Florida Uninsured/Underinsured Motorist (UM/UIM) Coverage

Florida has one of the highest rates of uninsured drivers in the country, which means being hit by a driver with no insurance — or not enough insurance — is a real risk for anyone driving in Hollywood, Florida. Whether the crash happened on I-95, US-1/Federal Highway, or a residential street near Hollywood Beach, an uninsured or underinsured at-fault driver doesn't have to mean the end of the road for a fair recovery.

Uninsured/underinsured motorist (UM/UIM) coverage exists specifically to fill that gap, and understanding how it works is essential to protecting a claim.

What Is Uninsured/Underinsured Motorist Coverage?

UM/UIM coverage is a part of an auto insurance policy that provides compensation when the at-fault driver has no bodily injury liability insurance (uninsured) or has insurance that is insufficient to cover the injured person's damages (underinsured). Unlike PIP, which pays regardless of fault but is capped and limited, UM/UIM coverage is designed to approximate what the injured person could have recovered from the at-fault driver if that driver had been adequately insured.

Is UM/UIM Coverage Required in Florida?

Florida does not require drivers to carry UM/UIM coverage, and insurers must offer it, but a policyholder can reject it in writing. Many drivers are unaware they rejected this coverage, or that they never affirmatively elected it, which can significantly affect what's available after a serious crash.

Where Can UM/UIM Coverage Come From?

Coverage isn't limited to the vehicle involved in the crash. Potential sources may include:

• The injured person's own auto policy

• A resident relative's or household member's policy

• An employer's commercial policy, if the injured person was driving for work

• A policy covering a vehicle the injured person doesn't own but was a passenger in

For Hollywood-area clients, this often means a thorough insurance review across every household vehicle and policy — not just the one involved in the crash — since more than one policy may apply.

What Is "Stacking" and Does It Apply to My Claim?

Some Florida UM/UIM policies allow "stacking," which can increase available coverage when a household has multiple vehicles insured under the same or related policies. Whether stacking applies depends on the specific policy language and whether stacked coverage was elected.

What If the At-Fault Driver Fled the Scene (Hit-and-Run)?

Hit-and-run accidents are a common scenario where UM/UIM coverage becomes essential, since the at-fault driver's insurance information — or the driver's identity — may never be known. Hit-and-run crashes are unfortunately common along Hollywood's busier corridors and at night along Federal Highway; UM coverage is often the only realistic path to recovery in these cases.

Why an Attorney's Involvement Matters in a UM/UIM Claim

UM/UIM claims are technically claims against your own insurer, which can create an adversarial dynamic many people don't expect — the same insurer you've paid premiums to may dispute the value of your injuries or argue policy exclusions apply. Dan Reinfeld's background as a former insurance-defense attorney gives Hollywood-area clients an advantage in UM/UIM disputes, since he has seen firsthand how insurers evaluate and challenge these claims from the inside.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I sue the at-fault driver directly instead of using UM/UIM?

If the at-fault driver has no insurance and few personal assets, a direct lawsuit may result in an uncollectible judgment, which is why UM/UIM coverage is often the more practical path to recovery.

Does filing a UM/UIM claim raise my insurance rates?

Rate impacts depend on the insurer and circumstances; this is a fair question to raise directly with an attorney or your insurance agent before assuming the worst.

What if I don't know how much UM/UIM coverage I have?

A copy of the declarations page from your policy will show this, and an attorney can help request and review it as part of an insurance investigation.

Does UM/UIM cover passengers, not just drivers?

Yes, in many cases — coverage can extend to passengers depending on the policy.

📞 Call Today — Speak Directly With a Hollywood Car Accident Lawyer

If you were injured in a car accident, speak directly with Dan about the crash, available insurance coverage, and what steps may protect your claim. Dan personally handles every case the firm accepts—there is no call center or case manager standing in for your lawyer.

Free Consultation • No Attorney’s Fee Unless a Recovery Is Obtained

Evening and weekend appointments are available. Evidence can disappear, insurance deadlines may apply, and recorded statements or early settlement offers can affect your claim. Call Dan: 📞 (954) 923-6110