Do I Need Uninsured Motorist Coverage?
When you’re driving on Florida’s roadways, you may not be thinking about the possibility of an accident. However, car crashes happen on a daily basis. You may assume that all drivers carry insurance to pay for damages they cause to others, but this is not always the case. In fact, 1 in 8 drivers in the United States don’t have auto insurance. Florida has one of the highest numbers of uninsured drivers, at 20.4%.
This means that if you get into a car accident in the Sunshine State, the other driver may not have insurance. They likely won’t have any assets to give you, so you may be on your own for repairs. That is, unless you have uninsured motorist coverage.
Uninsured motorist coverage is insurance that protects you, your passengers, and your vehicle if you are involved in an accident caused by a driver who does not have car insurance. Having uninsured motorist coverage can help you avoid out-of-pocket costs in such an accident.
There are two types:
- Uninsured motorist bodily injury (UMBI) coverage. Uninsured motorist bodily injury coverage helps cover medical expenses, lost wages, and pain and suffering, as well as funeral expenses after an accident with an uninsured motorist.
- Uninsured motorist property damage (UMPD) coverage. Uninsured motorist property damage coverage helps you pay for damage to your vehicle or other property, such as a fence or house, after an accident caused by an uninsured driver.
Uninsured motorist coverage is required in some states, but not in Florida. The state requires a minimum of $10,000 in personal injury protection (PIP) and at least $10,000 in property damage liability (PDL). Florida does not require drivers to purchase bodily injury liability (BIL) insurance unless the driver has a history of accidents or traffic violations. You can purchase this coverage if you desire. When you do, the insurance company must include an offer of uninsured motorist coverage. However, you can reject uninsured motorist coverage in writing.
But should you? Given that Florida has a high rate of uninsured drivers, it may not be a bad idea. Consider what other insurance coverage you have as well as your risk tolerance. Also consider your financial ability to cover out-of-pocket expenses if you are involved in a crash with an uninsured driver. Do you have an extra $5,000 or $10,000 lying around? Car repairs are not cheap, plus you have to consider any injuries you or your passengers may suffer on top of that.
Contact a Personal Injury Attorney Today
Auto insurance is pricey, but it’s there to help you if you ever get into a crash. Getting uninsured motorist coverage is a wise investment, especially if you drive often.
Many drivers are uninsured. If you are injured by one, seek legal help from a Tampa uninsured motorist accident attorney from Moore Law. We’ll help you understand your options. To schedule a free consultation, fill out the online form or call 813-510-5400.
Source:
finance.yahoo.com/personal-finance/how-does-uninsured-motorist-coverage-work-213348857.html
