Based on a 2014 study conducted by the Insurance Research Council (IRC), the Insurance Information Institute estimates that 1 in 8 drivers are uninsured in the United States. In Florida alone, the IRC estimates that Florida has some 3.2 million uninsured drivers, which places us as one of the top five states across the nation.
While we infamously boast a large portion of drivers who do not have insurance, we likely have an even larger portion of people who do not carry enough insurance.
This has a lot to do with the fact that while insurance agents in our state are required to offer car owners the option of adding underinsured motorist coverage to their policy, most agents rarely explain the incredible benefits this coverage offers. As a result, a majority of drivers in Florida turn down this additional coverage, which can end up costing you big in the event you or a loved one are injured in a motor vehicle collision.
The benefits of UM insurance coverage
In accidents where you know the other driver is at fault, you hope to rely on that driver’s insurance to cover the full extent of damages, including bodily injury, past and future medical treatment, past and future loss of income and all other damages. Unfortunately, due to rising insurance costs, a majority of drivers in our state can only afford the minimum policy coverage. As a result, their policy may not be able to cover all of your medical bills, lost wages and other related expenses.
This is the reason why purchasing underinsured motorist coverage (UM coverage) is so important. Without this additional coverage, there may not be sufficient coverage to compensate you for your damages. And if you’re UM coverage limits are too low, you could still have uncompensated damages.
Even though UM coverage is inexpensive, it can become an invaluable protection after an accident. That’s because, without UM coverage, anything not covered by the at-fault driver’s insurance, may come out of your pocket instead of being covered by the insurance company.
This financial burden may be avoided or limited if you are informed about your insurance options and guarantee yourself the protection you need and deserve by purchasing adequate UM coverage.