When buying car insurance, you'll see a checkbox for 'Stacked' or 'Non-Stacked' Uninsured Motorist (UM) coverage. The stacked option costs a little more, so many people skip it. This is a mistake....
When buying car insurance, you'll see a checkbox for 'Stacked' or 'Non-Stacked' Uninsured Motorist (UM) coverage. The stacked option costs a little more, so many people skip it. This is a mistake. Stacking is one of the most valuable features of Florida auto insurance. It can literally multiply your coverage limits when you need them most.
How Stacking Works
Stacking allows you to combine the coverage limits for each vehicle on your policy. For example, if you insure two cars and have $50,000 in UM coverage on each, 'stacking' them gives you a total of $100,000 available for an accident involving EITHER car. You can even stack coverage across different policies in your household in some cases.
Why You Need It
Medical bills add up fast. A $50,000 limit might cover the ER and initial surgery, but what about rehab? Lost wages? Pain and suffering? If you are hit by an uninsured driver (very common in Florida), your UM policy is the ONLY source of funds. Stacking ensures you have a large enough safety net for serious injuries.
The Cost Difference
The premium increase for stacked coverage is usually small compared to the massive increase in protection. It is one of the best values in the insurance market.
Non-Stacked Limitations
If you choose non-stacked, your coverage is limited to the amount listed for the specific vehicle involved in the crash. You cannot borrow coverage from your other cars. Furthermore, non-stacked coverage often comes with exclusions that prevent you from using it if you are injured while riding in a vehicle you own but didn't insure under that specific policy.
The Rejection Form
Because stacking is so important, Florida law presumes you have it unless you sign a form rejecting it. Insurance agents often push this form to get you a lower quote. If you signed a rejection form without understanding it, you might be stuck with lower limits. But if the form is missing or invalid, we can argue you have stacked coverage by default.
Contact Emas Law Group Today
Don't pinch pennies on safety. Stacking your UM coverage is the smartest financial move you can make to protect your family on Florida roads. If you've been in an accident, Emas Law Group will investigate your policy to find every dime of available coverage, stacked or otherwise.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I stack coverage if I only have one car?
Generally, no, unless you have a separate policy on another vehicle (like a motorcycle) that allows stacking.
Does stacking apply to liability coverage?
No. Stacking only applies to Uninsured/Underinsured Motorist (UM) coverage.
What if I was a passenger in someone else's car?
Your stacked UM coverage follows YOU. It can cover you even if you are injured in a friend's car or as a pedestrian.