Being hit by a driver with no insurance is one of the most frustrating situations on the road. You did nothing wrong, yet the usual path of claiming against the other driver's policy may not exist. Florida's insurance rules add another twist, because the coverage called "uninsured motorist" doesn't work the way many people assume. This page explains which coverages generally help pay for car repairs in Florida, what to do right away, and how Firkins Collision Center in Bradenton can help.
This is general information, not legal advice. Your policy wording controls what's covered, so confirm details with your insurer or an attorney.
Florida's Minimum Insurance Requirements
According to the Florida Department of Highway Safety and Motor Vehicles, Florida drivers must carry at least:
- $10,000 in Personal Injury Protection (PIP)
- $10,000 in Property Damage Liability (PDL)
That's the legal minimum. Notice what's missing: neither PIP nor PDL pays to repair your own vehicle. PDL pays for damage you cause to someone else's property. PIP covers certain injury-related costs. Our article on Florida PIP and property damage explains the difference in detail.
What Uninsured Motorist (UM) Coverage Covers in Florida
Florida's uninsured motorist law is section 627.727, Florida Statutes. Two points stand out:
- It's tied to bodily injury. The statute describes UM coverage as protecting people legally entitled to recover damages because of bodily injury, sickness, disease or death. It does not describe coverage for damage to your car.
- It's optional. Insurers must offer it on certain policies, but a named insured can reject it in writing on behalf of everyone on the policy, or choose lower limits.
So if you're asking, "Will my UM coverage fix my car?" the answer in Florida is generally no. It may matter a great deal if someone was hurt, but car repairs usually run through a different coverage.
Coverages That Can Pay to Repair Your Car
| Coverage | Required in Florida? | Pays to fix your car after an uninsured driver hits you? |
|---|---|---|
| Property Damage Liability (PDL) | Yes | No, it covers damage you cause to others |
| Personal Injury Protection (PIP) | Yes | No, it relates to injuries |
| Uninsured Motorist (UM) | No (can be rejected in writing) | Generally no, it's tied to bodily injury |
| Collision | No (though lenders often require it) | Yes, typically, minus your deductible |
| Comprehensive | No (lenders often require it) | Not for collisions; covers events like hail, flood, theft, falling objects |
Collision coverage is the main way most Florida drivers get repairs paid after a crash with an uninsured or hit-and-run driver. If you financed or leased your vehicle, your lender probably required it, so check your declarations page. Some policies include special deductible provisions for uninsured-driver crashes; ask your insurer.
If You Don't Have Collision Coverage
Without collision, the options narrow:
- Pursue the at-fault driver directly. The driver who caused the crash is still responsible for the damage. You may be able to demand payment or file in small claims court. A detailed written repair estimate is important evidence. Collecting from an uninsured driver can be difficult, so consider talking with an attorney.
- Pay for repairs yourself. Our article on filing a claim or paying out of pocket helps you think through the numbers.
- Check other coverage. Occasionally another policy in your household or a rental agreement provides coverage. Ask your agent.
If the damage is severe, you may also want to read is my car totaled in Florida?
What to Do Right After a Crash With an Uninsured Driver
- Check for injuries and call 911 if anyone is hurt.
- Call law enforcement and get a report number. This matters even more when the other driver is uninsured or leaves the scene.
- Photograph everything: both vehicles, plates, the scene, skid marks and debris.
- Collect information: the other driver's name, license, plate and contact details, plus witness names.
- Look for cameras. Businesses along US-41, Manatee Avenue and Cortez Road often have cameras that may help in a hit-and-run.
- Notify your insurer promptly and ask which of your coverages apply.
- Get a free repair estimate so you know the real cost.
Our full guide on what to do after a car accident in Bradenton has more detail.
How Firkins Collision Center Helps
Uninsured-driver claims can feel lonely. We help where we can:
- Free upfront estimates. A detailed written estimate supports a collision claim or a demand against the at-fault driver.
- Insurance paperwork help. If you're using your own collision coverage, we coordinate with your insurer, including supplements when hidden damage turns up. Learn more on our insurance claim help page.
- 24/7 towing assistance to our facility at 2700 1st St, Bradenton: (941) 749-1450.
- Free loaners or help arranging a rental, shuttle service, and complimentary pickup and delivery.
- Quality repairs on all makes and models by I-CAR- and ASE-certified technicians, with OEM parts whenever possible.
- A lifetime warranty on parts and labor for our workmanship.
You also keep your Florida rights regardless of who pays. See your right to choose a body shop in Florida.
Review Your Coverage Before the Next Crash
If this experience has you rethinking your policy, ask your agent about collision coverage, UM limits, and rental reimbursement. Comparing a few hundred dollars of annual premium with the cost of a major repair can be eye-opening.
Get a Free Estimate
Call (941) 229-6451 or request your free estimate. Hablamos español: (941) 357-5162. We're open Monday through Friday, 7:30 AM to 5:30 PM, and Saturday 8:00 AM to noon.
Frequently asked questions
Does uninsured motorist coverage pay for car repairs in Florida?
Generally, no. Florida's uninsured motorist statute ties UM coverage to bodily injury, sickness, disease or death, not damage to your car. Vehicle repairs after a crash with an uninsured driver are usually paid through your own collision coverage if you carry it.
Is uninsured motorist coverage required in Florida?
No. Florida's minimum requirements are 10,000 dollars in Personal Injury Protection and 10,000 dollars in Property Damage Liability. Insurers must offer uninsured motorist coverage on certain policies, but a named insured can reject it in writing.
What if I only have Florida's minimum insurance?
PIP covers certain injury-related costs and PDL pays for damage you cause to other people's property. Neither pays to fix your own car. Without collision coverage, your options are usually pursuing the at-fault driver directly or paying for repairs yourself.
What should I do after a hit-and-run in Bradenton?
Make sure everyone is safe, call law enforcement and get a report number, photograph the damage and scene, look for witnesses or nearby cameras, and contact your insurer promptly. If the car isn't drivable, call Firkins' 24-hour towing line at (941) 749-1450.
Can Firkins still repair my car if I'm paying out of pocket?
Yes. We provide free upfront estimates and repair all makes and models whether the bill is paid by an insurer or by you. A written estimate helps you plan and can support any claim against the at-fault driver.
Will I pay a deductible if an uninsured driver hit me?
If you use your own collision coverage, your deductible typically applies. Some policies have special provisions for this situation, so ask your insurer how your deductible works when the other driver was uninsured.
Wrecked, dented or scratched? Let's look at it.
Free estimates, help with your insurance claim, and a loaner while we work.