When it comes to uninsured motorist coverage in Florida, there are two ways that you can go about it. You can either have what is known as stacked coverage, or you can have non-stacked coverage. In this blog post, we will take a look at the difference between the two types of coverage and help you decide which one is right for you.
Contact The Fran Haasch Law Group today for a free case evaluation if you feel you have been the victim of a car accident through no fault of your own and have questions about what is covered under your policies.
Florida Insurance Requirements
Florida drivers must have two types of minimum coverage car insurance options:
- Personal Injury Protection Insurance (PIP): Floridians must have at least $10,000 of personal injury protection (PIP) coverage to cover 80% of their medical bills and 60% of lost wages if they are hurt in an accident. This will also cover up to $5,000 in death benefits regardless of who was responsible for the crash.
- Property Damage Liability Insurance (PDL): You must carry at least $10,000 in PDL coverage to protect you if you damage someone else’s property in an accident. This coverage may include damage to another vehicle, fence, tree, mailbox, road sign, or building.
What is Uninsured Motorist Coverage?
Uninsured motorist coverage is not required in Florida. Drivers can reject the coverage in writing. However, insurance companies must offer at least $10,000 in uninsured motorist bodily injury coverage per person.
Uninsured Motorist Coverage (UM) protects you if you’re hit by a driver who doesn’t have any bodily injury coverage or does not have enough bodily injury coverage. If you have this coverage, your own insurance company will pay for your damages if an uninsured driver hits you up to your policy limit. You can also get this coverage if you’re in an accident with a driver who doesn’t have enough insurance to cover your damages (known as an underinsured driver).
Suppose your medical expenses exceed $10,000, and you wish to file a claim against the at-fault driver. Suppose the driver does not have bodily injury liability insurance or enough insurance to cover your remaining damages. In that case, your UIM policy will cover your medical bills, pain and suffering, and loss of income up to the coverage limits of your policy.
What is Stacked Insurance in Florida?
There are two types of uninsured motorist coverage, stacked and non-stacked. Stacking covers you while riding or driving in any car – whether it’s owned or rented. Non-stacked uninsured motorist insurance is less expensive than stacked UM.
Stacking On a Single Policy
If you have two vehicles listed on a single insurance policy and buy one uninsured motorist policy with limits for a single car of up to $50,000 per person and $100,000 per accident. Then, suppose you are in a motor vehicle accident caused by an uninsured or underinsured motorist. In that case, your uninsured/underinsured motorist payment limits will be stacked together to have a total coverage of up to $100,000 per person and $200,000 per accident.
Stacking Across Policies
If you have $150,000 of an uninsured motorist policy on one car and $150,000 of uninsured motorist policy on a different vehicle, depending on your policy, you may be able to stack the uninsured motorist coverage limit to $300,000, even when the insurance coverage is from two other insurance policies.
What Are The Benefits of Stacking Uninsured Motorist Coverage?
The benefits of stacking your uninsured motorist coverage are:
- You have more significant protection in the event of an accident caused by an uninsured or underinsured driver.
- It provides additional financial security for you and your family.
- Stacking ensures that each vehicle is fully protected if you have multiple cars.
Ride a Motorcycle? Get Stacked Uninsured Motorist Coverage
You are not legally required to have motorcycle insurance in Florida, and PIP coverage is unavailable for motorcycles. However, riders can consider purchasing insurance such as property damage liability and uninsured coverage. If an uninsured or underinsured driver hits you, your UM policy will pay for your medical bills and lost wages up to the limits of your policy.
What is the Cost of Stacking Uninsured Motorist Coverage?
The cost of stacking your uninsured motorist coverage will depend on the insurance company, the state you live in, the number of vehicles on your policy, and the limits selected. It is generally more expensive to have stacked coverage than non-stacked coverage.
What is Non-Stacked Insurance in Florida?
With non-stacked uninsured motorist insurance coverage, auto accident victims cannot cluster their insurance benefits. Instead, they can only receive the uninsured motorist coverage limit on one auto insurance policy. This will result in less coverage for medical expenses, lost wages, and pain and suffering.
Advantages of Non-Stacked Uninsured Motorist Insurance
The advantage of non-stacked uninsured motorist insurance is that it is typically less expensive than stacked insurance.
Disadvantages of Non-Stacked Insurance
The disadvantage of non-stacked uninsured insurance is that you are limited to the amount of coverage available on one policy. This could leave you underinsured if you’re in a serious collision caused by an uninsured or underinsured driver.
Should You Get Stacked or Non-Stacked Insurance in Florida?
Whether to get stacked or unstacked insurance in Florida is a personal one. It depends on your budget and how much coverage you feel comfortable with. If you have the means to pay for more expensive, stacked insurance, it may be worth the peace of mind to know that you and your family are more protected in an accident.
How to Save Money on Stacked vs. Unstacked Car Insurance in Florida
There are a few ways to save money on your car insurance, regardless of choosing stacked or unstacked coverage.
- Shop around and compare rates from different insurers.
- Ask about discounts. Many insurers offer discounts for safety features, good driving history, and more.
- Bundle your auto insurance with other types of insurance, such as homeowners insurance.
- Consider raising your deductible. A higher deductible means you’ll have to pay more out of pocket if you have an accident, which means lower premiums.
Should I Buy Stacked or Unstacked Car Insurance?
So, which is right for you? The answer depends on your individual needs. Stacked insurance may be the best option if you have multiple vehicles or live in a state with low minimum coverage requirements. On the other hand, if you are looking for cheaper auto insurance, non-stacked insurance may be the way to go.
No matter which type of car insurance policy you choose, shop around and compare rates from different insurers. This is the best way to ensure that you get the coverage you need at a price you can afford.
Other Insurance Coverage Options in Florida
In addition to PIP, PDL, and UM coverage, you may want to consider other types of insurance. These include:
Collision Coverage: This type of coverage pays for damage to your vehicle caused by an accident with another car or object.
Comprehensive Coverage: This type of coverage pays for damage to your vehicle caused by events other than collisions, such as theft, vandalism, and weather damage.
Rental Car Reimbursement: This type of coverage pays for a rental car while your vehicle is being repaired after an accident.
Roadside Assistance: This type of coverage pays for towing and other services if you have a breakdown or accident.
Gap Insurance: This type of coverage pays the difference between the amount you owe on your vehicle and the actual cash value of your vehicle if it is totaled in an accident.
MedPay: MedPay is short for medical payments coverage. MedPay will pay your medical bills if you’re injured in a car accident, regardless of who was at fault. This type of insurance is optional in Florida, but it can be helpful if you don’t have health insurance or have a high deductible.
What Should I Do After an Automobile Accident With an Uninsured Driver?
If you’re involved in a motor vehicle accident with an uninsured or underinsured driver, there are a few steps you should take:
- Get medical attention right away, even if you don’t think you’re injured. Some injuries, such as whiplash, may not be immediately apparent.
- Call the police and file a report.
- Get the contact information of any witnesses to the accident.
- Take photos of the damage to both vehicles.
- Call your insurance company and let them know what happened.
- Do not give any insurance company a recorded statement without speaking to an attorney first.
- Contact a personal injury lawyer to discuss your case.
If you have any questions about Florida car insurance, or if you need help filing a claim, contact the experienced personal injury lawyers at The Fran Haasch Law Group. We can help you get the compensation you deserve. Call us today for a free consultation.
Should I Hire a Lawyer After an Auto Accident in Florida?
There are a few things to consider when deciding whether or not to hire a lawyer:
- The severity of your injuries: If you’ve been seriously injured, you may need to hire a lawyer to help you get the compensation you deserve.
- The other driver’s insurance: If the other driver is at fault and doesn’t have insurance, or if their insurance isn’t enough to cover your damages, you may need to hire a lawyer.
- Your own insurance: If you have uninsured or underinsured motorist coverage, you may need a lawyer to help you file a claim with your own insurance company.
- The amount of damage to your vehicle: If your car has been seriously damaged, you may need a lawyer to help you get the compensation you deserve.
- The complexity of your case: If your case is complex, or if you’re not sure who was at fault, you may need to hire a lawyer.
What is the Statute of Limitations for Filing a Car Accident Lawsuit in Florida?
The statute of limitations is the time limit you have to settle a claim or file a lawsuit. In Florida, the statute of limitations for most auto accident lawsuits is two years from the accident date. If you don’t file a lawsuit within that period, you will likely be barred from doing so. There are a few exceptions to this rule, so it’s important to speak to an attorney as soon as possible after your accident.
What The Fran Haasch Law Group Can Do For You
At The Fran Haasch Law Group, we focus on helping you and your family recover. We pursue personal injury lawsuits and wrongful death claims to obtain full compensation for damages such as pain and suffering, medical expenses, lost earnings, property damage, and more.
With over 21 years of experience, we draw on constant legal and medical research to help clients recover after being injured in auto accidents in Tampa Bay and the surrounding areas. Founding personal injury attorney, Fran Haasch, is a lifetime member of the Multimillion Dollar Advocates Forum and a member of the American Association for Justice, the Florida Justice Association, and the Tampa Bay Trial Lawyers Association.
Our attorneys are skilled and experienced litigators. We are not afraid to take your lawsuit to trial if necessary. No matter how complicated your case, our firm is here to help you navigate the legal process from start to finish.
Contact a Car Accident Attorney
After being in a car accident, one of the first things you should do is call an automobile accident lawyer. With their guidance, you will better understand your rights and remedies. In case two weeks have already passed since your accident, your lawyer will be able to help you figure out the best next step.
The Fran Haasch Law Group and our personal injury attorneys are standing by to help auto accident victims in Clearwater, Florida, and the Greater Tampa Bay region. We offer free case evaluations to inquiring clients. Our case results speak for themselves, but if you would like to know more about our legal services, please feel free to call (727) 784-8191 or contact us online to get started on receiving maximum compensation for your personal injury case.
