Do you have Uninsured Motorist coverage and is it important? Getting into a car accident is stressful enough, but potentially hefty medical bills can and will make it hard to move on. You may think as long as you’re insured, you’re fine. However, the neglect of another uninsured driver may steer things in the wrong direction.
Uninsured Drivers in Florida
One driver out of every 8 in the United States was uninsured in 2015, according to The Insurance Research Council (IRC). Thirteen percent (13%) of drivers across the country in 2015 were uninsured. However, in Florida this rate jumps up to a staggering 26.7 %. This is the highest rate in the country. The most uninsured drivers are in Florida. What are you doing to prevent a car accident from becoming a life-altering debt?
An accident with an uninsured or underinsured driver can result in significant costs that aren’t covered by a basic insurance policy. As a law-abiding driver you deserve protection. Other states require uninsured motorist coverage in their car insurance policies to help with costs associated with injuries after an accident with an uninsured driver. However, in Florida it will be up to you to make sure you have this coverage.
Additionally, drivers may have the option to purchase uninsured motorist property damage that covers damages to your vehicle. Your insurance will cover property damage caused by an uninsured driver in an accident.
Uninsured Motorist Insurance
According to the DMV, uninsured motorist coverage applies if:
- The other driver was at fault
- The other driver is uninsured
- You were the victim of a hit-and-run accident
You may have assumed that your personal injury protection (PIP) ensures that all drivers have access to emergency treatment, regardless of who is to blame for the accident. However, the limits on this coverage can be low. If you don’t have health insurance, any bills that exceed your state’s Personal Injury Protection threshold are yours to pay (CarInsurance.com).
According to AAA, American drivers spend an average of more than 290 hours behind the wheel each year. Uninsured drivers are on the road just as much. Feel safer for each of these 17,600 minutes when you’ve got uninsured motorist coverage. It may only take less than a minute to get in an accident. Make sure you are covered.
