Stacking UM/UIM Coverage In Florida
Despite laws requiring drivers to carry insurance, many still drive without adequate coverage. That’s why Uninsured/Underinsured Motorist (UM/UIM) coverage is one of the most important tools a Florida driver can have, and stacking this coverage can make a significant difference after a serious accident.
If you’ve been injured in a Miami car crash and the at-fault driver has little or no insurance, stacking UM/UIM coverage could provide critical financial support. An experienced Miami personal injury lawyer can help uncover additional compensation sources you may not even know are available.
A Brief History of Uninsured Motorist Coverage
In the state of Florida, drivers are not required to carry bodily injury liability coverage unless they’ve been convicted of certain offenses. As a result, many drivers on Florida roads are uninsured or carry only minimal Personal Injury Protection (PIP), which typically covers just $10,000 in medical expenses and lost wages, regardless of fault.
Recognizing this problem, Florida insurance companies offer UM/UIM coverage. This option helps protect people injured by others with inadequate insurance. Although it’s not mandatory, insurance companies must offer it when selling auto policies, and drivers must reject it in writing if they choose not to purchase it.
When you buy UM/UIM coverage in Florida, you have two options: stacked or unstacked. Stacked coverage allows you to combine the limits of UM/UIM coverage across multiple vehicles you insure. For example, if you have two cars on your policy with $100,000 in UM coverage each, stacked coverage would give you access to $200,000 if you’re injured in an accident with an uninsured driver.
Even if you declined stacked coverage, your attorney might identify other insurance policies that apply to your situation. This is especially important in severe injury cases where medical bills, lost wages, and future care needs exceed the limits of basic coverage.
Don’t Settle for Less Than You Deserve
In a city like Miami, where traffic is dense and the rate of uninsured drivers remains high, stacking UM/UIM coverage can be a financial lifesaver. If you’ve been in an accident, don’t assume the insurance company will automatically offer what you’re owed.
After an accident, many people file claims only through their PIP coverage, unaware they may have access to additional funds through stacked UM/UIM or other avenues. That’s where an experienced Miami personal injury lawyer can make a difference. As soon as you connect with an attorney, they will review your insurance policy for hidden or overlooked benefits and explore potential third-party liability to maximize your compensation.
Could uninsured motorist coverage be part of your recovery plan? Have a conversation with the talented legal team at Spencer Morgan Law to understand your rights, review your insurance coverage, and fight for every dollar of compensation you deserve. You should not accept a settlement amount provided by an adjuster without question. Insurance companies have attorneys, so should you. To schedule a confidential consultation and have your unique situation addressed, call 305-423-3800.