Car accidents are stressful enough without the added shock of finding out the other driver doesn’t have enough—or any—insurance. Fortunately, Uninsured/Underinsured Motorist Coverage (UM) is designed to protect you in exactly these situations.

At FGB Law Firm, we help accident victims navigate Florida’s complex auto insurance landscape. If you’ve been hit by someone with little or no coverage, here’s what you need to know about how UM coverage can help.

What Is Uninsured/Underinsured Motorist Coverage?

Uninsured/Underinsured Motorist (UM) coverage is an optional part of your auto insurance policy that steps in when the at-fault driver doesn’t have insurance—or doesn’t have enough to cover your damages.

It helps pay for things like:

  • Medical bills

  • Lost wages

  • Pain and suffering

  • Future medical care

  • Funeral expenses (in fatal accidents)

You can think of UM as a safety net—it fills in the financial gaps when the at-fault driver can’t.

Why Is UM Coverage Important in Florida?

Florida has one of the highest rates of uninsured drivers in the U.S.—with estimates suggesting nearly 1 in 5 drivers on the road are uninsured. And even those who are insured may only carry the state minimum, which does not include liability coverage for bodily injuries in many cases.

Because of this, you can’t always count on the other driver’s insurance to help cover your losses after an accident. That’s where UM coverage becomes essential.

Types of UM Coverage

In Florida, UM coverage comes in two primary forms:

  1. Uninsured Motorist (UM) – Kicks in when the at-fault driver has no insurance at all.

  2. Underinsured Motorist (UIM) – Applies when the at-fault driver has some insurance, but not enough to fully cover your damages.

You can also choose between:

  • Stacked Coverage – Allows you to combine UM limits across multiple vehicles on your policy.

  • Non-Stacked Coverage – More affordable, but provides less total coverage.

What Does UM Coverage NOT Cover?

UM coverage is specifically for bodily injury claims—it does not cover damage to your vehicle. For that, you’ll need collision coverage or seek compensation from the other driver (if possible).

How Much UM Coverage Should You Have?

It depends on your situation, but we generally recommend purchasing as much UM coverage as you can afford. It could be the difference between having your expenses covered—or being left with bills you can’t pay.

What to Do After an Accident with an Uninsured Driver

  1. Call 911 and report the accident.

  2. Document everything – photos, witness statements, and the other driver’s information.

  3. Seek medical attention right away, even if you feel fine.

  4. Notify your insurance company that you may be filing a UM claim.

  5. Contact an experienced personal injury attorney to protect your rights.

We’ll Help You Get the Compensation You Deserve

Filing a UM claim can be complicated—especially if your own insurance company tries to undervalue your injuries. At FGB Law Firm, we fight for injured victims and help ensure that your policy works for you, not against you.

If you were injured in an accident caused by an uninsured or underinsured driver, you don’t have to face it alone.