Uninsured Motorist Auto Coverage

[Michael G.]

Are you over paying for uninsured motorist coverage on your auto insurance when you Medical Advantage Insurance plan covers you in a auto accident?

[dewilson58]

Here's 50 posts to chew on:

https://www.talkofthevillages.com/forums/villages-florida-general-discussion-73/uninsured-motorist-coverage-348179/?highlight=uninsured+motorist

[Michael G.]

Here's 50 posts to chew on:

https://www.talkofthevillages.com/forums/villages-florida-general-discussion-73/uninsured-motorist-coverage-348179/?highlight=uninsured+motorist

Thanks
I do remember reading this some time back.
Trouble is, now I'm really confused. :duck:

[LLJorgs]

I don’t think so. Medicare or Advantage plans still have things they will not pay for. Some example you might have copays/coinsurance for ER or hospital stays, max out of pocket deductible, ambulance or medivac if needed, possible dental etc. After going through the plan thoroughly, decided worth the extra coverage especially given the high number of underinsured or not insured on the roads.

[retiredguy123]

I have read and I fully understand what uninsured motorist insurance covers and what it does not cover. It is mostly, but not completely, redundant with my health insurance. In my situation, I would never file a claim for this insurance, so, to me, it would be a waste of money. For the expenses that it covers, I can afford to self insure. So, I choose to not pay for it and save a few hundred dollars. I would suggest that everyone research and understand what you are paying for because most people I have discussed this with do not understand the coverage. Good luck.

[Aces4]

I have read and I fully understand what uninsured motorist insurance covers and what it does not cover. It is mostly, but not completely, redundant with my health insurance. In my situation, I would never file a claim for this insurance, so, to me, it would be a waste of money. For the expenses that it covers, I can afford to self insure. So, I choose to not pay for it and save a few hundred dollars. I would suggest that everyone research and understand what you are paying for because most people I have discussed this with do not understand the coverage. Good luck.


OP, this is one person's take on UM. Please read the other thread and decide after thoroughly discussing this coverage with your agent. It all depends on how much exposure you can bear financially.

[n8xwb]

I agree (and do not carry uninsured/underinsured motorist coverage). I do believe, however, that if you check, you will find that if you were seriously injured and you carried said coverage you can sue for damages other than purely medical reimbursement AND since the other motorist has no coverage, your own insurance will pay -- hence you would be in fact suing yourself (successfully) for additional monetary compensation.

[retiredguy123]

I agree (and do not carry uninsured/underinsured motorist coverage). I do believe, however, that if you check, you will find that if you were seriously injured and you carried said coverage you can sue for damages other than purely medical reimbursement AND since the other motorist has no coverage, your own insurance will pay -- hence you would be in fact suing yourself (successfully) for additional monetary compensation.
I agree and I do understand the UM coverage. But, I am not interested in paying a premium so I can sue myself. Also, when you sue yourself, the maximum payout is limited to the the coverage limit that you pay for. Most insurance companies will only allow UM coverage up to $300K, which is not enough to hire a good lawyer, who would take 40 percent of the settlement anyway.

[kingofbeer]

I agree and I do understand the UM coverage. But, I am not interested in paying a premium so I can sue myself. Also, when you sue yourself, the maximum payout is limited to the the coverage limit that you pay for. Most insurance companies will only allow UM coverage up to $300K, which is not enough to hire a good lawyer, who would take 40 percent of the settlement anyway.
This covers both uninsured and underinsured motorists. I always laugh when I hear someone is self-insured. I will always have uninsured motorist coverage.

[kingofbeer]

I agree and I do understand the UM coverage. But, I am not interested in paying a premium so I can sue myself. Also, when you sue yourself, the maximum payout is limited to the the coverage limit that you pay for. Most insurance companies will only allow UM coverage up to $300K, which is not enough to hire a good lawyer, who would take 40 percent of the settlement anyway.
The lawyers will sue the other motorist and will try to extract every penny from them or their company or anyone else who may be responsible.

[retiredguy123]

The lawyers will sue the other motorist and will try to extract every penny from them or their company or anyone else who may be responsible.
You don't need uninsured motorist insurance to sue the other motorist.

[gatorbill1]

Florida has a lot of uninsured motorists

[kingofbeer]

You don't need uninsured motorist insurance to sue the other motorist.
Do what you want to do. The average person does not understand, why they should have this coverage. I suspect they see the large premium cost and say I don't need that.

Uninsured Motorist Coverage in Florida: The Truth About Uninsured Motorist Coverage (https://www.dolmanlaw.com/blog/um-coverage-florida/)

[retiredguy123]

Do what you want to do. The average person does not understand, why they should have this coverage. I suspect they see the large premium cost and say I don't need that.

Uninsured Motorist Coverage in Florida: The Truth About Uninsured Motorist Coverage (https://www.dolmanlaw.com/blog/um-coverage-florida/)
I suspect that most of the approved UM claims are for medical treatment for people under 65 who do not have adequate health insurance. So, if you have excellent health insurance, the UM premium would mostly be used to subsidize people who don't. In my opinion, that is not a good deal.

My insurance agent admitted to me that, in order to be paid for "pain and suffering" or a long term illiness, I would need to hire a lawyer and sue the insurance company. Also, not a good deal because the lawyer would take 30 to 40 percent of any settlement as a fee. That is why I self insure.

[Aces4]

I suspect that most of the approved UM claims are for medical treatment for people under 65 who do not have adequate health insurance. So, if you have excellent health insurance, the UM premium would mostly be used to subsidize people who don't. In my opinion, that is not a good deal.

My insurance agent admitted to me that, in order to be paid for "pain and suffering" or a long term illiness, I would need to hire a lawyer and sue the insurance company. Also, not a good deal because the lawyer would take 30 to 40 percent of any settlement as a fee. That is why I self insure.


Yes, it's so worthless that 20 states or more insist insurance companies must provide this coverages to insureds. After all law makers are just trying to enrich insurance agencies that probable don't want to be on the hook for it anyway.

Self insure, that's a joke unless you have an extra million to cover your butt. Your not covering a $3,000. root canal with self insurance in a car accident.

[kingofbeer]

Yes, it's so worthless that 20 states or more insist insurance companies must provide this coverages to insureds. After all law makers are just trying to enrich insurance agencies that probable don't want to be on the hook for it anyway.

Self insure, that's a joke unless you have an extra million to cover your butt. Your not covering a $3,000. root canal with self insurance in a car accident.
So true

[kingofbeer]

I suspect that most of the approved UM claims are for medical treatment for people under 65 who do not have adequate health insurance. So, if you have excellent health insurance, the UM premium would mostly be used to subsidize people who don't. In my opinion, that is not a good deal.

My insurance agent admitted to me that, in order to be paid for "pain and suffering" or a long term illiness, I would need to hire a lawyer and sue the insurance company. Also, not a good deal because the lawyer would take 30 to 40 percent of any settlement as a fee. That is why I self insure.
That does not make any sense at all. Why should you pay any of your medical expenses or rehab when the uninsured motorist caused the damages ? If the other driver is at fault, they would be held responsible.

Who Pays Medical Bills After A Florida Car Accident? | The Florida Law Group (https://www.thefloridalawgroup.com/news-resources/who-pays-medical-bills-after-a-florida-car-accident/)

[retiredguy123]

Yes, it's so worthless that 20 states or more insist insurance companies must provide this coverages to insureds. After all law makers are just trying to enrich insurance agencies that probable don't want to be on the hook for it anyway.

Self insure, that's a joke unless you have an extra million to cover your butt. Your not covering a $3,000. root canal with self insurance in a car accident.
I'll bet you a dollar that less than 10 percent of drivers with UM insurance have a million dollars or more in coverage. Most insurance companies will not even sell you more than $300K. And, even if you have $300K, the lawyer will take 30 to 40 percent of it. Also, I believe that the primary purpose for UM insurance is to pay for the medical bills of people who don't have adequate health insurance, so the state doesn't get stuck with the indigent bill.

My purpose is to get people to understand what they are buying with their auto insurance because most people are paying for UM coverage, but they cannot explain what it covers. If you don't believe me, ask a few people.

[retiredguy123]

That does not make any sense at all. Why should you pay any of your medical expenses or rehab when the uninsured motorist caused the damages ? If the other driver is at fault, they would be held responsible.

Who Pays Medical Bills After A Florida Car Accident? | The Florida Law Group (https://www.thefloridalawgroup.com/news-resources/who-pays-medical-bills-after-a-florida-car-accident/)
I have excellent health insurance to pay for my medical bills and rehab. Why should I pay for redundant coverage?

[kkingston57]

I agree and I do understand the UM coverage. But, I am not interested in paying a premium so I can sue myself. Also, when you sue yourself, the maximum payout is limited to the the coverage limit that you pay for. Most insurance companies will only allow UM coverage up to $300K, which is not enough to hire a good lawyer, who would take 40 percent of the settlement anyway.

Last line is somewhat true. If you had bad injuries or died, the insurance company should voluntarily pay you the limit if it is 300K. If your claim is worth <300k the attorney will use his/her expertise to get you the value of the claim and protect you in the settlement. Insurance companies can match the limit. If you have 500K in liability coverage you can buy UM up to 500K

[kkingston57]

That does not make any sense at all. Why should you pay any of your medical expenses or rehab when the uninsured motorist caused the damages ? If the other driver is at fault, they would be held responsible.

Who Pays Medical Bills After A Florida Car Accident? | The Florida Law Group (https://www.thefloridalawgroup.com/news-resources/who-pays-medical-bills-after-a-florida-car-accident/)

If a person does not have any insurance of low insurance limits, they probably have 0 assets and you will not be able to recover anything from them. In addition, Florida has laws which protect them from paying claims. Main reason why OJ Simpson moved to Florda after he lost his civil case

[retiredguy123]

Last line is somewhat true. If you had bad injuries or died, the insurance company should voluntarily pay you the limit if it is 300K. If your claim is worth <300k the attorney will use his/her expertise to get you the value of the claim and protect you in the settlement. Insurance companies can match the limit. If you have 500K in liability coverage you can buy UM up to 500K
Even $500K in personal liability is hard to find. I have $1 million in personal liability with State Farm, but I had to shop around to get it. Geico would only offer me $250K in liability coverage. These insurance companies want to make a quick profit on low coverage policies.

[pkfavreau2]

Are you over paying for uninsured motorist coverage on your auto insurance when you Medical Advantage Insurance plan covers you in an auto accident?
This coverage also covers “underinsured “ for when the cost is greater than written.

[Marine1974]

Are you over paying for uninsured motorist coverage on your auto insurance when you Medical Advantage Insurance plan covers you in an auto accident?
Don’t think Medicare or Medicare advantage plans cover all treatments. Big question is what if you have 3 passengers in your car and they are injured by an uninsured motorists . Who pays for their treatment of permanent disability and can’t work ?
I would definitely pay for uninsured motorists insurance or inform your passengers you don’t have uninsured motorists insurance before driving.
In addition if you do receive a settlement for an accident involving a uninsured motorist, Medicare , Medicare advantage and or the veterans administration will put a lien on your settlement and go after you for full price for any treatment you receive from them .

[Marine1974]

I agree (and do not carry uninsured/underinsured motorist coverage). I do believe, however, that if you check, you will find that if you were seriously injured and you carried said coverage you can sue for damages other than purely medical reimbursement AND since the other motorist has no coverage, your own insurance will pay -- hence you would be in fact suing yourself (successfully) for additional monetary compensation.
Keep in mind your health insurance that paid for your treatment will put a lien on your settlement to get reimbursed usually at full price. Plus what about passengers in your car your driving if they are injured, killed or permanently disabled?

[forebubba]

Are you over paying for uninsured motorist coverage on your auto insurance when you Medical Advantage Insurance plan covers you in a auto accident?

One solution maybe....no insurance no registration. You lapse on you insurance the insurance company notifies the state and police agencies. If you are caught driving uninsured you are fined and the car is impounded until it is insured.
I believe this is what is done in other states. Maybe our governor can propose this.

[retiredguy123]

Keep in mind your health insurance that paid for your treatment will put a lien on your settlement to get reimbursed usually at full price. Plus what about passengers in your car your driving if they are injured, killed or permanently disabled?
Not sure I understand. If you don't have any UM coverage, there will be no UM settlement. So, your health insurance will pay for your medical treatment. To me, that is an advantage of not having UM insurance. Who wants to deal with their auto insurance company for medical treatment if you already have health insurance?

You are correct that passengers are covered if you have UM insurance. But, I expect my passengers to have health insurance like I do.

[retiredguy123]

Not sure I understand. If you don't have any UM coverage, there will be no UM settlement. So, your health insurance will pay for your medical treatment. To me, that is an advantage of not having UM insurance. Who wants to deal with their auto insurance company for medical treatment if you already have health insurance?

You are correct that passengers are covered if you have UM insurance. But, I expect my passengers to have health insurance like I do.
Uninsured motorist insurance is optional in Florida. But, regarding the mandatory insurance, I don't know why Florida doesn't require insurance companies to issue a sticker for the vehicle to prove that the car is insured, like the state does with the registration sticker.

[Marine1974]

I have read and I fully understand what uninsured motorist insurance covers and what it does not cover. It is mostly, but not completely, redundant with my health insurance. In my situation, I would never file a claim for this insurance, so, to me, it would be a waste of money. For the expenses that it covers, I can afford to self insure. So, I choose to not pay for it and save a few hundred dollars. I would suggest that everyone research and understand what you are paying for because most people I have discussed this with do not understand the coverage. Good luck.
That might be fine for you but what if you have three passengers in your car your driving?

[retiredguy123]

That might be fine for you but what if you have three passengers in your car your driving?
I don't feel responsible for insuring passengers against an uninsured motorist. Although, I agree that it may be a good idea to notify passengers that the vehicle doesn't have UM coverage. Note that I do have plenty of personal liability coverage to cover an accident where I am at fault.

[nancyre]

The coverage covers everyone in your car. Your personal medical plan covers just you.

[NachoMama]

Are you over paying for uninsured motorist coverage on your auto insurance when you Medical Advantage Insurance plan covers you in a auto accident?
Your heath insurance will not pay for the damage to your vehicle or property.

If your $50,000 vehicle is totaled by an uninsured motorist, there is less than a 1% chance you’ll be able to recover ANY money from him directly. Even if you get a judgment and garnish his wages (If he has wages) you won’t get the whole $50,000 back in your lifetime.

Yes, you need uninsured motorist coverage.

[NachoMama]

I agree and I do understand the UM coverage. But, I am not interested in paying a premium so I can sue myself. Also, when you sue yourself, the maximum payout is limited to the the coverage limit that you pay for. Most insurance companies will only allow UM coverage up to $300K, which is not enough to hire a good lawyer, who would take 40 percent of the settlement anyway.
If I had to sue the insurance company (I would be suing the insurance company, not myself) I would much rather get 70% of $300,000 - which would be a net $210,000 - than to have chosen ahead of time to get ZERO.

My auto agent can tell dozens of stories about people who were in accidents, and the claim adjusters paid them a fair amount from the uninsured motorist coverage without the need to involve lawyers..

[NachoMama]

You don't need uninsured motorist insurance to sue the other motorist.
No sensible lawyer will take a lawsuit against a person with no assets on a contingency basis. You’ll be paying the lawyers by the hour.

So, no, you don’t need uninsured motorist insurance to sue the driver or the other car. But you also won’t receive enough from him in your lifetime to cover the attorneys fees, much less your losses.

[gorillarick]

Saw a contractor's truck doing business in TV with out-of-state and expired plates.
Smart guy.
No need to buy insurance as required to register or renew your Florida license plate.
So, we can assume he has no car (truck) insurance.

I checked his business on MyFloridaLicense.com - pretty fast and easy.
Has no business license in Florida.

Why are you employing criminals ?
And you wonder why your car insurance is so high.

[retiredguy123]

Your heath insurance will not pay for the damage to your vehicle or property.

If your $50,000 vehicle is totaled by an uninsured motorist, there is less than a 1% chance you’ll be able to recover ANY money from him directly. Even if you get a judgment and garnish his wages (If he has wages) you won’t get the whole $50,000 back in your lifetime.

Yes, you need uninsured motorist coverage.
Your vehicle is covered by your collision insurance, not UM insurance.

[retiredguy123]

No sensible lawyer will take a lawsuit against a person with no assets on a contingency basis. You’ll be paying the lawyers by the hour.

So, no, you don’t need uninsured motorist insurance to sue the driver or the other car. But you also won’t receive enough from him in your lifetime to cover the attorneys fees, much less your losses.
I totally agree.

[Aces4]

I'll bet you a dollar that less than 10 percent of drivers with UM insurance have a million dollars or more in coverage. Most insurance companies will not even sell you more than $300K. And, even if you have $300K, the lawyer will take 30 to 40 percent of it. Also, I believe that the primary purpose for UM insurance is to pay for the medical bills of people who don't have adequate health insurance, so the state doesn't get stuck with the indigent bill.

My purpose is to get people to understand what they are buying with their auto insurance because most people are paying for UM coverage, but they cannot explain what it covers. If you don't believe me, ask a few people.


I think your real purpose is to get other people to stick their necks out and take on additional risk like you have done. After all, a State Farm insurance agent gave you this great advice. I wonder if that agent would be on the hook for costs you may be incurring due to lack of UM insurance...

[retiredguy123]

If I had to sue the insurance company (I would be suing the insurance company, not myself) I would much rather get 70% of $300,000 - which would be a net $210,000 - than to have chosen ahead of time to get ZERO.

My auto agent can tell dozens of stories about people who were in accidents, and the claim adjusters paid them a fair amount from the uninsured motorist coverage without the need to involve lawyers..
According to my agent, their company would not pay for expenses beyond normal medical treatment unless I hired an attorney and sued them. My main point is that UM insurance is primarily designed to cover normal medical treatment that is already covered by my health insurance policy. Most UM claims will pay for the medical bills for people who have inadequate health insurance. I don't have inadequate health insurance.

[retiredguy123]

I think your real purpose is to get other people to stick their necks out and take on additional risk like you have done. After all, a State Farm insurance agent gave you this great advice. I wonder if that agent would be on the hook for costs you may be incurring due to lack of UM insurance...
Not true. When I spend money, I want to know what I am paying for. I think that people should research what they are buying before they decide to buy it. There is plenty of evidence on this thread and other threads that many people are buying UM insurance, but they do not understand what they are actually paying for. I don't care if people buy UM insurance or not, but I think they should make an informed decision based on a full understanding of what it covers and what it doesn't. After all, that was the OP's original question.

[retiredguy123]

If I had to sue the insurance company (I would be suing the insurance company, not myself) I would much rather get 70% of $300,000 - which would be a net $210,000 - than to have chosen ahead of time to get ZERO.

My auto agent can tell dozens of stories about people who were in accidents, and the claim adjusters paid them a fair amount from the uninsured motorist coverage without the need to involve lawyers..
Even if you get a UM settlement for $210K, you probably won't be able to keep it. As another poster pointed out, Medicare or your health insurance company will attach a lien on any UM payouts to reimburse them for your medical treatment, which is also covered by UM insurance.

And, yes, a claim adjuster will authorize a payment for documented medical bills for someone who has inadequate health insurance. But, a claim for "pain and suffering" would not be authorized by a claim adjuster.

[Marine1974]

I have excellent health insurance to pay for my medical bills and rehab. Why should I pay for redundant coverage?
The healthcare facilities ask is this injury the result of an automobile accident or work related injury. There is a reason they ask this . Why would your health insurer pay for your injury when another party is at fault?

[Marine1974]

I have read and I fully understand what uninsured motorist insurance covers and what it does not cover. It is mostly, but not completely, redundant with my health insurance. In my situation, I would never file a claim for this insurance, so, to me, it would be a waste of money. For the expenses that it covers, I can afford to self insure. So, I choose to not pay for it and save a few hundred dollars. I would suggest that everyone research and understand what you are paying for because most people I have discussed this with do not understand the coverage. Good luck.
My premium is $59 yearly , $100,000/$200,000 , to protect me and my passengers
from a UM or UIM . Again why do healthcare facilities ask is this a result of an automobile accident or work related injury. There is a legal reason why . You wouldn’t want to lie . The healthcare facility wants to insure they will be paid .

[retiredguy123]

The healthcare facilities ask is this injury the result of an automobile accident or work related injury. There is a reason they ask this . Why would your health insurer pay for your injury when another party is at fault?
They ask so they can attach a lien on any UM payouts, and, sometimes, they are required to actually get approval to treat you if you have UM coverage. But, if you don't have UM coverage, your health insurance is required to pay for your treatment. Health insurance coverage has nothing to do with who was at fault. Why should they pay to treat a person who is 100 pounds overweight, eats at McDonald's every day, and smokes cigarettes?

[retiredguy123]

My premium is $59 yearly , $100,000/$200,000 , to protect me and my passengers
from a UM or UIM . Again why do healthcare facilities ask is this a result of an automobile accident or work related injury. There is a legal reason why . You wouldn’t want to lie . The healthcare facility wants to insure they will be paid .
$59 per year is very low.

[bimmertl]

They ask so they can attach a lien on any UM payouts, and, sometimes, they are required to actually get approval to treat you if you have UM coverage. But, if you don't have UM coverage, your health insurance is required to pay for your treatment. Health insurance coverage has nothing to do with who was at fault. Why should they pay to treat a person who is 100 pounds overweight, eats at McDonald's every day, and smokes cigarettes?

They ask those questions to know if auto PIP applies or workers comp applies. Every auto policy issued in Florida is required to have 10K in first party med bills coverage (PIP). It's primary coverage ahead of Medicare and so is workers comp coverage.

Health care providers have no clue who is at fault in accident let alone if the at fault driver has any insurance. Heck, they don't even know if the patient has any health care insurance.

They need approval to treat a patient if he has UM coverage? You can't possibly believe that.

[retiredguy123]

They ask those questions to know if auto PIP applies or workers comp applies. Every auto policy issued in Florida is required to have 10K in first party med bills coverage (PIP). It's primary coverage ahead of Medicare and so is workers comp coverage.

Health care providers have no clue who is at fault in accident let alone if the at fault driver has any insurance. Heck, they don't even know if the patient has any health care insurance.

They need approval to treat a patient if he has UM coverage? You can't possibly believe that.
Is it true that most UM claim payments are for medical bills that the injured person cannot afford because of unsufficient health insurance, and not for "pain and suffering" or long term care? I'm just curious because that data is not readily available.