Imagine this: The Carter family—Mike, Sarah, and their two kids—are driving home after a fun
day at the park. They stop at a red light, and suddenly—BAM!—a car slams into them from
behind.
Mike checks on Sarah and the kids—everyone is shaken up, but thankfully, no major injuries.
However, their car is badly damaged. The driver who hit them steps out of his car, looking
nervous. When Mike asks for his insurance, the guy hesitates before admitting:
“I… uh… don’t have insurance.”
Now what?
Florida’s Insurance Rules: Who Pays for What?
Florida is a no-fault state, meaning each driver typically turns to their own insurance after an
accident, no matter who caused it. But here’s the problem:
- The Carter family never expected to get hit by an uninsured driver.
- They only have basic insurance coverage—just enough to meet Florida’s minimum requirements, which covers basic medical bills and property damage if they hit another person’s car, not their own.
- Now, they’re stuck paying for their own medical bills (above what car insurance covers) and car repairs—even though they did nothing wrong!
How Much Insurance Do You Really Need?
Love Shouldn’t Have to Wait
A lot of people only carry what’s legally required in Florida, which includes:
- ✅ $10,000 in Personal Injury Protection (PIP) – Covers some medical bills and lost wages.
- ✅ $10,000 in Property Damage Liability (PDL) – Pays for damage you cause to another car if you are the negligent party in a crash.
In the Carters' case:
- Their car repairs cost $15,000—and their insurance doesn’t cover it.
- Sarah needs physical therapy after the accident, which quickly exceeds their PIP limit.
- The uninsured driver has no money or assets, so suing him won’t help.
The Reality: Buy As Much Insurance As You Can Afford
Nobody likes paying for insurance—until they need it. The best way to protect yourself is by
having the right coverage:
Uninsured/Underinsured Motorist Coverage (UM/UIM) – This is the #1 policy coverage you NEED in Florida. It helps cover your medical bills and damages if the at-fault driver has little or no insurance.Collision Coverage – Helps pay for your own car repairs after an accident, no matter who’s at fault.Medical Payments Coverage– $10,000 in PIP coverage disappears fast . If you can afford more, consider purchasing medical payments coverage. With medical payments coverage, your doctors will still be paid even if you need the PIP coverage to cover lost wages.
The Takeaway
The Carters’ story is a wake-up call for anyone driving in Florida. You never expect to get hit by
an uninsured driver—until it happens. The best way to protect yourself and your family?
- Buy as much insurance as you can realistically afford.
- Don’t assume everyone else on the road has insurance. They do not.
- Uninsured motorist coverage can save you thousands if you are hit by an uninsured driver.
Accidents happen. Make sure you’re covered.
Were You Hit by an Uninsured Driver? Don’t Wait—Call The Dellutri Law Group Today!
If you’ve been in an accident and the at-fault driver has no insurance, you still have
options—but you need to act fast. The insurance companies aren’t on your side, but we are.
Call The Dellutri Law Group today at 239-939-0900 for a FREE consultation.
With over 1,200 ★★★★★ reviews, our experienced personal injury attorneys will review your
case and help you understand your legal rights.
Visit www.Dellutrilawgroup.com for more information.
Don’t wait until it’s too late. Get the advice you need—today.