition, UM coverage generally extends its protection to family members and passengers who were inside their vehicle at the time of the car accident. If you're driving in Florida, it's important to understand the importance of having uninsured motorist coverage. Uninsured or underinsured motorist insurance can pay for your medical bills, damages and losses when all other methods of compensation are inadequate or unavailable. Otherwise, paying for coverage for uninsured drivers is often an inexpensive way to add additional protection. PIP coverage pays for medical bills and wage benefits regardless of whether the insured caused a car accident. Uninsured motorist coverage is an important form of protection for drivers in Florida.
It provides financial compensation if you are injured in an accident caused by someone without liability insurance or with insufficient liability insurance. It also covers family members and passengers who were inside your vehicle at the time of the accident. Purchasing additional uninsured motorist coverage is often an inexpensive way to add extra protection.