Skip to main content
Blog
Uninsured motorist (UM) coverage has become more essential for drivers in Miami because it is often the only protection available when the at-fault driver has no insurance.
5.34% of Miami-Dade County’s motorists are uninsured. If you have been in a crash, it may leave you with hefty financial losses, so having this optional coverage can determine whether you can recover the compensation needed for medical care, lost income, and long-term recovery.
UM Coverage often plays a decisive role in the strength of a personal injury claim; that’s why working with a Miami auto accident attorney, like The Morgan Law Group, you prepare yourself with the expectation of what coverage is available in UM Coverage and not, and how you can pursue every possible route for compensation.
What Is Uninsured Motorist Coverage in Florida?
Uninsured Motorist (UM) coverage is optional insurance that protects drivers when they are injured by someone who either has no liability coverage or not enough to cover the resulting losses.
UM Coverage is designed to fill that gap. It typically mirrors the policyholder’s bodily injury limits and applies in two situations:
- The at-fault driver is uninsured
- The at-fault driver is underinsured
Florida insurance policies commonly include Uninsured Motorist (UM) and Underinsured Motorist (UIM) protection together. UM/UIM Coverage applies to the policyholder, authorized vehicle passengers, and sometimes pedestrians hit by an uninsured driver.
When buying UM coverage alongside other insurance options, consider the best car insurance in Florida list for overage options that might suit your needs and for better carrier reliability.
Do I Need Uninsured Motorist Coverage in Miami?
Florida does not require motorists to buy UM Coverage, but according to the Insurance Research Council, Florida consistently ranks among the states with the highest percentage of uninsured drivers – 7th in 2023.
So, you might need UM Coverage in Miami, even before the crash.
If you are still not convinced, here are several factors that make UM Coverage particularly important:
Uninsured Motorists in Miami-Dade County
As of November 2025, out of 2,436,672 registered vehicles in Miami-Dade County, 5.34% of them are uninsured – that is approximately 130,118 motorists.
Medical Costs in Vehicle Crashes
Injury treatment, even for moderate injuries, can easily exceed the limits of an at-fault driver’s policy. Hospital bills, rehabilitation, diagnostic tests, and ongoing care often surpass the limited coverage available. UM protection is designed to fill this financial gap.
Limitations on Personal Injury Protection
PIP covers only 80% of medical expenses and 60% of lost income, and only up to $10,000. Even then, PIP can’t compensate for pain and suffering. UM Coverage can expand the injured person’s recovery beyond the no-fault limits.
UM Coverage Follows You
UM benefits may protect you while riding in another person’s car, walking, biking, or using rideshare services, valuable in a city where many residents rely on multiple transportation methods.
Miami’s driving environment makes UM Coverage more than an optional add-on. For many people, it becomes the primary way to secure higher compensation after a crash.
What if I Don’t Have UM Coverage After a Crash?
Drivers involved in a crash with an uninsured or underinsured motorist face significant obstacles when they do not carry UM Coverage. However, this does not necessarily mean all avenues of financial recovery are closed.
Rely on Personal Injury Protection
PIP will still apply regardless of who caused the crash, but its benefits are limited. It does not cover all medical bills or full wage loss, and it offers no compensation for pain, emotional harm, or loss of enjoyment of life. For serious injuries, PIP is rarely enough.
Claim Damages Directly from the Uninsured Driver
This approach is legally allowed but often impractical. Uninsured drivers usually lack the personal assets necessary to satisfy a judgment. A lawsuit may result in a court order in your favor, but collecting on that judgment is another challenge entirely.
Use Health Insurance
Health insurance may cover some of the medical expenses that PIP does not, but deductibles, copays, and coverage restrictions still leave many injured persons with considerable out-of-pocket costs.
Explore Additional Insurance Policies
Some injured persons have access to other forms of coverage, including:
- UM policies of household members
- Commercial insurance if the crash involved a work-related driver
- Rideshare accident insurance, depending on how the crash occurred
A thorough policy review is essential, which is why many injured persons choose to have a lawyer for a car insurance claim to evaluate every possible source of coverage.
In a Hit-and-Run Crash
UM Coverage is often the only insurance that pays for injuries in a hit-and-run crash. Without UM, injured persons may have no path to financial recovery unless the hit-and-run driver is later identified and carries adequate insurance.
Lack of UM Coverage does not eliminate your rights after a crash, but it does significantly limit your compensation options. Working with car crash attorneys in Miami helps injured persons understand what coverage is available and how to pursue every possible route for compensation.
Seek Assistance from Our Car Accident Attorneys in Miami
Florida law requires insurers to obtain a written rejection from policyholders who decline UM Coverage. This requirement reflects Florida’s public policy objective: ensuring consumers understand the importance of the coverage they are declining.
However, uninsured motorist coverage can serve as one of the strongest protections drivers can rely on after a crash in Miami. Because so many drivers lack sufficient insurance, UM Coverage can be the determining factor in whether an injured person receives full compensation or is left with substantial medical bills and long-term financial strain.
If you were injured in a crash caused by an uninsured or underinsured driver, The Morgan Law Group is prepared to review your coverage, assess your legal options, and guide you after a crash.
Call us today at (305) 614-5235 or contact us using our online form for a free consultation about your uninsured motorist accident claim after a crash at our office in Miami.
