Uninsured/Underinsured Automobile Insurance

Florida has one of the highest percentages of uninsured drivers in the United States, with approximately 25% failing to have any coverage. Many more carry liability insurance that is inadequate in case of an accident with serious injuries.

Uninsured/underinsured motor vehicle coverage (UM) kicks in if someone is injured as a result of the negligence of the owner or operator of an uninsured motor vehicle or if the available coverage is not enough to pay fair compensation for injuries.  UM coverage takes the place of the insurance that the negligent party failed to purchase or which is inadequate. There is no requirement that property damage coverage be provided as part of the Uninsured Motorist policy- as a result, uninsured motorist coverage commonly does not afford property insurance.

Every motor vehicle insurance policy issued in Florida which provides bodily injury liability coverage must also offer uninsured/underinsured motorist coverage. UM coverage can, however, be waived or rejected. In order to reject UM coverage or to purchase UM coverage which is below your liability limits, you must sign a form of the type set out below. If you have not rejected uninsured/underinsured properly, it is included in your policy, even if you did not pay for it.

UM coverage protects you even if you are a passenger in another person’s vehicle or a pedestrian at the time of the accident. Hit and run accidents are also insured under a UM policy. Uninsured/underinsured coverage is available even if the injured party was the intentional victim of another driver.

UM coverage in Florida can be stacked; if you have several cars with uninsured/underinsured coverage, you are entitled to the combined amount of all available coverage. In Florida, if you want to be able to stack coverage, you must select that option.

At the Law Office of Hoffman, Larin & Agnetti P.A. we have over 35 years of experience representing people injured in motor vehicle accidents. We have offices in Miami, Fort Lauderdale, Monroe County (including Key West) and represent clients throughout Florida and the United States.  To schedule a free consultation with our attorneys, contact our offices today. We handle all injury cases on a contingency fee basis, meaning you will pay us nothing unless and until you are compensated for your injuries.