The Uncomfortable Truth About Florida Uninsured/Underinsured Motorist Coverage

In our beautiful Sunshine State, you do not need Uninsured/Underinsured Motorist insurance coverage to be in compliance with state law. Then, why buy it? Why spend money (or the way I see it, “invest”) in that extra auto insurance coverage? Well, simple. Because it will protect YOU. You buy it to protect yourself from other drivers on the road.

And Here’s Why

Uninsured/Underinsured Motorist coverage pays for damages that you are legally entitled to recover for your bodily injury. In general, this coverage provides what you would received from the other person’s insurance company had that person been insured (i.e., in the case of an uninsured motorist that caused you the damages). This coverage may also protect you if the person who caused the damage does not have enough limits of insurance (i.e., in a scenario with an underinsured motorist that caused you damages). 

Basically, is an additional insurance coverage for your losses in the event that you are injured in a car accident and the other driver does not have insurance, or the other driver does not have an adequate amount of insurance to cover your bodily injury damages.  But really, what are the odds of that happening? Sadly, a lot! According to Insurify Insights (updated on May 12, 2020):

“Florida has the highest percentage of uninsured drivers out of any other state in the nation, with over one in four drivers operating a vehicle without insurance. Drivers in Florida face lesser fines for this infraction than drivers in other states, with fines at $150 for the first infraction. Other consequences of driving without insurance in Florida are an SR-22 for up to 3 years, registration suspension, license suspension, and confiscated plates.” [Our emphasis]

Also, as you can see in the graphic below, Florida is the state with the most uninsured motorists:

Our Recommendation

An auto accident can happen to anyone. Even the best drivers are not exempt of this risk.  You can control your driving but not everyone else’s around you. You do not know who is uninsured, underinsured or properly insured. But you can protect yourself. You can have peace of mind, protect your assets, and be prepared. So make sure you include Uninsured/Underinsured Motorist Coverage in your auto insurance policy because it is better to have it and not needed, than to needed it and not have it. 

With life’s uncertainties and the risk of losing what we value and care for, we should protect it! With Deer Insurance Agency by your side, you can have peace of mind, confidence, and trust that your insurance needs are well served and protected. Email us at hello@deerinsurance.com for a free quote customized for you.