Do I Need to Have Florida Uninsured Motorist Coverage or Underinsured Motorist Coverage?
One careless driver can change your life in seconds. After a crash in Orlando, many people assume the other driver’s insurance will cover everything, only to discover that the at-fault driver has little or no coverage at all. Getting into an accident caused by an uninsured or underinsured driver may be financially devastating. That’s where Florida uninsured motorist coverage or an underinsured motorist coverage can make a major difference.
Florida has one of the highest rates of uninsured drivers in the country, with roughly 20.4% of motorists driving without insurance. On top of that, Florida law does not require drivers to carry Bodily Injury Liability coverage (or their bodily injury liability limits are extremely low), which leaves many accident victims struggling to pay for medical treatment, lost income, and other damages after a serious collision.
Understanding how UM/UIM options work may help you protect yourself before an accident ever happens.
At a Glance
- Florida drivers are not required to carry bodily injury liability coverage.
- Uninsured motorist (UM) coverage may help pay for damages when the at-fault driver has no insurance.
- Underinsured motorist (UIM) coverage applies when the other driver’s policy limits are too low.
- PIP coverage only provides limited coverage and does not cover pain and suffering.
- Hit-and-run accidents are generally treated as uninsured motorist claims in Florida.
- UM coverage is optional, but insurers must offer it when you purchase a policy.
What Is Florida Uninsured Motorist Coverage?
Florida uninsured motorist coverage is designed to protect you when the driver who caused the crash is uninsured. It essentially steps into the shoes of the insurance coverage the at-fault driver should have carried under their auto insurance policy.
UM coverage may help pay for:
- Medical expenses beyond PIP limits
- Full lost wages
- Future medical treatment
- Pain and suffering
- Emotional distress
- Other accident-related damages
- Passengers in your vehicle who are injured
Without UM coverage, seeking compensation may become extremely difficult if the at-fault driver has no financial resources. When asking what an uninsured motorist coverage policy pays for, the simple answer is that it helps an injured person access the care and financial support they need when the at-fault party cannot pay.
How Does PIP Coverage Work in Florida?
Florida is a no-fault state. Your own insurance policy pays for certain losses after a crash, regardless of who caused the accident. This is handled through Personal Injury Protection (PIP) coverage.
PIP typically covers:
- 80% of medical expenses
- 60% of lost wages
- Up to $10,000 in benefits
While PIP may help with immediate costs to cover medical expenses, it has limitations. It does not cover non-economic damages, such as pain and suffering, and serious injuries may quickly exceed the $10,000 cap.
In practice, accident victims often use PIP first, then rely on UM or UIM coverage when expenses continue to grow.
What Is the Difference Between UM and UIM Coverage?
Many people use these terms interchangeably, but they apply in different situations.
Uninsured Motorist (UM) Coverage
UM coverage applies when:
- The at-fault driver has no insurance
- The accident involves a hit-and-run driver
- The driver cannot be identified
In Florida, hit-and-run accidents are generally treated as uninsured motorist claims.
Underinsured Motorist (UIM) Coverage
UIM coverage applies when:
- The at-fault driver has insurance
- Their policy limits are too low to fully cover your damages
For example, if your medical bills and lost wages total $100,000 but the other driver only has $25,000 in available bodily injury coverage, your UIM coverage may help bridge the gap.
Why Is UM Coverage So Important in Florida?
Florida consistently ranks among the states with the highest number of uninsured drivers. Because bodily injury liability insurance is not mandatory, many drivers on Orlando roads may not have enough insurance to pay for serious injuries.
That creates major financial risks for injured drivers and passengers. UM coverage may provide an additional layer of protection by helping cover:
- Emergency medical treatment
- Surgery and rehabilitation
- Ongoing therapy
- Lost earning capacity
- Pain and suffering
A serious accident on I-4, Colonial Drive, or other busy Orlando roadways may lead to months of recovery. Without adequate protection, many families end up paying significant out-of-pocket costs, making the investment in motorist coverage in Florida incredibly valuable. Many drivers realize their uninsured motorist coverage is worth far more than the monthly premium the moment a catastrophe strikes.
What Is Stacked vs. Non-Stacked UM Coverage?
When purchasing uninsured motorist coverage, you may also hear about stacked and non-stacked policies.
Stacked UM Coverage
Stacked coverage increases your available protection based on the number of insured vehicles on your policy. This is highly beneficial if your household has multiple vehicles. For example:
- Two vehicles with $50,000 UM coverage each
- Stacked coverage may provide up to $100,000 in benefits
Non-Stacked UM Coverage
Non-stacked coverage limits recovery to the single vehicle amount listed on the policy. Stacked policies often cost more, but they may provide stronger protection after catastrophic injuries by granting you higher coverage limits.
What Happens When You File a UM Claim?
Many people assume filing a claim with their own insurance company will be straightforward. Unfortunately, disputes may still happen. Insurance companies may:
- Challenge the severity of injuries
- Question medical treatment
- Dispute lost wage claims
- Offer less than the claim is worth
To file a UM claim, you generally must:
- Notify your insurance company promptly
- Provide proof of the accident
- Show the at-fault driver lacked sufficient insurance
- Submit medical records and other supporting documentation
If negotiations fail to produce a fair settlement, some UM claims may proceed through arbitration or litigation, depending on the insurance policy language.
Working with a lawyer for auto accident claims may help you better understand your rights and avoid mistakes that could affect your case.
Should You Reject UM Coverage?
Florida insurance companies are legally required to offer UM coverage when you purchase a policy. If you decide not to carry it, you must reject uninsured motorist coverage in writing.
While each driver’s financial situation is different, many people underestimate how expensive a serious accident may become. Even with health insurance, costs related to lost income, long-term care, and pain and suffering may add up quickly.
Speaking with a car accident lawyer or reviewing your policy carefully may help you decide whether your current coverage truly protects you or if declining it is a mistake.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is uninsured motorist coverage required in Florida?
No. UM insurance is optional in Florida, but insurance companies must offer it when you purchase auto insurance.
Does UM coverage apply to hit-and-run accidents?
Florida generally treats hit-and-run accidents as uninsured motorist claims.
Will PIP cover all of my medical bills?
PIP benefits are capped at $10,000 and only cover a percentage of medical expenses and lost wages.
Can my own insurance company deny a UM claim?
Even though you are filing with your own insurer, they may still dispute or undervalue your claim to avoid paying full compensation.
Should I talk to a personal injury lawyer after an uninsured motorist accident?
Speaking with a personal injury lawyer in Orlando, FL may help you understand your legal options and insurance coverage after a crash.
Injured by an Uninsured Driver in Orlando? You Don’t Have To Handle It Alone.
After a crash, the stress may hit all at once. Medical appointments, missed work, vehicle repairs, and confusing insurance paperwork may quickly become overwhelming, especially when the at-fault driver has little or no insurance coverage available. Many people are left wondering how they will move forward financially while trying to recover physically and emotionally.
At Pardy & Rodriguez, P.A., you work directly with attorneys who understand the challenges accident victims face throughout Central Florida. Our team provides honest guidance tailored to your situation, investigates available insurance coverage, and fights to pursue fair compensation for your injuries and losses.
If you have questions about Florida uninsured motorist coverage or your legal options after a crash, call us at (888) 522-0222 or fill out our online form to schedule a free consultation with our dedicated team.
Copyright © 2026. Pardy & Rodriguez, P.A. All rights reserved.
The information in this blog post (“post”) is provided for general informational purposes only and may not reflect the current law in your jurisdiction. No information in this post should be construed as legal advice from the individual author or the law firm, nor is it intended to be a substitute for legal counsel on any subject matter. No reader of this post should act or refrain from acting based on any information included in or accessible through this post without seeking the appropriate legal or other professional advice on the particular facts and circumstances at issue from a lawyer licensed in the recipient’s state, country, or other appropriate licensing jurisdiction.
Pardy & Rodriguez, P.A.
1615 Edgewater Dr Suite 250
Orlando, Florida 32804
(407) 481-0066
