Why UM Insurance is a Must in Florida | Stacked vs Non-Stacked Explained
Why You Need Uninsured Motorist (UM) Insurance — and What “Stacking” Really Means in Florida
Think everyone on the road is insured? Think again.
Every day in Florida, drivers get into accidents caused by someone who has little or no insurance at all. And when that happens, the financial burden doesn’t fall on the at-fault driver’s insurance company — it could fall on you, unless you’re properly protected.
That’s why Uninsured/Underinsured Motorist (UM) coverage is one of the most critical — and most misunderstood — elements of your auto insurance policy. This blog will walk you through why it matters, the difference between stacked and non-stacked policies, and how to make sure you’re covered when it counts.
What is UM Insurance?
Uninsured Motorist (UM) and Underinsured Motorist (UIM) coverage are types of auto insurance that protect you if you’re hit by a driver who:
- Has no insurance at all (which is shockingly common in Florida), or
- Has insurance, but not enough to cover your medical bills, lost wages, or long-term care
Florida does not require drivers to carry bodily injury liability insurance — meaning many people on the road are legally allowed to drive with only minimal coverage. That’s a big risk to your health and your finances.
UM coverage steps in where the other driver’s insurance falls short — or doesn’t exist.
Florida is a Hotspot for Uninsured Drivers
According to the Insurance Research Council, Florida has one of the highest rates of uninsured drivers in the country — nearly 20% of drivers are completely uninsured. That means 1 in 5 vehicles around you could leave you footing the bill in the event of an accident.
If you’re relying solely on the other driver’s insurance to take care of your expenses, you could be in for a costly surprise.
Stacked vs. Non-Stacked: What’s the Difference?
When you choose UM coverage in Florida, you’ll be asked to select between stacked and non-stacked policies. Understanding the difference can dramatically impact how much coverage you actually have.
Stacked UM Coverage
Stacked coverage allows you to combine the UM limits of multiple vehicles on your policy.
Example:
You have two vehicles, each with $100,000 in UM coverage. With stacking, you can combine (stack) them for up to $200,000 in coverage per accident.
This is especially helpful if you’re in a serious accident, facing large hospital bills or long-term recovery.
Non-Stacked UM Coverage
With non-stacked coverage, your UM limit is fixed per vehicle, regardless of how many vehicles you insure.
Example:
Same scenario — two cars, $100,000 UM coverage each. If you choose non-stacked, you can only use $100,000 total, even if both vehicles are on the policy.
Which Should You Choose?
While stacked UM coverage is usually more expensive, it offers significantly better protection, especially if:
- You have multiple cars on your policy
- You live in a high-risk area (like a major Florida city)
- You want peace of mind knowing you’ll have extra protection if injured by an uninsured driver
If you can afford stacked coverage, it’s almost always the better option — and our team of Florida accident attorneys strongly recommends it.
What Happens If You’re in an Accident Without UM?
If you’re hit by an uninsured or underinsured driver and you don’t have UM/UIM coverage, your recovery options may be extremely limited. You could be stuck:
- Paying out-of-pocket for medical expenses
- Using your health insurance (and still covering deductibles or co-pays)
- Dealing with ongoing financial stress from lost wages or permanent injuries
Even worse, if you try to recover damages through a lawsuit, the at-fault driver may have no assets to collect from — making it a dead-end.
Don’t Wait Until It’s Too Late
The time to evaluate your UM coverage is before an accident. And if the worst has already happened — we’re ready to fight for your future.
If You’ve Already Been in an Accident — We Can Help
With over 70 years of legal expertise, our team includes board-certified attorneys, a distinction earned by only a select group of lawyers (less than 1% in Florida) who have demonstrated exceptional skill, knowledge, and success in their field. This certification signifies a higher level of competence in handling complex cases, including those involving defective vehicle technology. We have a proven track record of standing up to insurance companies and large manufacturers and corporations, ensuring our clients receive the justice and compensation you deserve for medical expenses, lost wages, and other damages.
When big corporations fail to prioritize safety, Avera & Smith fights relentlessly to hold them accountable. Request a free case review through our online form or call 800-654-4659 to speak with one of our attorneys.