The Importance of Uninsured Driver Coverage

The Importance of Uninsured Driver Coverage

Auto insurance in Florida is mandatory for all drivers. The state’s insurance laws require drivers to carry a minimum amount of coverage to operate a vehicle legally. Dr. Deryk Harting, a chiropractor at one of the highest rated medical care facilities for people injured in a car accident, shares his thoughts on the importance of uninsured driver coverage. The basic components of auto insurance in Florida typically include:

1. Personal Injury Protection (PIP): Florida is a no-fault state, meaning that each driver’s insurance pays for their injuries regardless of fault. PIP covers medical expenses and lost wages for you and your passengers, regardless of who is at fault in an accident.
2. Property Damage Liability (PDL): This coverage pays for damages you or someone driving your car causes to someone else’s property, such as their vehicle or a fence.
3. Bodily Injury Liability (BIL): While not mandatory for all drivers, Florida requires BIL if you have been convicted of certain offenses such as DUI. BIL covers injuries to others caused by you or someone driving your car.
4. Uninsured/Underinsured Motorist (UM/UIM): This optional coverage protects you if you are in an accident with a driver who does not have insurance or does not have enough insurance to cover your damages.

In addition to these coverages, Florida drivers may opt for other types of coverage, such as collision coverage (to pay for damages to your vehicle in an accident) and comprehensive coverage (to cover non-collision damages like theft, vandalism, or natural disasters). The cost of auto insurance in Florida can vary widely depending on factors such as your driving record, the type of vehicle you drive, your age, and your location within the state.

One potentially important coverage in Florida is the uninsured motorist (UM). According to the Insurance Information Institute and state officials, about 1 in 4 or around 25% of Florida drivers do not have auto insurance as required by law. Many Florida residents drop their auto insurance coverage due to financial costs but are often unaware of the potential penalties like jail time, fines, or having their license suspended/revoked. Furthermore, the high number of uninsured drivers is one reason Florida auto insurance rates are some of the highest in the country.

Having a UM policy can be highly beneficial if you’ve been injured or suffered damages in a car accident with an uninsured and at-fault driver. Here is why:

• Coverage for Medical Expenses: If you are injured in an accident caused by an uninsured driver, your UM coverage kicks in after PIP limits are reached to help pay for your medical expenses such as hospital bills, surgeries, rehabilitation, and other necessary treatments. This coverage can be crucial, especially if you do not have health insurance or if your health insurance does not cover all your medical costs related to the accident.
• Lost Wages: If you are unable to work due to your injuries from the accident, UM coverage can provide compensation for lost wages. This can help alleviate financial stress while you recover and are unable to work.
• Flexible Protection: UM coverage extends beyond traditional accident scenarios to include hit-and-run accidents for the driver or passengers in the insured vehicle. Moreover, UM coverage offers flexibility and applies whether you are driving, a passenger in another vehicle, a cyclist, or simply a pedestrian.
• Peace of Mind: Knowing that you have UM coverage can provide peace of mind while driving with the understanding that you have an additional safety net in case you are involved in an accident with an uninsured driver. It can also be comforting to know that you will not be left with significant financial burdens if you are injured due to someone else’s negligence.

Given the high rate of uninsured drivers in Florida, limitations of health insurance assistance, and high cost of accidents, having uninsured motorist coverage can be invaluable in protecting you and providing essential support during a challenging time. For more information, contact your car insurance company today.

— This article is written by Deryk Harting, DC, one of the members of Chambers Medical Group’s team of car accident chiropractors who offer a variety of treatments and therapies ranging from diagnostic testing to various soft tissue therapies for car accidents and injuries in Florida.

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