The Benefits of Having Uninsured Motorist Coverage on your Auto Policy

Many times drivers are not exactly sure what types of coverage they have on their auto policy, but are quick to say they have “full coverage.” Unfortunately, by the time someone realizes that they do not actually have “full coverage,” it’s usually too late.

Auto insurance policies offer various types of coverage, some of which you are required by law to carry in the State of Florida. In Florida, the bare minimum coverages that a vehicle owner must carry are $10,000 in Personal Injury Protection (“PIP”) benefits and $10,000 in property damage coverage. The fact that Florida only requires $10,000 in property damage coverage is unsettling. This coverage will protect a driver if they cause damage to another’s property, such as a home or building.

However, the requirement of PIP coverage is a beneficial one to drivers whether they know it or not. Anybody who has lived in the South Florida area for any period of time knows that there are many uninsured vehicles traversing any particular roadway from Fort Lauderdale to Miami, and everywhere in between. PIP benefits are paid by your own insurance company to cover any medical treatment you require as the result of an accident, regardless of who is at fault. This helps many people who find themselves in a car accident with an uninsured or underinsured driver, and also if you don’t have any health insurance to fall back on.

Other than these two, Florida law doesn’t require drivers to carry any other insurance. This leaves many Florida drivers extremely vulnerable if they are in an accident with a driver who carries only the bare minimum of coverage. This is precisely why uninsured/underinsured motorist coverage is so vital. This will protect someone when an at-fault driver doesn’t carry any liability insurance at all, or if they do, it’s not enough to cover the damages, medical expenses and other costs arising from the accident.
Unfortunately, when it comes to choosing auto insurance, many people tend to opt for lower end coverages solely because of how it will affect premium amounts. But it is important to think about the potential consequences of a car accident, and how spending a few extra dollars a month could provide you with more protection for you and your family, but some peace of mind, as well. Considering the number of underinsured drivers that can be found on the roads of Fort Lauderdale, Davie, Weston, Hollywood, Miami and elsewhere, you will thank yourself in the event of an accident.

It is our position that underinsured motorist coverage is the cheapest and likely the most potentially useful form of “disability type” insurance that anyone can purchase. We strongly recommend getting the highest amount of uninsured / underinsured motorist insurance benefits you can purchase. Over the years we have come to know that it is one of the best insurance benefits you can ever purchase.

For more information on this topic or any other, feel free to contact the Schulman Law Group at (954) 349-3300 or at info@www.schulaw.com