The Most Important Automobile Insurance Coverage--Uninsured Motorist Protection

26 Jul 2007

By Attorney Matthew Noyes

Uninsured/Underinsured Motorist (UM) Coverage--what is it and why is it the most important automobile coverage you can buy?

This automobile insurance coverage is crucial for everyone who travels on the roads of Florida. Unfortunately, many people realize the importance of UM coverage too late--after they or their family members have been injured by an uninsured or underinsured motorist.

Uninsured/Underinsured Motorist Coverage is, in essence, liability insurance coverage that covers you in the same way as your liability insurance coverage provides compensation for the people that you might injure through careless driving. Your UM coverage provides compensation for you, the members of your family and any other persons in your vehicle.

Since Florida does not require that all drivers carry liability insurance, the likelihood of being in an automobile accident with someone who does not have liability coverage, or has inadequate coverage, is substantial. In the event the other driver does not have liability insurance or has inadequate liability insurance, then you may make a claim under your UM coverage.

If you carry liability insurance, your insurance agent must offer you the same limits of UM coverage. If you reject the coverage or elect lower limits of coverage, the agent must have you sign a UM selection form. Please consider this decision carefully. In order to protect yourself and your family, I strongly urge you to purchase UM coverage and to purchase the highest limits offered to you. The relatively modest premium charged for UM coverage is money well spent.

I also encourage you to purchase "stacked" UM coverage. Unlike liability coverage, you may select stackable UM coverage at the time of purchase. Stacking UM coverage provides additional UM coverage for each vehicle on the policy. For example, if you carry $25,000/$50.000 UM coverage and you have two vehicles on the stacked UM policy, then you have $50,000/$100,000 in UM coverage under which to make a claim.

Lastly, do not rely on your insurance agent advising you that you have "full coverage." This means NOTHING. "Full coverage" in the State of Florida can mean PIP (Personal Injury Protection or "No Fault") and Property Damage coverage--nothing more. It is very important that you pull out your automobile insurance policy and make sure that you are carrying adequate uninsured/underinsured motorist coverage.

If you have any questions regarding your automobile insurance policy or need additional information on uninsured/underinsured motorist coverage, please do not hesitate to contact me. I will be happy to answer your questions free of charge.