Uninsured Motorist Coverage in Florida
Quick Answer
About 1 in 4 Florida drivers has no insurance. If one of them hits you, uninsured motorist (UM) coverage pays for your injuries and damages. It is not required by law, but in a state with this many uninsured drivers, it is arguably the most important optional coverage you can buy.
Florida consistently ranks among the top five states for uninsured motorists. According to the Insurance Research Council, roughly 26% of Florida drivers carry no insurance at all. That means every fourth car you pass on I-4 or I-95 might have zero coverage. If that driver hits you, who pays? Without UM/UIM coverage, the answer is you.
What Does UM/UIM Coverage Actually Pay For?
Uninsured Motorist (UM) and Underinsured Motorist (UIM) coverage protects you and your passengers when the other driver is at fault but cannot pay. Here is what it covers:
- Medical expenses — hospital bills, surgery, rehab, and ongoing treatment beyond what your PIP covers
- Lost wages — income you lose while recovering from injuries
- Pain and suffering — unlike PIP, UM/UIM can compensate for non-economic damages
- Funeral expenses — in the worst-case scenario
The key difference between UM and UIM: UM applies when the at-fault driver has zero insurance. UIMapplies when they have insurance, but their limits are not enough to cover your damages. Given Florida's low minimum requirements (no BI required for most drivers), UIM scenarios are surprisingly common.
Why Is UM/UIM Especially Important in Florida?
Several factors make Florida uniquely risky for drivers without UM/UIM:
- 26% uninsured rate: One of the highest in the nation. You encounter uninsured drivers daily.
- No BI requirement:Most Florida drivers are not required to carry bodily injury liability. Even "insured" drivers may have zero BI coverage, making them effectively uninsured for your injury claims.
- High traffic volume: Tourism, commuters, and seasonal residents keep Florida roads crowded year-round, increasing accident risk.
- PIP only covers $10K: Your own PIP maxes out at $10,000. After that, you need another source to cover medical bills. UM/UIM fills that gap.
- Hit-and-run coverage: UM also covers hit-and-run accidents where the at-fault driver flees and is never identified.
What Is Stacked vs Non-Stacked UM Coverage?
Florida offers two forms of UM coverage:
Non-Stacked
Each vehicle on your policy has its own separate UM limit. If you have 25/50 UM on two cars, the maximum payout per accident is still 25/50 — the limits do not add together. This is the cheaper option.
Stacked
Your UM limits multiply by the number of vehicles on your policy. If you have 25/50 UM on two cars, your effective limit becomes 50/100. Costs more per month but provides significantly higher coverage if you have multiple vehicles.
If you only have one vehicle on your policy, stacked and non-stacked provide the same coverage. Stacking only matters when you insure multiple vehicles.
How Much Does UM/UIM Coverage Cost in Florida?
UM/UIM is one of the most affordable add-ons relative to the protection it provides. Typical costs:
| UM/UIM Limits | Estimated Monthly Cost | Annual Cost |
|---|---|---|
| 25/50 (non-stacked) | $15 – $30 | $180 – $360 |
| 50/100 (non-stacked) | $25 – $45 | $300 – $540 |
| 100/300 (non-stacked) | $35 – $60 | $420 – $720 |
| 25/50 (stacked, 2 cars) | $25 – $50 | $300 – $600 |
Estimates vary by location, driving history, and carrier. Actual rates may differ.
How Do You Add UM/UIM to Your Policy?
Under Florida law, your insurance company must offer you UM/UIM coverage. If you decline it, you must sign a written rejection form. To add it:
- Call your current insurer or log into your online account
- Request UM/UIM coverage and choose your limits (match your BI limits is a good rule of thumb)
- Decide between stacked and non-stacked (if you have multiple vehicles)
- Review the premium change and confirm
- Coverage typically starts immediately or on your next billing cycle
If you previously signed a rejection form, you can reverse that decision at any time by contacting your insurer.
See What UM/UIM Adds to Your Premium
Compare quotes with and without uninsured motorist coverage. The difference might be less than you think.
Compare Rates Now →Estimates are for educational purposes only and are not quotes.
Uninsured Motorist FAQ
Is uninsured motorist coverage required in Florida?
No, but your insurer must offer it and you must sign a written rejection if you decline. Given Florida's 26% uninsured rate, most experts strongly recommend it.
How much does UM coverage cost in Florida?
Typically $15 to $60 per month depending on your limits, location, and driving history. For 25/50 non-stacked limits, most drivers pay $20 to $35 per month.
What percentage of Florida drivers are uninsured?
Approximately 26%, or about 1 in 4 drivers. This is among the highest uninsured rates in the country.
Does UM cover hit-and-run accidents?
Yes. If a driver hits you and flees the scene, your UM coverage treats it the same as being hit by an uninsured driver and pays for your injuries and damages.