What Palm Bay Drivers Should Know About Uninsured Motorist Coverage

You follow the rules. You drive sober, stay alert, and never text behind the wheel. But that doesn’t protect you from the driver speeding through a red light—or the one who flees the scene after a crash. Even worse, what if they don’t have insurance?

Unfortunately, many drivers in Florida—and especially in areas like Palm Bay—carry little or no insurance coverage beyond the state’s minimums. In these cases, even a minor accident can leave you financially stranded unless you’ve prepared ahead of time.

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That’s where uninsured and underinsured motorist coverage (UM/UIM) comes in. It’s optional in Florida, but essential if you want to protect yourself and your family from unexpected costs after a crash. A personal injury lawyer serving Palm Bay can help you understand how this coverage works—and how to use it effectively after an accident.

What Is Uninsured/Underinsured Motorist Coverage?

Uninsured motorist (UM) and underinsured motorist (UIM) coverage is a type of auto insurance that steps in to cover your losses if the at-fault driver can’t—or won’t—pay.

Here’s how it works:

• Uninsured motorist coverage helps when the other driver has no insurance at all, which is more common than you might think.
  
• Underinsured motorist coverage applies when the other driver has insurance—but not enough to cover your damages.
  
• It can also kick in after a hit-and-run, where you don’t know who hit you or where they went.
  

UM/UIM coverage pays for many of the same losses you’d pursue in a personal injury claim:

• Medical expenses
  
• Lost wages
  
• Pain and suffering
  
• Future care needs (e.g., rehab or surgery)
  

This coverage applies to you, your passengers, and sometimes even when you’re hit while walking or biking—depending on your policy.

Florida Insurance Requirements and the Gaps They Leave

Florida is a no-fault insurance state, which means drivers are only required to carry:

• $10,000 in Personal Injury Protection (PIP)
  
• $10,000 in Property Damage Liability (PDL)
  

Notably, Florida does not require Bodily Injury Liability (BIL) coverage, which would pay for injuries you cause to others in a crash. This creates a major gap. You could be hit by a driver who is perfectly “legal” under Florida law—yet completely unable to pay your medical bills.

That’s why UM/UIM coverage is so critical. It:

• Fills the gap left by minimal coverage laws
  
• Gives you control over your ability to recover losses
  
• Can be used whether you’re the driver, a passenger, or even a pedestrian
  

Many drivers in Palm Bay don’t realize this until it’s too late—after an accident when they’re already facing major medical costs.

When UM/UIM Coverage Becomes Critical

You might assume that if you’re in an accident, the other driver’s insurance will take care of your losses. But what happens when the at-fault driver has no coverage—or not nearly enough? In Florida, and particularly in Palm Bay, this isn’t a rare scenario.

Consider a hit-and-run accident on Babcock Street or Malabar Road where the driver speeds away and is never identified. Your only hope for recovery may lie in your own uninsured motorist coverage. Or imagine you’re struck by someone carrying only the minimum legal insurance—just $10,000 in PIP and nothing else—while your medical bills have already surpassed $50,000. In such situations, your underinsured motorist coverage becomes your financial safety net.

UM/UIM coverage is also incredibly useful when pedestrians or cyclists are struck by vehicles. These victims are often left with significant injuries and little to no recourse if the driver lacks adequate insurance. Having this extra protection in your own policy ensures that you’re not left covering costs from someone else’s irresponsibility.

How to Use UM/UIM Coverage After an Accident

The process of tapping into your UM/UIM policy starts much like any other insurance claim—but with some key differences. First, you must report the accident to your insurance company and notify them that the at-fault driver is either uninsured or underinsured. From there, you’ll submit documentation of your injuries, treatment, and damages.

However, this is where things can get tricky. Even though you’re dealing with your own insurance company, they’re still a business—and businesses aim to minimize payouts. It’s not uncommon for insurers to delay or undervalue claims, even when their own policyholder is in the right.

To navigate this process, it’s often beneficial to work with an experienced attorney. An injury lawyer serving Palm Bay can help you gather compelling evidence, ensure your claim is accurately valued, and push back when your insurance company tries to offer less than what you deserve. Without legal support, you might be leaving thousands of dollars on the table.

Legal Help Maximizes Your Coverage Benefits

Many people assume that because they’re filing a claim with their own insurer, it will be a smooth and fair process. Unfortunately, that’s not always the case. Insurance companies often treat UM/UIM claims with the same level of scrutiny as third-party claims—if not more. After all, they’re now both the insurer and the party responsible for payment.

A personal injury lawyer serving Palm Bay can play a crucial role in ensuring your rights are protected. From interpreting your policy to ensuring you meet deadlines and filing requirements, a lawyer can remove the stress from the process. More importantly, they can build a strong case that supports the full extent of your injuries, which is essential for securing fair compensation.

If your claim is denied or undervalued, your attorney can escalate the matter, file a civil lawsuit if necessary, and fight for your best interests in court.

Don’t Wait Until It’s Too Late

Many drivers don’t think about uninsured motorist coverage until after they’ve already been injured—and by then, it’s too late to add it to your policy. If you live in Palm Bay, where traffic is increasing and not every driver carries adequate insurance, UM/UIM coverage isn’t just a smart choice—it’s essential.

Whether you’re hit by an uninsured driver, involved in a hit-and-run, or stuck with rising medical bills from an underinsured motorist, a personal injury lawyer serving Palm Bay can help you understand and enforce your rights. To explore how expert witnesses could support your case, talk with Frankl Kominsky Injury Lawyers about your options. Don’t wait until you’re facing medical debt and denied claims—take steps now to protect your future.

About the Author

This blog was written by a legal content writer with in-depth knowledge of Florida’s auto insurance laws and personal injury litigation. Specializing in topics such as uninsured motorist coverage, accident claims, and policyholder rights, the author is committed to helping drivers navigate complex insurance systems with clarity and confidence.