Florida Injury Law

Uninsured Motorist Coverage

Florida doesn’t even require at-fault drivers to carry injury coverage — which is why UM coverage may be the most important protection you can buy. Here is why.

Attorney-Reviewed Statute Resource
Reviewed by Christopher Walsh, Personal Injury Trial Attorney (Fla. Bar #127459). Last reviewed: June 2026

Florida’s Coverage Gap

Here is a fact that surprises most Floridians: the state does not require drivers to carry bodily injury liability coverage. Combined with PIP’s low $10,000 limit, that means if a driver seriously injures you, there may be little or no insurance to pay for your harm.

The Governing Statute
Fla. Stat. § 627.727 — Uninsured Motorist Coverage
"No motor vehicle liability insurance policy … shall be delivered … unless uninsured motorist coverage is provided therein … [unless] any insured named in the policy [rejects] the coverage."
Read the full statute on Online Sunshine →

Uninsured/Underinsured Motorist (UM/UIM) coverage under § 627.727 fills that gap. It is your own policy stepping in to pay when the at-fault driver has no insurance, or not enough.

Why It’s So Important

Uninsured Motorist — Key Points
It must be offered — insurers must provide UM coverage unless you reject it in writing.

It covers the gap — pays for injuries when the at-fault driver can’t.

Stacking may multiply coverage across multiple vehicles if elected.

It can cover hit-and-run and phantom-vehicle crashes.

Where Disputes Arise

Even though it is your own insurer, a UM claim can become adversarial — the company may dispute fault, injuries, or value just as an opposing insurer would. Whether UM was properly offered or rejected, and how stacking applies, are frequent and important issues.

Frequently Asked Questions

Does Florida require drivers to carry injury insurance?
No. Florida requires PIP and property damage liability, but not bodily injury liability coverage. This means many at-fault drivers cannot cover the harm they cause — which is why uninsured/underinsured motorist coverage is so valuable.
What does uninsured motorist coverage do in Florida?
Under § 627.727, UM/UIM coverage is your own policy paying for your injuries when the at-fault driver has no insurance or not enough. It can also cover hit-and-run crashes. Insurers must offer it unless you reject it in writing.

Charged Under This Statute?

A statute on a page is not the same as your case. Talk to an attorney who has handled these charges — free, confidential.

This page summarizes Fla. Stat. § 627.727 for general informational purposes and is not legal advice. Statutes change; while this page is reviewed by a licensed Florida attorney, always verify the current text on the official Online Sunshine source or consult an attorney about your specific situation. Serving Martin, St. Lucie, Palm Beach, Indian River, and Okeechobee Counties.