
Even with mandatory insurance, Florida still has a high rate of uninsured and underinsured drivers. That’s why uninsured/underinsured motorist (UM/UIM) coverage is essential for protecting yourself and your loved ones.
Florida’s no‑fault system and the basics of UM/UIM
Florida is a no‑fault state—every driver must carry $10,000 in Personal Injury Protection (PIP) and $10,000 in Property Damage Liability (PDL) to register a vehicle.
UM/UIM coverage steps in when the at-fault driver lacks sufficient insurance to cover your medical and repair costs. Florida law requires auto policies with bodily injury liability to also include UM coverage—unless you sign a written rejection.
How much UM/UIM coverage should you carry?
By statute, your UM/UIM limits must be at least equal to your bodily injury liability limits.
You may elect higher limits up to $1 million if your insurer offers them .
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Example:
If you have $50,000/$100,000 bodily injury liability coverage, your UM/UIM must be at least $50,000 per person / $100,000 per accident.
One policy vs. multiple vehicles: stacking is important
Florida offers two UM options:
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Stacking coverage — allows you to combine UM limits across all vehicles you insure.
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Non‑stacking coverage — restricts UM benefits to just the vehicle in use.
Stacking increases protection but is only available if you explicitly opt in—Florida statutes require a clear written selection.
What counts as an uninsured or underinsured vehicle?
Florida considers a vehicle uninsured/underinsured if:
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It has no liability insurance.
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It has liability limits lower than the damages incurred.
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The driver’s insurer becomes insolvent.
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The driver is excluded from coverage—even if insured.
Recovering damages with UM/UIM coverage
If injured by an uninsured/underinsured driver, or if their insurance is inadequate, your UM/UIM policy covers your damages up to your policy limits. You may also recover:
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Medical bills and hospital costs.
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Lost wages.
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Pain and suffering, if the injury meets Florida’s serious injury threshold.
Why UM/UIM matters in Florida today
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Nearly 1 in 6 Florida drivers are uninsured.
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With minimum PIP limits often insufficient for medical bills, UM/UIM provides a critical safety net.
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Those with stacking coverage enjoy a significantly stronger shield following serious crashes.
What drivers should do now
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Check your policy to confirm you have UM/UIM coverage, ideally stacked across all vehicles.
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Select limits equal to or higher than your bodily injury liability.
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Avoid rejecting UM coverage without discussing the risks with an attorney.
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Consult a legal expert if:
- You were in an accident with an uninsured/underinsured driver.
- The other party’s insurance can’t cover full damages.
- You have multiple vehicles and want to stack your coverage.
Injured by an uninsured driver? Let us help.
Don't let someone else's lack of insurance leave you unprotected. Our experienced attorneys can help you understand your policy, navigate your claim, and pursue the compensation you deserve.