Uninsured Motorist Coverage

[roob1]

Opinions on need for this? Would our Medicare health insurance coverage (HMO or PPO) cover these expenses? What expenses would be covered other than medical care?

Have always had it but rising rates are getting crazy. Thanks

[retiredguy123]

Uninsured motorist insurance (UM) is mandatory in many states, but not in Florida. I have never purchased it since moving to Florida. Some people will disagree, but, in my opinion, it is mostly redundant with your health insurance. You can sue your insurance company for "pain and suffering" using UM, but, unless you have millions in coverage, you will probably have trouble hiring a lawyer, and you will not end up with a large settlement. I think it is a good way to save a few hundred dollars by rejecting UM. My opinion.

[RPDaly]

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[bopat]

"If you are injured in a car accident as a result of another driver who does not have bodily injury liability coverage, your uninsured motorist coverage will compensate you for the costs of your damages, including medical expenses, lost wages, pain and suffering, property damage, and wrongful death"

So if the person doesn't have that coverage, can't I just sue that person?

[C. C. Rider]

Uninsured motorist insurance (UM) is mandatory in many states, but not in Florida. I have never purchased it since moving to Florida. Some people will disagree, but, in my opinion, it is mostly redundant with your health insurance. You can sue your insurance company for "pain and suffering" using UM, but, unless you have millions in coverage, you will probably have trouble hiring a lawyer, and you will not end up with a large settlement. I think it is a good way to save a few hundred dollars by rejecting UM. My opinion.

I agree. I've NEVER had uninsured motorist coverage on my vehicles as long as I've lived in Florida (about 21 years). I have good health/hospitalization coverage that would cover that REGARDLESS the cause of the illness or injury.

And, since I'm retired, I have no need for "loss of income" coverage either because my income will keep coming in as long as I'm breathing.

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[C. C. Rider]

"If you are injured in a car accident as a result of another driver who does not have bodily injury liability coverage, your uninsured motorist coverage will compensate you for the costs of your damages, including medical expenses, lost wages, pain and suffering, property damage, and wrongful death"

So if the person doesn't have that coverage, can't I just sue that person?

Well, yes, you COULD, but in about 99% of the cases, it would be a waste of time and money. You can't get something that someone doesn't have. No insurance generally means "no money and no assets."

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[retiredguy123]

"If you are injured in a car accident as a result of another driver who does not have bodily injury liability coverage, your uninsured motorist coverage will compensate you for the costs of your damages, including medical expenses, lost wages, pain and suffering, property damage, and wrongful death"

So if the person doesn't have that coverage, can't I just sue that person?
Yes, you can. But most people already have health insurance to cover their medical expenses, no wages if they are retired, and collision insurance to repair any damage to their vehicle. The only thing left is pain and suffering. So, if you have $100K in UM insurance, do you think your insurance company is going to just mail you a check for $100K without you having to hire a lawyer to sue them? And the lawyer will collect 40+ percent of any settlement, if they win.

[Salty Dog]

Your health insurance won't cover your passengers. The liability portion of your auto insurance would probably cover them, but would they have to sue to get it?

[retiredguy123]

Your health insurance won't cover your passengers. The liability portion of your auto insurance would probably cover them, but would they have to sue to get it?
Uninsured motorist insurance provides no personal liability coverage for you. The uninsured motorist is liable for any damages if they cause an accident. It is possible that UM insurance would cover a passenger's medical bills. But, personally, I don't feel responsible for my passengers medical bills for an accident that I didn't cause. To me, passengers should have health insurance like I do. If I cause an accident, I have plenty of personal liability coverage to pay for it. But, why should I pay for liability coverage for an uninsured driver and medical insurance for a passenger who chooses to not buy it? My opinion, and I know that some people will disagree.

[arbajeda]

Why do you not ask your insurance agent? All you get here are opinions and in the case of a claim, if they are wrong will leave you dealing with the results of your choice.

[rsmurano]

You are wrong thinking you can’t sue an insurance company or the driver that caused the accident or even your passengers can sue you for driving while getting into an accident. Why do you think ambulance chasers like Morgan & Morgan and many other lawyers are in business?
If a friend gets drunk at a party I’m hosting and he gets in an accident on the way home, you can get sued.
This is also the reason to get umbrella insurance so you are covered no matter what happens. You hope you never have to use it but when you do, you will be glad you have it

[roob1]

Why assume I didn't? Won't I always be dealing with results of my choice? And is there a right or wrong? Will an agent give an unbiased opinion on something they are selling? Not sure where you are coming from really....

Why do you not ask your insurance agent? All you get here are opinions and in the case of a claim, if they are wrong will leave you dealing with the results of your choice.

[crash]

"If you are injured in a car accident as a result of another driver who does not have bodily injury liability coverage, your uninsured motorist coverage will compensate you for the costs of your damages, including medical expenses, lost wages, pain and suffering, property damage, and wrongful death"

So if the person doesn't have that coverage, can't I just sue that person?

The person who can’t afford insurance probably doesn’t have money to make it worth while to sue.

[spinner1001]

Why do you not ask your insurance agent? All you get here are opinions and in the case of a claim, if they are wrong will leave you dealing with the results of your choice.

LOL. In my experience, many insurance agents try to upsell auto coverage, slanting what they say, and do not explain things clearly. As a result, guess what happens many times? Ker-ching — buy the coverage and more commission to the agent. (And no lawsuit against the agent.)

To learn about this topic, it’s better to read about it on websites of several Florida lawyers who do not receive insurance commissions. Here is one:
Uninsured Motorist Coverage in Florida: The Truth About Uninsured Motorist Coverage (https://www.dolmanlaw.com/blog/um-coverage-florida/)

[roob1]

Lawyers make money by suing insurance companies for non-payment of claims, i.e.uninsured motorist claims by drivers who have that coverage but were denied the claim. So there is a bias there also.


LOL. In my experience, many insurance agents try to upsell auto coverage, slanting what they say, and do not explain things clearly. As a result, guess what happens many times? Ker-ching — buy the coverage and more commission to the agent. (And no lawsuit against the agent.)

To learn about this topic, it’s better to read about it on websites of several Florida lawyers who do not receive insurance commissions. Here is one:
Uninsured Motorist Coverage in Florida: The Truth About Uninsured Motorist Coverage (https://www.dolmanlaw.com/blog/um-coverage-florida/)

[spinner1001]

Opinions on need for this? Would our Medicare health insurance coverage (HMO or PPO) cover these expenses? What expenses would be covered other than medical care?

Have always had it but rising rates are getting crazy. Thanks

Without knowing your specifics, one difference between ordinary uninsured motorist coverage and ‘Medicare insurance coverage (HMO or PPO)’ is whatever insurance deductibles, copays, and limits one currently has. I believe full UM coverage will pay for 100% of your medical bills (up to policy limits) and you may have less hassle with medical claims under UMC.

In contrast, you might need to pay deductibles and copays with your current health insurance coverage and may have certain coverage limits (e.g., out-of-network limits, number of physical therapy sessions allowed).

The biggest variable in all of this is your particular Medicare coverage you personally have.

If you ask your auto insurance agent, they likely will not know details of your Medicare insurance coverage.

[retiredguy123]

Without knowing your specifics, one difference between ordinary uninsured motorist coverage and ‘Medicare insurance coverage (HMO or PPO)’ is whatever insurance deductibles, copays, and limits one currently has. I believe full UM coverage will pay for 100% of your medical bills (up to policy limits) and you may have less hassle with medical claims under UMC.

In contrast, you might need to pay deductibles and copays with your current health insurance coverage and may have certain coverage limits (e.g., out-of-network limits, number of physical therapy sessions allowed).

The biggest variable in all of this is your particular Medicare coverage you personally have.

If you ask your auto insurance agent, they likely will not know details of your Medicare insurance coverage.
As I understand it, having UM insurance doesn't usually reduce the hassle of medical claims. Rather, it increases the hassle. That is because Medicare becomes your secondary medical provider and they are not legally allowed to pay for medical bills that are covered by the UM insurance. Personally, I would prefer to deal with the health insurance company that I already have instead of relying on my auto insurance to pay for medical bills.

[Bhighley]

Opinions on need for this? Would our Medicare health insurance coverage (HMO or PPO) cover these expenses? What expenses would be covered other than medical care?

Have always had it but rising rates are getting crazy. Thanks


You may want to get your insurance advice from your insurance company…

[roob1]

Why do you think I haven't? Helpful to get other opinions also. Thanks


\You may want to get your insurance advice from your insurance company…

[RPDaly]

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[dewilson58]

Why do you think I haven't? Helpful to get other opinions also. Thanks\

Share what your agent said.


:coolsmiley:

[NavyNJ]

Not sure how this may work in Fla., but while we were in NJ I can recall the “New Patient” forms at Urgent Care and Dr.’s Offices having a block to check if the injury you were coming in for treatment for was the result of an Auto Accident. Then they asked for the accident details, incl. your Auto Ins. Co. Policy info. Basically, I’d assumed it was because how the medical fees would be handled vs regular illness care.

Then, I had occasion to be in a minor incident on my motorcycle, and when going to the Dr’s office for treatment, that form popped up, and I had to provide them with a letter from my Ins Co. stating that my policy did not cover medical expenses, but rather, my healthcare policy would. They had a policy of not treating (other than emergency care) auto claim patients. I was told by the staff it was due to the interminable delays and red tape the payment of their fees would incur when being handled by an Auto Ins. Co. More trouble than it was worth. Found that very interesting, and have opted out of Medical Payments coverage on vehicle policies since then. Not exactly the same as UIM coverage discussed here…….but still related to auto policy provisions you need to look at closely.

[dewilson58]

Another key is if your coverage stacks.

[retiredguy123]

Not sure how this may work in Fla., but while we were in NJ I can recall the “New Patient” forms at Urgent Care and Dr.’s Offices having a block to check if the injury you were coming in for treatment for was the result of an Auto Accident. Then they asked for the accident details, incl. your Auto Ins. Co. Policy info. Basically, I’d assumed it was because how the medical fees would be handled vs regular illness care.

Then, I had occasion to be in a minor incident on my motorcycle, and when going to the Dr’s office for treatment, that form popped up, and I had to provide them with a letter from my Ins Co. stating that my policy did not cover medical expenses, but rather, my healthcare policy would. They had a policy of not treating (other than emergency care) auto claim patients. I was told by the staff it was due to the interminable delays and red tape the payment of their fees would incur when being handled by an Auto Ins. Co. More trouble than it was worth. Found that very interesting, and have opted out of Medical Payments coverage on vehicle policies since then. Not exactly the same as UIM coverage discussed here…….but still related to auto policy provisions you need to look at closely.
Exactly. Why would you want to deal with your auto insurance company for medical bills? If you have uninsured motorist insurance, you may be forced to, especially if Medicare is your primary health care provider.

[kingofbeer]

Opinions on need for this? Would our Medicare health insurance coverage (HMO or PPO) cover these expenses? What expenses would be covered other than medical care?

Have always had it but rising rates are getting crazy. Thanks
Uninsured motorist coverage will also protect against a hit and run accident. Not sure why all those who responded scoff at UM coverage. Uninsured motorist is very expensive in Florida because there are thousands of drivers who are insured and under insured.

A hit-and-run accident is when a negligent driver strikes your car, causes an accident, and flees the scene without exchanging contact information. You typically cannot pursue compensation from a negligent hit-and-run driver because you have no way of contacting them or their insurance company.

Uninsured motorist property damage (UMPD) and uninsured motorist bodily injury (UMBI) policies generally cover hit-and-run accidents. Whether you can purchase one of these policies varies by state. In Florida, you can buy a UMBI policy to protect you from damages caused by a hit-and-run accident.

[retiredguy123]

Uninsured motorist coverage will also protect against a hit and run accident. Not sure why all those who responded scoff at UM coverage. Uninsured motorist is very expensive in Florida because there are thousands of drivers who are insured and under insured.

A hit-and-run accident is when a negligent driver strikes your car, causes an accident, and flees the scene without exchanging contact information. You typically cannot pursue compensation from a negligent hit-and-run driver because you have no way of contacting them or their insurance company.

Uninsured motorist property damage (UMPD) and uninsured motorist bodily injury (UMBI) policies generally cover hit-and-run accidents. Whether you can purchase one of these policies varies by state. In Florida, you can buy a UMBI policy to protect you from damages caused by a hit-and-run accident.
Because UM insurance is redundant with other insurance that most people already have, like health insurance and collision insurance.

[kingofbeer]

Because UM insurance is redundant with other insurance that most people already have, like health insurance and collision insurance.
Who is going to pay your deductibles when you go the hospital and doctor ?
What if you are not able to walk or take care of yourself any longer ? Who is going to pay for that ?

[retiredguy123]

Who is going to pay your deductibles when you go the hospital and doctor ?
What if you are not able to walk or take care of yourself any longer ? Who is going to pay for that ?
If you have high deductibles, then you may want to buy UM insurance. But, I wouldn't buy insurance to cover my deductibles, which are fairly low.

If you can't walk or take care of yourself, you better have a very high limit on your UM coverage and a good lawyer. Most people who have UM insurance, don't have enough coverage to be very useful at paying for those expenses. Your insurance company will only pay up to the limit of coverage, and the lawyer will get a large percentage of that. Also, the amount you receive may be reduced by the medical expenses that were used even if you had good health insurance, because your health insurance provider may sue your auto insurance company for reimbursement of what they paid.

[Nana2Teddy]

Thanks for this question and the replies. Very informative! We are new to FL as of 11/2022, and apparently our State Farm agent automatically added UM to our auto policy on a 20 y/o Honda Odyssey. We were wondering why our insurance was so high on such an old vehicle when we have no collision or comprehensive, and annual mileage set at lowest number allowed since it’s infrequently driven here. Turns out our UM was almost $500 annually. Since we have great Medicare + supplement plan G coverage, we just canceled the UM.

[kingofbeer]

If you have high deductibles, then you may want to buy UM insurance. But, I wouldn't buy insurance to cover my deductibles, which are fairly low.

If you can't walk or take care of yourself, you better have a very high limit on your UM coverage and a good lawyer. Most people who have UM insurance, don't have enough coverage to be very useful at paying for those expenses. Your insurance company will only pay up to the limit of coverage, and the lawyer will get a large percentage of that. Also, the amount you receive may be reduced by the medical expenses that were used even if you had good health insurance, because your health insurance provider may sue your auto insurance company for reimbursement of what they paid.
I was referring to if you get hurt real bad in an accident and you need extra care. Not having uninsured motorist coverage and relying on medicare coverage instead does not make any sense to me at all. Medicare only pays for medical bills.
Here is the whole list that I found :
Medical bills are only a portion of what you can claim on uninsured motorist coverage. UM also pays for things like….

· loss of the future enjoyment of life

· lost wages and disability

· Long term nursing care

· wheelchairs and medical devices

· Pain & suffering

· Death

· replacement services for things you are no longer able to do: yard service, cleaning, etc.

· retro-fit your house to accommodate disabilities caused by the auto accident

Most of the list above is not covered or are limited by medical insurance.

[retiredguy123]

I was referring to if you get hurt real bad in an accident and you need extra care. Not having uninsured motorist coverage and relying on medicare coverage instead does not make any sense to me at all. Medicare only pays for medical bills.
Here is the whole list that I found :
Medical bills are only a portion of what you can claim on uninsured motorist coverage. UM also pays for things like….

· loss of the future enjoyment of life

· lost wages and disability

· Long term nursing care

· wheelchairs and medical devices

· Pain & suffering

· Death

· replacement services for things you are no longer able to do: yard service, cleaning, etc.

· retro-fit your house to accommodate disabilities caused by the auto accident

Most of the list above is not covered or are limited by medical insurance.
I don't disagree with your list, but most people who buy UM insurance don't buy enough coverage to pay for those expenses. If you only have $100K of UM coverage, that is the maximum you can receive, minus your lawyer fees and medical expenses that were used, even though you had health insurance. So, you would probably need several million dollars in coverage. But, I don't think most auto insurance companies will even sell you that amount of coverage, so you would probably need to buy an additional umbrella policy.

[BrianNotFromNYC]

Yes, but they will have little to seize if they're poor or living check to check

[LoisR]

Great info. Ask your insurance agent. I've always had the coverage and always will.

[kkingston57]

Uninsured motorist insurance (UM) is mandatory in many states, but not in Florida. I have never purchased it since moving to Florida. Some people will disagree, but, in my opinion, it is mostly redundant with your health insurance. You can sue your insurance company for "pain and suffering" using UM, but, unless you have millions in coverage, you will probably have trouble hiring a lawyer, and you will not end up with a large settlement. I think it is a good way to save a few hundred dollars by rejecting UM. My opinion.

Problem is that most Floridians have low liability insurance or none at all and if you are involved in a bad accident with substantial injuries you will not get paid anything over and above your medical bills.

[kkingston57]

I agree. And good luck suing any insurance company for pain and suffering.

Victims on TV in the Dan Newlin commercials will not agree with you.

[kkingston57]

Based upon the myriad of opinions on this subject, everyone should be happy that there are ambulance chasing lawyers available to help injured persons if they are involved in an auto accident. Florida laws are very confusing and Florida is one of the only, if not the only, state who still has PIP(Personal Injury Protection) insurance and which is required by law,

[retiredguy123]

Victims on TV in the Dan Newlin commercials will not agree with you.
Apparently, Dan Newlin is suing people with deep pockets or people who have extremely high liability insurance limits. But, with uninsured motorist insurance, you are suing your own insurance company, and the maximum amount you can collect is the UM insurance that you purchased. Most people do not purchase a high limit of UM coverage. So, if you only have $100K or $200K in UM insurance, Dan Newlin probably won't even take your case.

[RPDaly]

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