Florida Uninsured Drivers

A new study says more than 20% of Florida drivers are uninsured!

Drivers need to make sure they have the correct insurance for their protection. According to The Insurance Research Council, over 20% of drivers in Florida are uninsured, which makes Florida the sixth-worst state in the nation. The National average is 13%. Florida requires proof of Personal Injury Protection and Property Damage Liability auto insurance to register a vehicle. Drivers are required to have at least $10,000 of these insurances, and it must be continuous throughout the life of the vehicle even if it is not being used. Drivers can have their licenses suspended if they do not meet this insurance requirement. The reinstatement fee for a suspended license can be up to $500! Florida’s annual average insurance rate is $1,878 which is 36% higher than the national average.

Many people do not realize their insurance will not protect them until it is too late. If you are in an accident with an uninsured driver, you will experience heartbreak. The other driver’s insurance will pay you NOTHING for your injuries, and a maximum of $10,000 for your car repairs or replacement. Our advice is to make sure your policy has the proper coverages to protect you and your family. By understanding insurance coverages, you can protect yourself and potentially save money.

5 Tips When Picking Auto Insurance

1. Buy Uninsured Motorist Coverage. Make sure to opt for “Stacking” UM coverage. Your UM limits will be multiplied by the number of vehicles insured on the policy. For example, $100,000/$300,000 limits, if Stacked with two vehicles, becomes $200,000/$600,000. Stacking UM increases your policy limit, thus your protection from uninsured drivers.
2. Shop Around. Do not let loyalty to a specific insurance company prevent you from getting the best deal. Make sure you shop around and find the best deals.
3. Go with Big Name Companies. Seek insurance from companies you have heard of, such as State Farm, Allstate, GEICO, Progressive, Travelers, Hartford, Safeco. Avoid substandard companies, like Infinity, Windhaven (in receivership), Direct General, Ocean Harbor, and other obscure companies.
4. Full Coverage is not enough. Full Coverage usually means your car is insured by collision and comprehensive insurance. These coverages do not protect you if you are injured or if you cause an accident resulting in injury to another person.
5. Higher Limits Provide More Protection. However, you must make your own decision on the levels of insurance based on your budget and needs. You can also purchase an “Umbrella Policy” to add a second layer of protection for both bodily injury liability and uninsured motorist coverage. To view a coverage and limits chart with suggestions and comments click HERE.

If you have been in a car accident and want free advice on how to move forward with an insurance claim and/or get recommendations from our huge network of medical professionals, please call our office at 407-599-2002 or visit our website at lawsofflorida.com.

The statistics in this article were based on a study conducted by the Insurance Research Council. If you would like to compare insurance rates you can visit the OIR website at www.floir.com.