Choosing the right car insurance coverage in Florida can be confusing, especially when you are faced with terms like “stacked” and “non-stacked” uninsured motorist coverage. These options sound technical, but the difference between them can significantly affect how much compensation you receive after an accident.
Understanding how each policy works, and when one may benefit you more than the other, can help you make informed choices before you need to file a claim. It can also play an essential role in personal injury cases, where the amount of available coverage often determines how fully you can recover for your losses.
Combining Policies
Stacked uninsured/underinsured motorist (UM/UIM) coverage is just like it sounds. It allows you to combine the limits of multiple policies or vehicles you own to increase your available protection. For example, if you own two vehicles, each with $50,000 in UM coverage, stacking them gives you up to $100,000 in coverage for injuries caused by an uninsured or underinsured driver.
Stacked coverage follows you and your household members, not just the insured vehicle. That means you are protected whether you are driving your car, riding as a passenger, or even walking as a pedestrian when an at-fault driver causes an accident.
While stacked policies cost more in monthly premiums, the broader protection can make a significant difference after a severe crash; particularly in Florida, where many drivers carry only the minimum required insurance or none at all.
What Is Non-Stacked Insurance?
Non-stacked UM/UIM coverage applies only to the vehicle named on the policy. If you have multiple vehicles, each policy’s limits stand alone, and you cannot combine or “stack” them.
For example, if your non-stacked policy covers $25,000 and you are injured by an uninsured driver while riding in another vehicle you own that has its own non-stacked coverage, you can only claim up to $25,000 from that specific policy. The other policies remain unavailable.
Non-stacked insurance typically comes with lower premiums, but it limits your flexibility. If you frequently drive different vehicles or carry passengers in your household, the reduced protection could leave you paying out of pocket for medical costs or lost wages after a crash.
Why the Difference Matters in Florida
Because Florida is a no-fault state, your personal injury protection (PIP) insurance covers your own medical expenses up to a point (usually $10,000). But when your injuries are serious or exceed those limits, uninsured motorist coverage can bridge the gap.
Choosing stacked coverage can mean recovering full compensation for hospital bills, rehabilitation costs, and pain and suffering when the at-fault driver lacks sufficient coverage. By contrast, non-stacked coverage restricts recovery to one vehicle’s policy limit, which may not fully account for your damages.
Understanding this difference before an accident occurs can help ensure both your financial security and your peace of mind after a crash.
Protecting Yourself With the Right Coverage, Whether Stacked or Non-Stacked
Accidents caused by uninsured or underinsured drivers happen every day in Florida, leaving many people unsure how to pay for their injuries. Understanding the difference between stacked and non-stacked insurance is one of the most effective ways to prepare.
If you were hurt by a driver without adequate coverage, the car accident attorneys at Werner, Hoffman, Greig & Garcia can help you understand your policy and pursue the compensation you deserve. We operate on a contingency fee basis, so you pay us nothing unless we secure a recovery for you.
Reach out today to learn how our personal injury team can help you navigate Florida’s insurance system and protect your rights after an accident.
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About the Author
Adam Werner is a partner and practicing attorney at WHG. He specializes in personal injury cases, workers’ compensation claims, and veteran disability benefits. He routinely writes about personal injury and workers comp topics for the Werner, Hoffman, Greig & Garcia blog.
