Why every driver in Tampa Bay needs uninsured motorist coverage in 2022

Posted By Nadine Diaz

A record-breaking 27% of drivers in Florida will hit the road without car insurance in 2022. If you’re involved in an accident caused by someone else this year, there is a 1 in 4 chance that you will be financially responsible—unless you have uninsured motorist (UM) coverage.

What is uninsured motorist coverage?

Uninsured motorist coverage financially protects you in the event you are injured in an accident caused by a driver who does not have insurance. Underinsured motorist coverage helps pay your expenses if you’re hit by a driver who doesn’t have enough insurance to cover your damages.

What does uninsured motorist coverage pay for?

Uninsured and underinsured motorist coverage can pay for:

• – Medical bills
• – Car repairs or replacement
• – Lost wages if you can’t work because of the car accident
• – Pain and suffering compensation
• – Funeral expenses

Why do Tampa drivers need uninsured motorist coverage?

One of the best ways to protect yourself in the event of an accident involving an uninsured driver is to purchase uninsured and underinsured motorist coverage. Florida doesn’t require drivers to purchase this type of coverage, but it can be a lifesaver if you’re involved in a crash caused by an uninsured motorist. Here’s why:

Florida insurance requirements

Personal Injury Protection (PIP), or “No-Fault” car insurance, is mandated by the state of Florida for all drivers to carry. PIP pays for injuries you sustain in an accident regardless of who was at-fault in the accident. However, Florida only requires drivers to carry a minimum of $10,000 in bodily injury coverage per person and $20,000 per accident. This is the lowest bodily injury minimum in the United States.

What sets Florida apart from other states is that only 80% of your medical costs will be covered by PIP. So, if you have injuries that cost $10,000, PIP will only pay for $8,000 of that.

Serious accidents often cause over $100,000 in damages

If you are seriously injured in a car accident in Tampa Bay, your medical expenses can easily exceed $8,000. On average, individuals who are seriously injured in a car accident incur medical expenses over $100,000.

If you are seriously injured in an accident with an uninsured driver and you do not have uninsured motorist coverage, it will be very difficult to recover compensation for your losses. If a driver does not have insurance, chances are they do not have any assets. You could sue them, but you will most likely never receive compensation. You will have to pay out of pocket for all of your expenses.  

How much uninsured motorist coverage should you carry?

With an increasing number of drivers in Tampa Bay hitting the road without insurance this year, we recommend increasing your uninsured motorist coverage to $100,000, or even $300,000 if possible. Typically, you can add higher coverage to your car insurance for a nominal price, and the protection it gives you can save you thousands in the long run.

Contact your car insurance company today to explore your options for increasing your uninsured motorist coverage.

What to do if you are injured in an accident in Tampa Bay that is caused by an uninsured driver

Call Darrigo & Diaz immediately at (813) 437-5523

If you are injured in an accident in Tampa Bay that is caused by a driver who does not have insurance, you should contact Darrigo & Diaz immediately. We understand how frustrating and overwhelming this situation can be. Our experienced team has helped hundreds of Tampa Bay residents recover compensation for accidents involving uninsured and underinsured drivers.

We offer free consultations and you do not have to pay anything unless we win your case.

Call (813) 437-5523 now to schedule your complimentary meeting with our experienced Tampa Bay car accident attorneys.