Uninsured motorist (UM) coverage is one of the most misunderstood, yet most needed, automobile insurance coverages for Florida residents. The latest data available shows that more than 25% of the drivers in Florida are uninsured. That is the highest percentage in the country. Think about that. One in four drivers on the road do not have insurance. Lilly & Brown has the extensive experience needed to help you when you are injured by an uninsured motorist.
By law, UM coverage is designed to help you recover damages due to “bodily injury, sickness, or disease, including death” resulting from the negligence of an uninsured motorist. UM also provides coverage when a negligent third party, who may have some bodily injury liability coverage (BI), is unable to fully compensate you for your damages.
A misconception is that UM will also pay to have your vehicle repaired or replaced if the at-fault person has no insurance. That is not the case as your collision coverage would handle that.
In Florida (if you have it), your UM coverage limits can not be greater than your BI limits. You can select limits equal to or less than your BI limits or elect to have no UM coverage at all. If you own multiple vehicles, you may elect to stack (combine) the UM coverage to provide more coverage. The state assumes you want your UM coverage to equal your BI limits and have it stacked. Anything less would require you to sign a selection/rejection form indicating you want less than the maximum coverage allowed. Considering the extremely high rate of uninsured motorists in Florida, Lilly & Brown recommends you get the maximum amount of UM coverage possible and stacked if you own multiple vehicles.
The legal requirements for handling a claim even potentially involving UM coverage can be very complex. If you have been injured or a loved one has been injured or died as a result of the actions of an uninsured motorist, please contact Lilly & Brown without delay.
