Uninsured Motorist Coverage in Florida
Who Pays for Car Damage in Florida?
Florida is a no-fault state, which means your own insurance pays certain expenses after an accident—regardless of who caused it. For vehicle damage, payment depends on fault. Either your policy or the other driver’s insurance will cover the damage based on who was responsible.
Because many drivers on the road are uninsured or underinsured, adding uninsured motorist coverage in Florida is a smart way to protect yourself financially.
Reasons Why Drivers Drive Uninsured
Many drivers on the road are uninsured for a variety of reasons. Some simply can’t afford rising insurance premiums and take the risk of driving without coverage. Others let their policies lapse because they forget to pay, change banks, or don’t realize their coverage has been canceled. Younger drivers and first-time drivers may underestimate how important insurance is, while some people wrongly assume they’re covered under someone else’s policy. There are also drivers who avoid insurance because of past violations, high-risk status, or required filings like SR-22 or FR-44, which make coverage more expensive. All of these factors contribute to a large number of uninsured drivers sharing the road.
Auto Insurance Too Expensive. Cost and Financial Strain.
Drivers often end up uninsured for a mix of financial, personal, and practical reasons. The most common factor is cost—many people struggle to afford insurance, especially as premiums continue to rise. For lower-income drivers or those labeled high-risk due to past violations, insurance can feel out of reach, forcing them to choose between coverage and basic necessities like rent, food, or utilities.
The most common factor is affordability. Many people struggle to pay for insurance as premiums rise, especially lower-income drivers or those labeled high-risk. For some, it becomes a choice between coverage and basic needs like rent, food, or utilities.
False Sense of Safety
Some drivers believe they are unlikely to get into an accident and see insurance as unnecessary. Others assume the other driver’s insurance will always pay, which is not always true.
Lack of Awareness
Not all drivers understand that insurance is legally required in most states or know what minimum coverage they must carry.
Ignoring the Law
Some drivers knowingly drive uninsured because they think they won’t get caught or believe fines are cheaper than paying monthly premiums—especially in areas with weak enforcement.
Policy Lapses and Legal Barriers
Drivers can become uninsured due to missed payments, banking changes, or paperwork errors. Others cannot get insured because of license issues or serious past violations.
Is Florida a No-Fault State?
Yes. Florida is a no-fault state. This means drivers are required to carry certain coverages that pay for medical expenses and some losses after an accident, no matter who caused the crash.
Insurance Fact
How Does Uninsured Motorist Coverage Work in Florida?
Uninsured motorist coverage applies when you are hit by:
- A driver with no insurance.
- A driver whose coverage limits are too low to cover your damages.
UM coverage does not pay for vehicle damage. Instead, it helps cover personal and financial losses such as:
- Medical Bills – Works alongside PIP to cover additional medical costs.
- Loss of Future Enjoyment of Life – Compensation for not being able to enjoy activities, hobbies, or work as you once did.
- Lost Wages and Disability – Covers income lost due to injury-related time off or long-term disability
What Happens When an Uninsured Driver Hits You in Florida?
First, call the police and report the accident. Even if the other driver has no insurance, an official police report is critical for your claim.
Next, contact your insurance company as soon as possible. They will tell you what information they need from the scene to process your claim.
What If You’re the Uninsured Driver?
If you’re uninsured and get into an automobile accident or are pulled over, you’ll likely be tagged as a high-risk driver. High-risk drivers typically pay more for insurance and have fewer options.
Drivers who commit violations like reckless driving or driving without insurance may be required to carry:
- SR-22 – For certain serious violations,
- FR-44 – For DUI-related offenses in Florida.
Always carry proper coverage to avoid fines, license suspension, and higher insurance costs.
Will Uninsured Motorist Coverage Help If an Uninsured Driver Hits You?
Yes. But you must still call the police and your insurance company. This allows you to file a claim and provides an official accident report, which is essential for processing your uninsured motorist benefits.
Uninsured Motorist Coverage vs. Non-Owner Insurance
These two coverages serve different purposes:
- Uninsured Motorist Coverage protects you when another driver has no insurance or not enough insurance.
- Non-Owner Insurance is for people who don’t own a car but frequently drive vehicles they don’t own. The Non-Owner coverage provides basic liability coverage for those situations.
Both can be valuable—depending on your driving situation.
Let Insurance Direct help you with your vehicle insurance. We shop multiple carriers to find you the best rates in minutes—while uncovering available discounts. Speak with an licensed agent today or get an online quote.
What Is The Minimum Insurance Coverage Required by Most US States?
| Minimum Insurance Required |
Bodily Injury (BI) | Property Damage (PD) |
Personal Injury Protection (PIP) |
|---|---|---|---|
| Florida (No-Fault) | optional coverage | $10,000 | $10,000 |
| Texas (At-Fault) | $30,000 per person, $60,000 per accident |
$25,000 | optional coverage |
| Tennessee (At-Fault) | $25,000 per person, $50,000 per accident |
$15,000 | optional coverage |
What Is The Average Auto Insurance Cost Per Year?
| Average Cost Per Year | State Minimum Car Insurance | Basic Full Car Insurance | Full Car Insurance |
|---|---|---|---|
| Florida | $835 | $1,620 | $1,920 |
| Texas | $718 | $1,565 | $1,842 |
| Tennessee | $539 | $1,354 | $1,583 |
