Rising Uninsured Drivers in Florida: What Every Motorcyclist Needs to Know

Hey there, fellow riders! Today, I want to talk about a critical issue that’s affecting all of us who hit the open road in the Sunshine State—uninsured drivers. According to the latest data from the Insurance Information Institute (Triple-I), the number of uninsured drivers in Florida is on the rise, and it’s a problem we can’t ignore.

Recent statistics reveal that about 15.9% of Florida drivers are uninsured, compared to the national average of 14%. The Insurance Research Council (IRC) suggests it could be even higher, at around 20.4%. This spike is largely due to the skyrocketing cost of car insurance in our state.

Mandatory Liability Insurance For Florida Motorcycles?

Let’s break it down: in Florida, the average cost for minimum-liability coverage is around $115 per month, and for full coverage, it’s $270. Contrast this with the national averages—$52 per month for minimum coverage and $167 per month for full coverage. Simply put, we’re paying a lot more. In fact, Floridians shell out about $3,244 annually for full coverage, compared to the national average of $2,008.

Back in 2019, Florida already had one of the highest rates of uninsured drivers at 20.4%, and the situation has only worsened. The COVID-19 pandemic has driven insurance costs even higher, with a reported 15% increase in quoted rates in 2023 alone—the steepest hike in the nation.

So, What Is Driving These High Costs?

Florida’s unique no-fault insurance system means every driver’s insurance covers their medical expenses and those of their passengers, regardless of who caused the accident. The state requires only $10,000 in personal injury protection and $10,000 in property damage liability insurance, with no mandate for bodily injury liability coverage.

Mark Friedlander from Triple-I explains that uninsured drivers are a significant burden on those of us who do have insurance. They drive up costs for everyone and make our roads more dangerous. Uninsured motorists tend to be more reckless, contributing to Florida’s alarming vehicle accident fatality rate, which saw 3,278 deaths in 2023, making it the third highest in the U.S.

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Several factors are pushing up insurance prices in Florida: the escalating costs of parts and labor for repairs, rising medical expenses for accident victims, an excessive number of litigated claims (nearly 30,000 auto-related lawsuits filed each month in 2023—the highest in the nation), a high volume of vehicle thefts (22,393 thefts in the first half of 2023—third highest in the U.S.), and rampant fraud schemes, including staged accidents.

As motorcycle enthusiasts, it’s essential we stay informed about these trends and their impact on our insurance rates and road safety. More importantly, we need to protect ourselves against these uninsured drivers. That’s where uninsured motorist (UM) coverage comes in.

How Do I Protect Myself?

Uninsured motorist coverage is a type of insurance that protects you if you’re involved in an accident with a driver who doesn’t have insurance or doesn’t have enough insurance to cover the damages. In Florida, UM coverage can cover medical expenses, lost wages, and other damages resulting from an accident caused by an uninsured or underinsured driver.

For bikers, this coverage is crucial. Motorcyclists are particularly vulnerable on the road, and an accident with an uninsured driver can lead to significant financial strain. By purchasing uninsured motorist coverage for your motorcycle, you ensure that you’re protected no matter who is at fault.

Ride safe, keep your coverage up to date, and let’s work together to advocate for fairer insurance practices in Florida. Protect yourself and your loved ones by investing in uninsured motorist coverage—it’s a small price to pay for peace of mind on the open road.

Keep the rubber side down, and I’ll see you on the road!

Gabriel J. Carrera, Esq., The Attorney That Rides