Should I Have Uninsured Motorist Coverage In Florida?

When It Makes Sense

• Good fit: You drive frequently in high‑traffic areas and there is a significant percentage of uninsured drivers in Florida; having uninsured motorist coverage can protect you if you’re hit by an uninsured driver.
• Good fit: You have a newer or higher‑value vehicle and want medical coverage for yourself and passengers when the at‑fault driver lacks insurance; UM can cover medical expenses and lost wages.

When You Should Avoid It

• Warning sign: You already have sufficient personal injury protection (PIP) limits that exceed likely medical costs, and your auto policy includes uninsured/underinsured motorist coverage that duplicates UM benefits; extra UM may be redundant.
• Warning sign: You are on a tight budget and your insurer offers UM at a high premium relative to your risk profile, and you can rely on health insurance for medical expenses; you may choose to forego UM.

Pros and Cons

Pros

• Provides a safety net for medical bills, lost wages, and pain‑and‑suffering when the at‑fault driver lacks coverage.
• Can cover damage to your vehicle when the other driver is uninsured, up to the limits you select.

Cons

• Increases your overall auto insurance premium, sometimes significantly.
• If you have strong health insurance or high PIP limits, the additional coverage may overlap and provide limited extra value.

Decision Checklist

• Do you have adequate PIP or health insurance coverage to handle medical expenses from an accident with an uninsured driver?
• What is the percentage of uninsured drivers in your area and how often do you drive in high‑risk conditions?
• Can you afford the additional premium, and does the coverage limit align with your potential exposure?

Alternatives to Consider

Increase your personal injury protection (PIP) limits instead of adding UM, as Florida law requires minimum PIP. You might also rely on a robust health‑insurance plan that covers accidents, or select a lower‑limit UM policy to reduce cost while still providing basic protection.

Final Recommendation

For drivers who rely heavily on their vehicle, have limited health/PIP coverage, or live in areas with high uninsured rates, adding uninsured motorist coverage is generally advisable. If you already have high PIP limits, comprehensive health insurance, and are cost‑conscious, you might opt to skip UM or choose a modest limit. In any case, discuss your specific situation with a licensed insurance professional to ensure compliance with Florida law and to tailor coverage to your needs.