Uninsured Motorist Coverage in Florida: What It Pays and What It Doesn't

Learn exactly what Florida uninsured motorist coverage pays, what it excludes, and how to choose the right UM limit for Palm Beach County drivers.

TL;DR:** Uninsured motorist (UM) coverage steps in when a driver who hits you has no liability insurance, or not enough of it, to cover your injuries. In Florida it is optional, not required, but given the state's high rate of uninsured drivers it fills a gap that PIP alone cannot close. The right limit depends on your health coverage, income, and how much driving you do. At a Glance | | Uninsured Motorist (UM) | Underinsured Motorist (UIM) | Florida PIP | |---|---|---|---| | Triggers when** | At-fault driver has zero liability coverage | At-fault driver's liability limit is too low | You are injured, regardless of fault | | Pays for** | Bodily injury, lost wages, pain and suffering | Bodily injury above the other driver's limit | 80% of medical (for emergency medical conditions up to $10,000; $2,500 cap for non-emergencies), 60% of lost wages, up to limit | | Property damage** | Optional stacked UM may help; UMPD is separate | No | No | | Required in FL** | No | No | Yes ($10,000 minimum) | | Your passengers covered** | Yes | Yes | Depends on whether passengers have their own PIP policy and other conditions; consult your policy for details | Why Florida Is a High-Risk State for Uninsured Drivers Florida consistently ranks among the top five states for uninsured motorists. The Insurance Research Council has estimated that roughly one in five Florida drivers carries no liability insurance at all. That means every fifth car sharing I-95 or US-1 with you may have nothing to pay your bills if they cause a crash. Florida is also a no-fault state, which means your own Personal Injury Protection (PIP) pays first. But PIP maxes out at $10,000 , and that full $10,000 medical benefit applies only when an emergency medical condition is diagnosed; non-emergency treatment is…