The Importance of Uninsured/Underinsured Automobile Insurance & Medical Payments Coverage
Two of the most overlooked and important types of automobile insurance are uninsured/underinsured coverage and medical payments coverage.
Uninsured/underinsured coverage is important because it protects you as a driver as well as your passengers (who are usually friends and family) from the irresponsible driving of others who don’t carry insurance or who carry an amount insufficient to compensate those they injure. This type of insurance is usually the least costly to obtain.
If you don’t reject it at the time you obtain your policy, Florida law provides uninsured/underinsured coverage in the amount of your liability coverage, the insurance you carry to protect you should you cause an accident and are responsible for another’s injuries. You may choose to purchase uninsured/underinsured coverage in an amount larger than your liability coverage. Depending on your individual situation, you should consider doing this for your own protection and for anyone who may be a passenger. Additionally, it protects you if you are in a car which is not covered by insurance and you are injured through no fault of your own.
The second insurance that it is to your benefit to obtain is medical payment coverage. This is usually purchased in amounts of $5000 to $25000, although your insurance agent will be able to tell you what is available to you. This insurance covers all of your medical bills regardless of who is at fault for the accident.
Typically, both Uninsured/Underinsured Automobile Insurance and Medical Payment Coverage can be obtained by contacting your insurance agent. Should you have any questions or concerns, you may wish to contact a lawyer to help with your decision to purchase these types of insurance. Since a lawyer does not benefit from the premium, you may get a more objective opinion as to what coverage you should get.
