UM/UIM Coverage in Florida: Why It Can Save You After a Crash.
If you’ve ever been involved in a car accident in Clermont, Minneola, Groveland, Mascotte, or anywhere in South Lake County, one of the biggest surprises you might face is learning that the at-fault driver doesn't have enough insurance — or worse, none at all. That’s where Uninsured/Underinsured Motorist (UM/UIM) coverage becomes one of the most important parts of your auto insurance policy.
At our Clermont-based personal injury law firm, we’ve helped countless clients recover damages through UM/UIM coverage after serious auto accidents. Here’s what you need to know — and why this coverage could make or break your financial recovery after a crash in Central Florida.
What Is UM/UIM Coverage?
UM/UIM coverage helps pay for your medical bills, lost wages, pain and suffering, and other damages when the at-fault driver is either:
Uninsured (driving illegally without any bodily injury coverage), or
Underinsured (has coverage, but not enough to cover your damages).
In Florida, UM/UIM is optional, but every driver should strongly consider adding it — especially given the high number of uninsured drivers in Lake County and across the state.
Why Is UM/UIM Coverage So Important in Florida?
Florida is a no-fault state, meaning your Personal Injury Protection (PIP) covers up to $10,000 in medical expenses and lost wages after a crash — regardless of who caused the accident.
But here’s the problem:
PIP doesn’t cover pain and suffering.
PIP is limited and often runs out quickly after a serious injury.
Many Florida drivers only carry the minimum required coverage, which doesn’t include any bodily injury liability at all.
So if you're seriously hurt and the at-fault driver has no coverage (or minimal coverage), you may be left paying the rest of the costs — unless you have UM/UIM.
Real-Life Example from South Lake County
A client from Groveland was T-boned by a driver who ran a red light and had no insurance. Her injuries required surgery, physical therapy, and months of lost work. Without UM coverage, she would have had no way to recover the full value of her claim. Thanks to her UM policy, we were able to obtain a six-figure settlement — all from her own insurance carrier.
Stacked vs. Non-Stacked UM Coverage in Florida
Florida allows "stacking" of UM/UIM policies across multiple vehicles. For example, if you have two cars with $100,000 in UM coverage each and you choose stacked coverage, you now have $200,000 in available coverage.
Key SEO tip: If you're in Clermont, Montverde, or Minneola, check your policy today to see if your UM/UIM coverage is stacked — it could significantly increase your protection.
Should I Hire a Lawyer to Use My UM/UIM Coverage?
Absolutely. Just because you're dealing with your own insurance company doesn’t mean they’ll automatically offer fair compensation. In fact, many insurance companies fight UM claims just as hard as they do third-party claims.
A knowledgeable Clermont personal injury attorney can:
Review your policy for UM/UIM availability
Handle communication with the insurance company
Demand fair compensation based on your full damages
Litigate if necessary to protect your rights
Serving All of South Lake County
Our firm is proud to serve injured clients across:
Clermont
Minneola
Groveland
Mascotte
Montverde
And surrounding areas in Lake County and Central Florida
Whether you're rear-ended on Highway 50, involved in a crash on US-27, or hit by a negligent driver in downtown Clermont, we’re here to fight for the compensation you deserve.
Injured by an Uninsured Driver? We Can Help.
If you were hurt in an accident and the other driver was uninsured or underinsured, don’t assume you’re out of options. Contact our office today for a free consultation. We’ll review your UM/UIM policy, explain your rights, and help you get the compensation you need to recover.
-Call John Kilpatrick Law in Clermont today.
- Serving all of South Lake County and Central Florida.
