You’ve done everything right—bought auto insurance, followed traffic laws, and drive responsibly. But what happens if you’re injured in a crash caused by someone who doesn’t have insurance? Unfortunately, that’s not a rare situation in Florida.
Florida ranks among the top states for uninsured drivers, and in Sarasota County alone, thousands of motorists may be driving without proper insurance coverage. This is why Uninsured Motorist (UM) and Underinsured Motorist (UIM) coverage is one of the most important protections you can add to your auto policy.
This guide explains what uninsured motorist coverage is, why it matters in Sarasota, and how it plays a vital role in personal injury claims after a car accident.
What Is Uninsured Motorist (UM) Coverage?
Uninsured Motorist (UM) coverage protects you if you’re injured in a crash caused by a driver who has no auto insurance.
There’s also Underinsured Motorist (UIM) coverage, which applies when the at-fault driver doesn’t carry enough insurance to cover your damages.
In both cases, your own insurance company steps in to pay for your injuries, lost wages, and other damages up to the limits of your UM/UIM policy.
Why Is UM Coverage So Important in Sarasota?
High Rate of Uninsured Drivers
According to the Insurance Research Council, approximately 20% of Florida drivers are uninsured. That means 1 in 5 cars you pass on I-75 or US 41 could be uninsured.
Florida’s Minimum Liability Requirements Are Low
Even when a driver is insured, they may only carry Florida’s minimum property damage liability coverage, which doesn’t cover bodily injuries. Florida does not require bodily injury liability insurance for most drivers.
That leaves victims with serious injuries—like broken bones, concussions, or spinal damage—struggling to pay medical bills unless they have UM/UIM coverage.
What Does UM/UIM Coverage Pay For?
UM/UIM can cover:
- Medical expenses beyond your PIP benefits
- Lost wages if you can’t work after the crash
- Pain and suffering and emotional distress
- Future medical care or rehabilitation
- Wrongful death damages if a loved one is killed in a crash
How UM Coverage Works with Florida’s No-Fault (PIP) Insurance
Florida’s no-fault system requires drivers to carry Personal Injury Protection (PIP) coverage, which pays up to $10,000 for medical bills and lost wages, regardless of who caused the accident.
But here’s the problem:
- $10,000 doesn’t go far in a serious crash
- PIP doesn’t cover pain and suffering
- You can’t sue the at-fault driver unless your injuries meet the serious injury threshold
This is where UM coverage becomes critical—especially when the at-fault driver is uninsured or underinsured.
When Can You Use UM/UIM Coverage?
You can use UM/UIM coverage if:
- The at-fault driver has no insurance
- The at-fault driver has inadequate insurance
- The accident was a hit-and-run, and the driver was never identified
- You were a pedestrian or bicyclist hit by an uninsured driver
- You were a passenger in someone else’s vehicle without adequate coverage
Is UM/UIM Coverage Required in Florida?
Florida insurers must offer UM/UIM coverage, but drivers can opt out in writing. Many do so to save a few dollars—until they’re injured in a crash and left without financial protection.
How Much UM Coverage Should You Carry?
You can purchase UM coverage equal to your bodily injury liability limits (or “stacked” coverage for multiple vehicles). Most attorneys recommend at least $100,000 per person / $300,000 per accident for UM/UIM.
Stacked coverage multiplies your UM limits by the number of vehicles you insure—providing even greater protection.
How an Attorney Can Help with UM/UIM Claims
Filing a UM claim isn’t always straightforward. Even though you’re dealing with your own insurance company, they may delay, deny, or undervalue your claim. An experienced Sarasota personal injury attorney can:
- Review your policy coverage
- Gather medical records and evidence
- Handle all communication with the insurance company
- Fight for the full compensation you deserve
Don’t Risk Being Unprotected
With so many uninsured and underinsured drivers on Sarasota’s roads, UM/UIM coverage is one of the smartest insurance decisions you can make. It fills the gap when the at-fault driver can’t—or won’t—pay for the harm they’ve caused.
If you’ve been injured by an uninsured driver, contact Warren Chin at ECD Law at (941) 366-8888 to learn how UM coverage can support your personal injury claim and help you recover fully.