Pros and Cons of Uninsured Motorist Coverage in Florida

Paul Brannon | January 30, 2025 | Car Accident

Pros and Cons of Uninsured Motorist Coverage in Florida

Florida is a no-fault state for car insurance. Drivers are required to purchase Personal Injury Protection (PIP). Your PIP insurance compensates you for a portion of your medical bills and loss of income claims, regardless of who caused the car crash.

Drivers are not required to purchase liability insurance coverage. Liability insurance compensates accident victims when you cause a car accident but do not pay you for your losses. The insurance company must include liability insurance coverage for uninsured motorists if you purchase it.

You can reject uninsured motorist (UM) coverage in writing if you do not want the coverage. However, UM coverage has several benefits if you are involved in an accident.

Uninsured Motorist Coverage for Car Accidents in Fort Walton Beach, FL

Uninsured motorist coverage is optional car insurance in Florida. It pays benefits if you are involved in an accident with an uninsured driver or a hit-and-run driver. Your UM coverage pays damages the at-fault driver’s liability insurance company would typically cover.

Examples of economic and non-economic damages include:

Because Florida does not require liability insurance for car accidents, you could be liable for damages caused by another driver. Therefore, it is wise to consider the pros and cons of purchasing uninsured motorist insurance coverage in Florida.

What Are the Pros and Cons of Having Uninsured Motorist Coverage for a Florida Car Accident?

Uninsured motorist coverage may provide additional compensation for damages if a hit-and-run driver or an uninsured driver causes your accident. UM coverage also applies if you are a pedestrian or bicyclist hit by a motorist.

If you only have PIP insurance, you would need to sue an at-fault driver for damages. However, if the driver does not have liability insurance, you may never receive the money for your claim. Even if you receive a jury verdict in your favor, collecting the judgment could be challenging or impossible. UM coverage can make a difference.

The biggest con of uninsured motorist coverage is the cost. You can discuss the cost with your insurance agent. Generally, UM insurance in Florida does not cost as much as liability coverage. Many people find that the cost of uninsured motorist insurance is very affordable, especially considering the benefits.

Do I Need an Attorney to File an Uninsured Motorist Insurance Claim in Florida?

The statute of limitations for car accident lawsuits is two years from the accident date. However, exceptions to that rule could change the deadline, including if you are filing an uninsured motorist insurance claim. Seeking legal advice as soon as possible helps protect your right to pursue a legal claim.

Even though you are filing a claim with your insurance company, it does not ensure the company will treat your claim fairly. The insurance adjuster assigned to your claim will work to protect the company from liability as they do in all other car accident claims. Having an experienced accident attorney handle your case can significantly impact the outcome of your claim.

What Should I Do After a Car Accident With an Uninsured Driver?

Call 911 to report the car accident. If the other driver does not have insurance, remember they are not required to purchase liability insurance in Florida. You should not confront them about their decision. Instead, focus on gathering evidence to prove the driver caused the crash.

Ask witnesses for their names and contact details. Videoing and photographing the accident scene is also helpful. Preserving the accident scene can help prove fault for a car crash.

See a doctor as soon as possible after a car accident. A key element in proving damages is establishing that the car accident caused your injuries. 

Before discussing your claim with an insurance company, talk with an attorney. Your statements to your insurance company could be used to argue that you accepted fault for causing the crash.

Contact Our Personal Injury Law Firm in Northwest Florida

If you need legal assistance, contact the Fort Walton Beach personal injury lawyers at Brannon & Brannon Car Accident & Personal Injury Lawyers at your nearest location to schedule a free consultation today.

We have two convenient locations in Northwest Florida:

Brannon & Brannon Car Accident & Personal Injury Lawyers – Fort Walton Beach Office
975 Mar Walt Dr
Fort Walton Beach, FL 32547
(850) 863-5297

Brannon & Brannon Car Accident & Personal Injury Lawyers – Destin Office
4507 Furling Ln Suite 214
Destin, FL 32541
(850) 790-0243