Additional Vehicle Insurance May be Needed in Florida
If a Floridian driver is involved in an vehicle accident and found at fault, they are required to add Bodily Injury Liability (BIL) to their insurance policy. This form of coverage can pay for death or serious injury to others when the driver is responsible for an accident that involves an vehicle. These costs will be paid for up to the limits of the policy held by the motorist. In addition to this, BIL can also provide legal representation if the driver at fault is sued, and it may also protect other drivers who borrow the policyholder’s vehicle with the owner’s permission. This extra protection also applies if the insured chooses to drive someone else’s vehicle with their permission.
In 2007 roughly 23% of Florida’s population was uninsured. In comparison to many other states, this is a relatively high percentage. Because of this, motorists are encouraged to look into adding Uninsured Motorist Protection (UM). This form of coverage protects the policyholder, their family members, and anyone in their vehicle at the time of the accident. If they are injured in a collision by an uninsured or under-insured motorist, this form of coverage will cover any medical expenses that might accrue, up to the policy limits. This also applies to hit and run type accidents, where the third party flees the scene. UM also pays for any lost wages (after the driver’s PIP coverage has been exhausted) that occur because of the accident, and again this goes for family members and passengers of the insured policyholder. Knowing about forms of protection and seeking out vehicle insurance questions and answers beyond the state requirements may help drivers throughout the Sunshine State to be more prepared in the event of an emergency, and protect themselves from potential financial pitfalls.