What Is Uninsured Motorist Insurance (UM)?

Have you ever been in an automotive accident, fender bender or completely totaled your motor vehicle? You may have been insured, but was the other party involved insured too?

Having insurance coverage, as you are well aware, can seem pricey at the time, so you should know the implications of what not having liability coverage, or uninsured motorist insurance, can cost you.

Uninsured Motorist Insurance (UM)

You may be wondering how having uninsured motorist coverage affects you as an insured motorist.

The concept, or purpose, of having uninsured motorist insurance is having coverage that shields you from covering the total expense of automotive accident damages if it involves someone who doesn’t have insurance.

What Is Uninsured Motorist Coverage?

Uninsured Motorist Coverage is a type of automobile insurance that protects you and your passengers against bodily injury and, in some cases, property damage caused by an at-fault driver who does not have liability insurance.

This coverage steps in to pay for your medical expenses, lost wages, and other associated costs when the other party is liable for the accident but unable to provide financial compensation due to lack of insurance. It's a safeguard that ensures you're not left bearing the financial burden of an accident caused by an uninsured driver.

What is Underinsured Motorist Coverage?

Underinsured Motorist Coverage is a type of automobile insurance that protects you and your passengers against bodily injury and, in some cases, property damage caused by an at-fault driver who has liability insurance but their policy limit is not enough to fully cover your expenses.

This coverage acts as an additional layer of protection for you and prevents you from paying out-of-pocket for any remaining costs that are not covered by the at-fault driver's insurance policy. It's important to note that underinsured motorist coverage only kicks in after the limits of the at-fault driver's liability insurance have been exhausted.

Pros of Having Uninsured Motorist Coverage

The whole premise of having motor vehicle insurance is to protect you from having to pay large expenses in the event of an accident.

If you have been in an accident with an uninsured party, then you are well aware that your damages may not be covered.

However, the other party involved in the accident may not have insurance and you will end up having to pay the larger sum of repair costs that were a result of the accident.

When you opt in for uninsured motorist insurance (UM), you are essentially covering any damage repair or bodily injury expenses the uninsured party wouldn’t be able or subject to pay.

Cons of Having Uninsured Motorist Coverage

There aren’t too many negatives that are associated with opting for uninsured motorist insurance (UM).

Essentially, you are paying extra to insure all motor vehicles on the road, which may rub you the wrong way at first; however, in the event of an accident with an uninsured motorist, you will be at ease knowing that your insurance company will cover your expenses as outlined in your UM policy.

What Does Florida Uninsured Motorist Coverage Include?

• UM coverage can include medical bills resulting from the accident to ensure necessary treatment without financial concerns. Medical bills include hospital stays, medical procedures, rehabilitation services, and ongoing care as a result of your car accident.
• With UM coverage, the car insurance company may compensate for lost wages if injuries prevent a return to work. This helps reduce the financial impact of missing work.
• Uninsurance motorist coverage may include coverage for pain and suffering. This would provide compensation for physical discomfort and emotional distress.
• Property damage coverage under UM can help repair or replace the vehicle in case of collision with an uninsured driver.

Who Can You Call If You're Hit By an Uninsured or Underinsured Driver?

The state of Florida has deemed uninsured motorist coverage so beneficial, that according to the state law, your insurance company must offer uninsured motorist coverage with any policy that carries bodily injury coverage.

If you or someone you care about were hit by an uninsured or underinsured driver and has been injured in a motor vehicle accident - auto, motorcycle or truck - contact us today. We have represented numerous injured people in claims against insurance companies. Contact us about your uninsured motorist claim.