You would need uninsured/underinsured motorist (UM/UIM) coverage in Florida because it protects you and your passengers when you’re injured by a driver who has little or no bodily injury insurance—a very common situation in the state.
Here’s why it’s especially important in Florida:
1. Florida has a high number of uninsured drivers
Florida consistently ranks among the states with the highest percentage of uninsured motorists. Many drivers carry only the minimum required coverage, which does not include bodily injury liability.
2. Florida does not require bodily injury liability coverage
Florida law requires drivers to carry:
- $10,000 in Personal Injury Protection (PIP)
- $10,000 in Property Damage Liability
Drivers are not required to carry bodily injury liability coverage. If an at-fault driver injures you, there may be no insurance available to pay for your medical bills, lost income, or pain and suffering.
3. PIP coverage is very limited
PIP only covers a portion of medical expenses and lost wages, typically up to $10,000, regardless of fault. Serious injuries can quickly exceed this amount, leaving you exposed without UM/UIM coverage.
4. UM/UIM coverage protects you, not the other driver
Uninsured/underinsured motorist coverage steps in to pay for:
- Medical expenses
- Lost wages
- Pain and suffering
- Permanent injury claims
It applies when the at-fault driver has no insurance or insufficient insurance to cover your damages.
5. It follows you and your household
UM/UIM coverage typically applies:
- When you’re driving your own vehicle
- When you’re a passenger in someone else’s vehicle
- When you’re struck as a pedestrian or cyclist
This makes it broader than many people realize.
6. It is relatively inexpensive for the protection it provides
Compared to liability or collision coverage, UM/UIM is often one of the most cost-effective protections on an auto policy—especially given Florida’s legal environment and accident rates.
7. It helps protect your assets
Without UM/UIM coverage, you may be forced to rely on your health insurance or pursue legal action against an uninsured driver—often with little chance of recovery. UM/UIM helps prevent out-of-pocket expenses and protects personal assets.
Bottom line
In Florida, uninsured/underinsured motorist coverage is often considered essential, not optional. It fills a major gap created by minimal insurance requirements and provides critical financial protection if you’re injured by an inadequately insured driver.
- When you’re driving your own vehicle
- When you’re a passenger in someone else’s vehicle
- When you’re struck as a pedestrian or cyclist
This makes it broader than many people realize.
6. It is relatively inexpensive for the protection it provides
Compared to liability or collision coverage, UM/UIM is often one of the most cost-effective protections on an auto policy—especially given Florida’s legal environment and accident rates.
7. It helps protect your assets
Without UM/UIM coverage, you may be forced to rely on your health insurance or pursue legal action against an uninsured driver—often with little chance of recovery. UM/UIM helps prevent out-of-pocket expenses and protects personal assets.
Bottom line
In Florida, uninsured/underinsured motorist coverage is often considered essential, not optional. It fills a major gap created by minimal insurance requirements and provides critical financial protection if you’re injured by an inadequately insured driver.