Automobile Insurance in Florida – Protect Yourself Because Others Won’t
Pursuant to Florida law, everyone who operates a motor vehicle in Florida is required to carry automobile insurance coverage. As part of the process of obtaining or renewing your driver’s license, you are usually required to show “proof of insurance” or to otherwise prove that you have adequate insurance coverage. What most people don’t understand is exactly how important it is to carry this insurance.
In Florida, there are numerous types of automobile insurance coverages available. In short, Property Damage Coverage provides coverage for damage you cause to another person’s automobile. Comprehensive Coverage provides coverage for any damage to your own vehicle. Personal Injury Protection coverage provides coverage between $2,500.00 and $10,000.00) for the payment of your own medical bills and/or lost wages in case of any accident. Bodily Injury Coverage provides coverage for any injuries you may cause to others through the operation of your vehicle.
Uninsured/Under-Insured motorist coverage provides coverage for your injuries if the person who caused the accident does not have enough (or any) insurance coverage to compensate you for your injuries. Loss of Use/Rental Coverage provides coverage for either a rental car, or compensation for the loss of the ability to use your vehicle while it is getting repaired.
Although there are many insurance coverages available, under Florida Law, only Personal Injury Protection and Property Damage coverages are required to drive legally. With this minimalistic coverage, the only things that would be covered in an accident would be your own medical bills (up to $10,000) and the cost to repair the not-at-fault driver’s vehicle. What would NOT be covered is any sort of personal injury damages.
Unfortunately, history shows in Florida many/most drivers are opting to have only minimal insurance coverage. If someone chooses to only carry the minimal coverage mandated by law, he is putting others at risk for any damage he may cause through the operation of his motor vehicle. Furthermore, it is estimated that 25% of drivers carry ABSOLUTELY NO insurance! Apparently the game is to obtain coverage for the sole purpose of obtaining/renewing your driver’s license, and then immediately cancel the coverage thereafter.
Given the above, it is imperative and we recommend our clients obtain sufficient Uninsured/Under-Insured motorist insurance coverage to protect them and their family. Without Uninsured/Under-Insured Motorist Coverage, you would be without any recourse if you were injured by an uninsured driver.
