Uninsured Motorist Coverage Florida

Motorcycle accidents in Boca Raton are often chaotic, and the aftermath can leave you navigating a maze of insurance policies. One type of protection riders often overlook is the uninsured motorist coverage Florida policies offer. At Hersh Kirtman, a trusted Boca Raton car accident lawyer, we’ve helped clients who thought they had all the right coverage—until they were hit by someone who carried none.

What Is Uninsured Motorist Coverage in Florida?

Uninsured motorist (UM) coverage protects you when the at-fault driver doesn’t carry liability insurance. In Florida, this is particularly important because the state may not require all drivers to carry bodily injury liability insurance in every circumstance. For motorcyclists, the risk is even higher. Without UM coverage, you could end up paying your own medical bills, even if the crash wasn’t your fault.

UM coverage may also include underinsured motorist (UIM) protection. This coverage applies when the at-fault driver has some insurance, but it’s not enough to cover your injuries. Together, these coverages help fill the financial gaps when another driver’s policy falls below the amount needed to pay for your losses or is nonexistent.

How Uninsured and Underinsured Motorist Coverage Works

Florida follows a no-fault insurance system, meaning your Personal Injury Protection Florida mostly follows a no-fault system, where Personal Injury Protection (PIP) typically pays out regardless of who’s at fault—but motorcycles aren’t covered by standard PIP policies. That’s why uninsured motorist coverage can be crucial after a motorcycle crash, especially if the other driver doesn’t have insurance and medical bills start adding up.

While not required under Florida law, uninsured motorist (UM) coverage is highly recommended. It helps cover injuries to you, your passengers, or anyone driving your vehicle when the at-fault party has little or no insurance, including in hit-and-run cases. Insurance providers must offer it, and though you can decline, it has to be done in writing. Given how many drivers in Florida go uninsured, having UM protection is a practical step to safeguard against significant out-of-pocket expenses.

Your coverage applies when:

• The at-fault driver has no liability insurance
• The other driver flees the scene (hit-and-run)
• The at-fault driver’s policy limits don’t cover your full damages

Is Uninsured Motorist Coverage Required in Florida?

No, uninsured motorist coverage is not mandatory in Florida. According to the Florida Highway Safety and Motor Vehicles, Florida requires only two types of insurance: Personal Injury Protection (PIP) and Property Damage Liability (PDL), each with a minimum of $10,000. This leaves a significant coverage gap, especially for motorcyclists who don’t benefit from PIP.

Pros and Cons of Uninsured Motorist Coverage

Pros

• Financial protection: Covers medical bills, lost wages, and pain and suffering.
• Applies in hit-and-run cases: You’re not left high and dry if the driver disappears.
• Peace of mind: You don’t have to rely on someone else’s policy.

Cons

• Increased premium: It adds to your monthly or annual insurance cost.
• Coverage limits: May not fully compensate for severe injuries unless limits are high.
• Claim disputes: Some insurance companies may contest your UM claim, requiring legal action.

If you’ve never looked closely at your policy, now’s a good time to ask whether your uninsured motorist coverage Florida plan meets your needs. Many riders don’t realize they’re underinsured until it’s too late.

Michael Hersh

Founding Partner

A passionate advocate for injury victims, Michael transitioned from corporate law to fighting for individuals after a pivotal case defending an elderly couple. With over $100M in verdicts and settlements, he specializes in catastrophic injury and wrongful death cases, using his Trial Lawyers College training to powerfully tell clients’ stories.

Years of experience – Over 15 years
Elite Trial Advocate – Graduate, Trial Lawyers College
$35M Record Verdict – Catastrophic auto accident case

Get in touch: LinkedIn | Justia

How Much UM Coverage Should You Carry in Florida?

There’s no one-size-fits-all answer, but the FLHSMV advises that every driver or rider understand their base coverage: $10,000 in PIP and $10,000 in PDL. That won’t go far after a serious motorcycle crash.

Match your UM/UIM coverage limits to your bodily injury liability coverage whenever possible. Riders face greater risks than drivers, and serious injuries can bring overwhelming costs from treatment, recovery time, and long-term complications, making strong UM protection a practical necessity.

How to File a Claim Under Uninsured Motorist Coverage

After a motorcycle accident, filing a UM claim is similar to other insurance claims, but timing and documentation are everything.

Here’s what to do:

1. Notify your insurer 
2. Gather evidence
3. Get witness statements 
4. Keep records 
5. Consult a lawyer

Insurers are generally expected to handle claims in good faith, but disputes still arise. Don’t assume your claim will be smooth sailing. Be proactive and assertive throughout the process.

Contact a Boca Raton Car Accident Lawyer

Navigating a UM claim after a motorcycle accident isn’t easy, especially while you’re trying to heal. At Hersh Kirtman, we help riders in Boca Raton understand their rights and fight for the coverage they deserve.

Whether you’re facing rising medical bills or just want clarity on uninsured motorist coverage Florida laws, we’re here to support you every step of the way. Contact us at 561.208.3700.