Uninsured Motorist Coverage: Florida's Most Important Add-On
Here is a fact that surprises most of our clients: Florida does not require drivers to carry bodily injury liability insurance. Combine that with one of the highest uninsured-driver rates in the country, and the odds that the person who hits you can pay for your injuries are genuinely poor.
What UM actually does
Uninsured/underinsured motorist coverage steps into the shoes of the at-fault driver. It pays your medical bills, lost wages, and pain and suffering when the driver who hurt you has no insurance or not enough.
It also covers you as a pedestrian or cyclist, your family members, and hit-and-run accidents. It follows people, not just the car.
Stacked versus non-stacked
Stacked UM multiplies your limit by the number of vehicles on the policy — two cars with $100,000 stacked gives you $200,000 of protection. It costs a bit more and is usually worth it.
Florida requires carriers to offer UM, and you must reject it in writing. If you signed that rejection years ago to save a few dollars, it is worth revisiting.
The cost-to-protection ratio is excellent
UM is one of the cheapest meaningful coverages on an auto policy — often a few dollars a month per hundred thousand of protection, depending on your profile.
Pull out your declarations page and look for the UM line. If it says 'rejected,' call us and we will fix that in one conversation.
Frequently Asked Questions
- Is uninsured motorist coverage required in Florida?
- No, but carriers must offer it and you can only decline in writing. Given Florida's uninsured rate, declining it is rarely wise.
- Does UM cover hit-and-run accidents?
- Yes. A hit-and-run driver is treated as uninsured, so your UM coverage applies to your injuries.
- What is stacked UM coverage?
- Stacking multiplies your UM limit by the number of vehicles insured on the policy, increasing your total protection for a modest additional premium.
Let's make sure your coverage matches your life
Our team is based in Ruskin and serves all of Florida. Send us a few details and we'll review your coverage or build a quote — no pressure.