Why Is Uninsured Motorist Coverage So Important — and What’s the Deal with “Stacking” vs. “Non-Stacking”?

Have you ever stopped to ask yourself what would happen if you got into a serious car accident — and the other driver had no insurance or not enough insurance to cover your medical bills? 

It’s a frightening thought, but one that becomes a harsh reality for thousands of Florida drivers every year. 

In Florida, a state where more than 20% of drivers are uninsured, the chances of getting into a crash with someone who has little to no insurance are higher than you might think. That’s where Uninsured/Underinsured Motorist (UM/UIM) coverage becomes critical — yet many people don’t even know if they have it, let alone understand the life-altering consequences of not including it in their policy. 

Whether you’re driving in Port St. Lucie, Fort Pierce, or Vero Beach, protecting yourself on Florida’s roads requires more than just a seatbelt and defensive driving. It requires smart insurance decisions — and that starts with understanding UM coverage and whether your policy is stacking or non-stacking. 

Let’s break it all down. 

What Is Uninsured/Underinsured Motorist (UM/UIM) Coverage?

UM coverage is a type of auto insurance that protects you when the at-fault driver in an accident does not have liability insurance or doesn’t carry enough coverage to pay for your injuries and damages. 

In Florida, drivers are only required to carry Personal Injury Protection (PIP) and Property Damage Liability — not Bodily Injury Liability (BIL) coverage. That means a driver who causes your accident might not be legally required to pay for your medical expenses if you’re injured. 

Without UM/UIM coverage, you could be left holding the bag for: 

• Emergency room visits 
• Ongoing medical treatment 
• Lost wages 
• Pain and suffering 

Having UM/UIM on your policy fills that gap — it steps in to pay what the at-fault driver cannot. 

Real-World Example: Why UM Coverage Matters 

Imagine this: You’re stopped at a red light on US-1 in Fort Pierce when you’re rear-ended by a speeding driver. You’re injured and require surgery, physical therapy, and time off work. The driver who hit you? They have the state minimum PIP coverage — and nothing else. 

Without UM coverage, your own PIP policy will only pay up to $10,000, and after that, you’re on your own. 

But if you had UM/UIM coverage, your own insurance would step in and cover medical bills, lost income, and more, depending on the limits of your coverage. 

What’s the Difference Between “Stacking” and “Non-Stacking” UM Coverage? 

When you add UM/UIM coverage to your auto insurance policy in Florida, you typically have two options: 

Stacked UM Coverage 

• Allows you to combine coverage limits across multiple vehicles. 
• Offers more protection — especially if you own more than one insured vehicle. 
• For example, if you have two cars insured at $50,000 UM each and you select stacked coverage, you now have $100,000 available in UM benefits. 

Non-Stacked UM Coverage 

• Keeps the UM coverage separate per vehicle, with no combining of limits. 
• Often slightly cheaper in monthly premiums. 
• If you have the same scenario as above, you’re limited to just $50,000 per accident. 

Which One Should You Choose? 

If you have more than one vehicle, stacking is highly recommended. While it may cost a little more in premiums, the added protection is well worth it in the event of a catastrophic accident. 

Why Florida Drivers Need UM Coverage More Than Most 

Florida is a no-fault state, which means your own insurance pays for your injuries first (up to the PIP limit), regardless of who caused the crash. But once that PIP coverage is maxed out — which can happen very quickly — you’ll need another source of payment if the other driver is uninsured or underinsured. 

Here’s why this is especially critical in Florida: 

• 1 in 5 drivers on the road have no insurance at all. 
• Many insured drivers carry only the bare minimum — no BIL coverage. 
• UM coverage is not required by law — you must opt in. 
• If you decline UM coverage in Florida, you must do so in writing.

Don’t Rely on “It Won’t Happen to Me” 

Even safe, cautious drivers can’t control what others do. All it takes is one careless or reckless motorist to cause a life-changing accident. Without UM/UIM coverage, the financial burden could fall squarely on your shoulders. 

And unfortunately, insurance companies often try to underpay or deny UM claims — which is why having an experienced personal injury attorney is critical. 

Have You Been Injured in an Accident with an Uninsured Driver? 

Hoskins, Turco, Lloyd & Lloyd is one of Florida’s most experienced and trusted injury law firms. For over 40 years, we have represented accident victims who have been seriously injured by the negligence of others—including automated emergency braking accidents caused by negligent automotive manufacturers. 

Our firm has a strong track record of success in litigating against large corporations and insurance companies. We will thoroughly investigate your case, gather critical evidence—including vehicle data and expert analysis—and fight aggressively for your rights. Whether you need help negotiating a settlement with an insurance provider or taking legal action against an automaker, our experienced team is here to guide you every step of the way. 

Contact us today for a FREE case review by calling 866-930-6435