Accident With an Uninsured Driver in Florida

Owners of vehicles with four or more wheels registered in Florida must carry at least $10,000 of personal injury protection and $10,000 of property damage liability. FLHSMV can suspend the licence and registration of an owner who lets required coverage lapse.

Bodily injury liability — which pays for injuries a driver causes to others — is generally not required unless the driver has caused certain crashes or received certain convictions. So a driver can be fully legal and still have no coverage for your injuries.

PIP generally pays 80% of reasonable medical expenses up to $10,000 whoever was at fault, provided you get initial care within 14 days.

Uninsured motorist coverage pays what the at-fault driver would have been legally responsible for, up to your UM limits. Florida insurers must offer it, and it is included at your bodily injury limits unless the named insured rejected it or chose lower limits on a signed form. Coverage stacks across vehicles unless non-stacking coverage was selected in writing.

Your declarations page shows what you have. If an insurer isn’t handling your claim properly, the Florida Department of Financial Services Insurance Consumer Helpline is 1-877-693-5236 — the department recommends contacting your insurer first.

1. 1

   Make sure there’s a police report

   It records the other driver’s details and insurance status.

2. 2

   Notify your insurer

   Your PIP and any UM claim go through your own company.

3. 3

   Get medical care within 14 days

   Keep every bill and record.

4. 4

   Get advice on your options

   A participating attorney can review what coverage may apply.