It’s an unfortunate reality that car accidents are common, so it goes without saying that having good insurance is vital. In fact, in Florida, drivers must have certain policies in place before they even get behind the wheel. However, Florida law doesn’t require certain types of insurance, and therefore, some drivers may be lacking or underinsured.
If you’re involved in an accident with someone who’s uninsured, you may feel uncertain about coverage of injury or damage. This is why it’s a good idea to have uninsured motorist insurance as a precaution. Learn more about Florida’s insurance requirements, penalties, and having uninsured motorist insurance coverage below.
What Florida requires for insurance
Before you can purchase a car and start driving, you’ll need to have certain minimum insurance coverage in place. In Florida, a driver needs personal injury protection (minimum of $10,000) and property damage liability (minimum of $10,000). These have to be active when a driver registers the vehicle and the entire time of its registration.
If a driver doesn’t have insurance or doesn’t meet the requirements, they may face steep penalties. Some could include suspension of driving privileges and the license plate for up to three years.
The law doesn’t require liability insurance
Liability insurance, which essentially covers damages if the accident is your fault, can come in bodily or property. However, Florida law does not require liability insurance under most circumstances. Certain vehicles, like taxis, have to have bodily injury liability coverage, which covers for injury or death.
Why you should carry uninsured motorist insurance
Even though it is, by law, a requirement to have car insurance, some drivers may not have liability insurance. In order to protect yourself from uninsured drivers, it’s a good idea to have uninsured motorist insurance. In the event you get in an accident with someone who lacks insurance, this policy will cover you.
How Badgley Law Group can help
At Badgley Law Group, our team of specialized, experienced accident attorneys knows how difficult a car accident experience is. Knowing that the other driver is not fully insured only intensifies the uncertainty. We’ll fight for you and strive to ensure you receive the compensation you deserve so you can move forward.
If you’ve been in an accident due to another’s negligence, and they’re uninsured, it’s important to act now. Contact us today for a free consultation.