Most people don’t think about insurance until they really need it. By then, it’s too late. The accident has already happened, the medical bills are piling up, and the person responsible doesn’t have the coverage to pay for your injuries. You stare at the paperwork, wondering how you ended up here.

It wasn’t your fault. Yet now it’s your problem.

In Florida, this happens more often than you’d think. Too many drivers on the road don’t have the insurance they should. And when they hit you, it’s not them who suffer the consequences; it’s you.

So, what happens next?

(1) What Is Uninsured Motorist (UM) Coverage?

Uninsured Motorist (UM) coverage is exactly what it sounds like—it protects you if you’re injured in an accident caused by someone who doesn’t have insurance or doesn’t have enough insurance to cover your losses. In some cases, it’s also called Underinsured Motorist (UIM) coverage. However, it does the same thing. It steps in when the at-fault driver can’t pay for your damages.

When you have UM coverage, your own insurance company steps into the shoes of the at-fault driver and covers your damages, just like their insurance should have. That includes:

• Medical bills from emergency care, hospital stays, and ongoing treatment
  

• Lost wages if your injuries prevent you from working
  

• Future medical expenses for long-term care or therapy
  

• Pain and suffering, because your injuries affect more than just your bank account

The reality is, you can’t control how responsible other drivers are; however, you can control how well you protect yourself.

(2) Why Florida Drivers Need UM Coverage

If you live in Florida, where so many drivers are uninsured or underinsured, having UM coverage is a necessary one. Here’s why:

• Too Many Drivers in Florida Are Uninsured

Florida ranks among the worst states for uninsured drivers. Many people are on the road without any coverage, which means if they cause an accident, they have nothing to pay for your injuries. 

• Florida Doesn’t Require Bodily Injury Insurance

Unlike many other states, Florida does not require drivers to carry bodily injury liability insurance. This means that even if the driver who hits you has insurance, their policy might not cover your medical bills at all. That’s why UM coverage is so important. It makes sure you’re protected when the other driver isn’t.

• High Number of Tourists and Out-of-State Drivers

Florida is a major travel destination, which means a lot of people on the road are unfamiliar with the area—and that leads to accidents. Many of these out-of-state drivers have minimum insurance that might not fully cover your injuries. If their coverage isn’t enough, your UM policy steps in.

• Without UM, You Pay Out of Pocket

If you’re hit by an uninsured or underinsured driver and don’t have UM coverage, you’re on the hook for your own medical bills, lost wages, and future expenses. Most people don’t realize how costly an accident can be until they’re faced with hospital bills, rehab costs, and time away from work. UM coverage is what keeps you from paying the price for someone else’s mistake.

Here’s a breakdown of how UM coverage works and how to select the best policy for you

(3) How Much UM Coverage Should You Get?

When it comes to UM coverage, having the right amount can make all the difference. Too little coverage, and you might still be left paying out of pocket after a serious accident. Here’s what I recommend:

• The Ideal Coverage Amount

If you can afford it, I strongly recommend carrying at least $100,000 per person and $300,000 per incident in UM coverage. This ensures that if you’re injured in an accident with an uninsured or underinsured driver, your policy can cover medical expenses, lost wages, and long-term care.

• The Bare Minimum If You’re on a Budget

If higher limits aren’t financially possible, at the very least, you should have $10,000 per person and $20,000 per occurrence. While this won’t cover everything in a serious accident, it’s far better than having no protection at all.

• Why More Coverage Is Better

Medical bills add up fast. A trip to the emergency room, follow-up treatments, physical therapy—it all gets expensive quickly. If you only have minimum coverage, you could burn through it in a matter of days, leaving you with thousands of dollars in unpaid expenses.

(4) What Happens If You Don’t Have UM Coverage?

If you don’t have uninsured motorist (UM) coverage, the reality is simple—you could be left with no compensation after an accident with an uninsured or underinsured driver. Let’s break it down:

• No UM Means No Compensation for Your Losses

Let’s say you’re involved in an accident with someone who doesn’t have insurance. Without UM coverage, you’re stuck paying for your own medical bills, lost wages, and pain and suffering. The person who caused the accident isn’t going to pay for anything—and neither will their insurance company.

• It Could Cost Thousands

Even a relatively minor accident can lead to significant expenses. Medical bills can pile up quickly, from emergency room visits to follow-up care. Add in lost wages if you can’t work, ongoing treatments, and future medical expenses, and you’re looking at thousands, if not tens of thousands of dollars, that you have to cover on your own.

• Most People Realize They Need UM Coverage—Too Late

The unfortunate truth is most people don’t think about UM coverage until they’re already in an accident. At that point, it’s too late to get the protection you need. It’s not until you’re facing the financial burden of an accident that you realize how important it is to have coverage in place.

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The right insurance, especially UM coverage, isn’t something to ignore. It’s the safety net you never think about until you need it.

So, if you haven’t already, take a moment. Look over your policy. Although it’s easy to miss, it’s crucial that you’re covered. Maybe it’s just a slight adjustment, or maybe you need a full review, but whatever it is, make sure you’ve got the right protection for your family.

And if you find yourself with questions or if an accident has left you wondering what comes next, don’t wait. Call me. I’m Rob Johnson, and I offer free consultations—no cost, no fee. Let’s talk about your coverage, your future, and make sure you’re taken care of when it matters most.