The answer is No, you do not have to stack your UM—the choice is yours to make. But it is a very good idea to do so.
“Stacking” does not cost much, particularly when you examine the crisis you may find yourself in if you do not stack UM coverage.
Speak with an experienced Florida attorney at our firm today.
Call 855-Kramer-Now (855-572-6376).
What is Stacking?
Basically, stacking allows you to combine the UM coverage on each of the vehicles on your policy for the total amount of coverage available. Florida statutes presume that, unless you specifically reject it in writing, UM coverage is stacked.
You may also purchase non-stacked UM Coverage for less money. If you are injured in an automobile that is covered under a non-stacked policy, you will be covered only up to the limit that applies to that specific auto.
We will look at some examples of stacking and not stacking UM below.
First let us review what UM does.
UM stands for Uninsured Motorist or Underinsured Motorist coverage. You buy UM insurance to cover yourself if you are injured by an uninsured or underinsured motorist.
With UM insurance, you can collect amounts from your own insurer that you would have been able to get from the negligent driver had they been covered by Bodily Injury (BI) insurance. UM can cover additional medical expenses, lost wages, pain and suffering and other costs that might arise when an injury occurs.
Scenario: You are in a car crash caused by James Joberlind who is driving drunk at the time. You are seriously injured and lose all function in your right hand. The injury results in surgery and medical bills over $100,000. Even after the surgery, you are unable to keep your job, because it requires the use of your right hand. You pursue a claim against Joberlind. He is uninsured and he has no assets. Because he is uninsured, you get nothing from him.
If you did not purchase UM insurance, you are done. There will be no recovery. You will receive nothing for your severe injury. You will receive nothing for your future lost wages. You will wind up paying out of pocket for most of your medical bills not covered under your health insurance.
Now, suppose you had purchased UM insurance. Good for you, UM will cover your injury-related costs up to the limits of the policy. This means if you had $100,000 in UM insurance, you would likely receive a check for $100,000 from your insurance company. If you had $500,000 in UM insurance, you could receive a check for up to $500,000 for your injuries, lost future wages, medical bills and more.
Now, what about stacking UM insurance?
Stacked UM:
As stated earlier, stacking of UM is presumed unless you reject it. In Florida, all insurers are required by law to provide stacked UM with the same limits as your Bodily Injury coverage. This can only be overridden if you decline in writing the option to stack UM coverage.
So, when buying the policy, you have to decide two things:
- what is the limit of UM coverage you will have,
- do you want stacked or non-stacked UM coverage?
For instance: You purchase stacked UM coverage on two cars, and you set the limit for each car at $50,000 per person/$100,000 per accident. Because the coverage is stacked, you have up to $100,000 per person/$200,000 per accident available for an accident claim.
If you purchased 100,000 per person/$300,000 per accident, you could collect up to $200,000 per person/$600,000 per accident.
Stacking also protects family and relatives that live with you.
Non-Stacked UM:
You may choose not to have UM coverage stacked. To do this, you sign the non-stacked Uninsured/Underinsured Motorist form. Side note: signing that form is a bad idea. Instead purchase stacking UM Insurance.
Speak with an experienced Florida attorney at our firm today.
Call 855-Kramer-Now (855-572-6376).
Stacking Uninsured Motorist Coverage – Greater Protection for You and Your Loved Ones
If at all possible, your UM should be stacked in an amount equal to your bodily injury liability coverage. By stacking, your coverage can increase tremendously for each vehicle you insure.
The additional expense in premium charges is not significant. Stacking also covers you if you are on a motorcycle. Learn more about what vehicles are covered by UM.
Do Not Take Chances: Contact TK Law with your Questions.
The reality is that in Florida, the majority of motorists do not purchase BI coverage, or they purchase insufficient BI coverage. Having uninsured/underinsured motorist insurance is highly important, yet the concept of stacking UM coverage can be confusing or misleading.
If you have questions about stacking vs. non-stacking, or concerns about an accident claim, come to TK Law for experienced and compassionate legal counsel. We are capable, resourceful and well qualified to represent you, no matter what legal challenges you are facing.
Speak with an Orlando car accident lawyer today by calling 855-Kramer-Now (855-572-6376) or contact us here.
Learn more about stacking vs. non-stacking insurance.