Uninsured Motorist coverage is an important policy addition. It provides protection for you and your family for injuries caused by other drivers who don't have liability insurance.
This coverage, commonly referred to as UM coverage, can be utilized in the absence of Bodily Injury Liability (BIL) coverage to help compensate for your injuries.
Likewise, Underinsured Motorist coverage (UIM) can supplement reimbursement if an underinsured negligent driver has BIL coverage, but it's insufficient to fully pay the compensation that you deserve.
Your Protection Starts With Your Policy
The Insurance Research Council reported in 2018 that more than 25 percent of Florida motorists are uninsured. In addition, Florida is a no fault state and doesn't require drivers to carry BIL coverage, even though it often compensates victims for their medical expenses, lost wages, and pain and suffering.
UM and UIM coverages are also optional policy additions. Florida law requires insurance companies to offer you UM/UIM coverage, and you must specifically reject these coverages in writing. But consider the protection these coverages offer:
- You can obtain compensation for your medical expenses, lost wages, and pain and suffering under the umbrella of UM/UIM if the negligent driver doesn't have sufficient— or any—insurance.
- If you have more than one vehicle, your UM/UIM limits might be stacked, or combined, which increases your policy limits. For example, if you have two vehicles, each with $100,000 UM coverage, you may be entitled to $200,000 in compensation for your injuries. Once again, this is something you must specifically outline with your insurance carrier.
If you're involved in a motor vehicle accident and file a claim for damages under a BIL policy, you must obtain approval from your UM carrier prior to settlement. Florida law requires that a UM carrier has 30 days to accept or reject settlement. Failure to obtain approval from a UM carrier prior to settlement could have serious consequences with regard to further recovery in a car accident case.
We'll Assist You With the Process
At Johnson & Gilbert, P.A., we have years of experience in handling car accident cases, including UM and UIM claims. Our expertise in dealing with the complexities of these claims helps many clients recover the compensation they deserve.
If you or a loved one suffered injuries in an automobile accident, please don't hesitate to schedule a free consultation to discuss the legal options for your case. Simply contact our office, or fill out our online form.
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