The Menace for Florida Cyclists – The Solution Is Hiding in Plain Sight: Why Uninsured Motorist Coverage Is Essential for Cyclists

It’s easy to see why Florida is a cycling paradise with its year-round sunshine and breathtaking natural beauty. But what’s not apparent to most cyclists is the hidden danger lurking in plain sight on the Sunshine State’s highways and byways – uninsured drivers.

Florida is understandably a hotbed for cyclists, but it also has an alarmingly large number of uninsured motorists traveling the same roads that attract cycling enthusiasts from around the world. According to the Insurance Research Council, the number of uninsured motorists in Florida could be as high as 20.4% of all drivers in the state.

Considering the fact that there are about 18 million licensed drivers in Florida, that translates to approximately 3,672,000 uninsured drivers on the state’s roads. That figure doesn’t even include all the unlicensed drivers in Florida. Plus, each year, there are approximately 100,000 hit-and-run accidents in Florida. What this all boils down to is that the odds are uncomfortably high that if you’re involved in a crash with a motor vehicle while cycling, the at-fault party may not be insured or even stay at the accident scene afterwards.

What can you do to protect yourself in this situation? This is where Uninsured Motorist (“UM”) insurance coverage comes in. UM is an optional add-on coverage that’s triggered when you’re injured in an accident caused by a driver who is uninsured or doesn’t have enough insurance to cover all your medical bills, lost wages, and other damages to which you’re legally entitled.

It’s important to note that you must specifically request this optional coverage because most insurance policies are sold without it. And insurance companies trick buyers into signing a form rejecting UM coverage. Accordingly, talk to your insurance provider today about adding UM coverage back into your policy.

Here’s why UM coverage is crucial for Florida cyclists:

• Financial Protection: Medical bills after a cycling accident can be astronomical. UM coverage ensures that you have the financial resources you need to recover, regardless of the at-fault driver’s insurance status.
• Peace of Mind: Knowing you’re covered can provide invaluable peace of mind as you ride. You can focus on enjoying the ride, not worrying about the financial repercussions of a potential accident.
• Hit-and-Run Accidents: UM coverage provides a lifeline in hit-and-run scenarios, where identifying the at-fault driver might be impossible.

Don’t wait until it’s too late. Talk to your insurance provider today about adding UM coverage to your existing policy. It’s a relatively inexpensive investment that could make all the difference in the aftermath of a cycling accident. Remember, sharing the road comes with risks. By taking steps to protect yourself financially, you can ensure that a dream bike ride doesn’t turn into a financial nightmare.