Filing an uninsured motorist (UM) claim typically does not result in higher insurance rates—especially when the accident wasn’t your fault
Living in Venice, Florida, we’re fortunate to enjoy scenic drives along the Gulf Coast, quiet neighborhoods, and a generally peaceful pace of life. But no matter how safe or cautious you are behind the wheel, auto accidents can and do happen—especially when other drivers are careless or negligent. And unfortunately, many of them aren’t properly insured.
If you’ve been injured in a car crash caused by an uninsured or underinsured driver, you may be wondering:
“Will my insurance premiums go up if I file a claim under my uninsured motorist coverage?”
It’s a fair question. But here’s what you need to know:
Filing an uninsured motorist (UM) claim typically does not result in higher insurance rates—especially when the accident wasn’t your fault.
More importantly, if you’ve been hurt in a crash, you shouldn’t hesitate to pursue the compensation you need for medical bills, lost income, and pain and suffering—even if it means going through your own insurance company.
At Casella Law Group, we’ve helped countless injured drivers in Venice and across Sarasota County get justice after being hit by uninsured motorists. In this post, we’ll walk through how UM claims work, what effect they may have on your premiums, and why it’s in your best interest to file a claim when you’ve been seriously hurt.
What Is Uninsured Motorist (UM) Coverage?
Uninsured Motorist coverage is a type of auto insurance you carry to protect yourself when the at-fault driver doesn’t have insurance or has inadequate coverage. It typically comes in two forms:
Uninsured Motorist (UM): Covers you if the other driver has no insurance.
Underinsured Motorist (UIM): Covers you when the other driver has some insurance, but not enough to cover your losses.
UM/UIM can help pay for:
Medical bills
Future medical treatment
Lost wages or loss of earning capacity
Pain and suffering
Long-term disability or permanent injuries
Given that Florida does not require bodily injury liability insurance, it’s very common for crash victims to discover that the at-fault driver is either underinsured—or not insured at all.
That’s why having UM coverage is one of the most important decisions you can make as a Florida driver.
Will My Insurance Rates Increase If I File a UM Claim?
Here’s the key point:
Insurance companies generally do not raise your premiums simply because you filed a UM claim for an accident that was not your fault.
This is especially true when the facts clearly show that another driver was responsible for the crash and that your injuries are real and documented.
Insurance companies consider many factors when setting rates—driving history, number of claims, and overall risk—but a single UM claim made in good faith due to someone else’s negligence typically isn’t a red flag.
In other words: If you didn’t cause the accident, your UM claim should not be treated as a strike against you.
Still, insurance companies aren’t always transparent about how they calculate rates. That’s why it’s essential to work with an experienced personal injury lawyer in Venice who can help protect your rights, build a strong claim, and guide you through the process.
Why You Should File a UM Claim If You’re Injured
Understandably, many clients hesitate before filing a UM claim. They worry about retaliation from their insurance provider or assume it’ll hurt their long-term rates.
But here’s the reality:
If you’re injured, and the at-fault driver is uninsured or underinsured, your UM coverage may be the only way to avoid devastating medical debt and lost income.
Here are five compelling reasons why you should pursue a UM claim after an accident in Venice:
You Paid for This Coverage—You Have the Right to Use It. UM coverage isn’t a handout. It’s part of the insurance policy you’ve been paying premiums on—often for years. You purchased it to protect yourself and your family in exactly this kind of scenario. Not using it when you're injured is like paying for a life preserver and refusing to grab it when you're drowning.
The At-Fault Driver May Have No Other Assets. Most drivers who don’t carry insurance also lack the financial resources to pay out-of-pocket for your medical bills, missed work, or future care. Even if you sue them directly, collecting may be impossible. A UM claim gives you a practical, reliable path to compensation.
It Doesn’t Affect Your Driving Record or “Fault” Status. Filing a UM claim does not make the crash your fault. It doesn’t appear on your driving record as an at-fault accident, and it doesn’t “penalize” you from a legal standpoint. You're simply invoking a coverage benefit under your own policy for a harm caused by someone else.
You May Not Be Able to Afford Not to File. A serious injury can change your life. Hospital stays, physical therapy, surgery, and extended time off work can add up quickly. Without UM coverage, you could be left holding the bill. Filing a claim ensures that you get the help you need without putting your future at risk.
Your Peace of Mind Is Worth It. After a traumatic accident, the last thing you need is more stress. Filing a UM claim allows you to shift the financial burden away from yourself and begin to focus on healing. Having experienced legal support can make the entire process easier and more efficient.
Common Misconceptions About UM Claims in Venice, FL
Let’s dispel a few myths we often hear from clients in Venice, Nokomis, and South Sarasota:
MYTH: Filing a UM claim makes you look like a high-risk driver.
FACT: No—it makes you a responsible driver using your coverage as intended.
MYTH: It’s not worth it unless the accident was catastrophic.
FACT: Even moderate injuries can lead to significant losses, especially if they cause time off work or require ongoing treatment.
MYTH: My insurance company will fight me if I file a claim.
FACT: They may question or reduce your claim, but a qualified personal injury lawyer can level the playing field and negotiate on your behalf.
Why Work with Casella Law Group?
At Casella Law Group, we’re proud to serve drivers throughout Venice and Sarasota County. We understand how frustrating and confusing it can be to deal with an insurance company after an automobile accident—especially when the other driver didn’t follow the law.
Here’s what we offer:
Free consultations
No fees unless we win your case
Personalized attention from a local, Venice-based attorney
Aggressive advocacy with compassion and transparency
We handle all communication with the insurance company, gather the evidence to support your claim, and fight to make sure you get the compensation you deserve.
You Deserve to Be Made Whole—Don’t Let Fear Hold You Back
It’s easy to feel overwhelmed after a crash. But fear of a premium increase shouldn’t stop you from getting the financial support you need to heal and move forward.
Remember:
You didn’t cause the accident.
You paid for this protection.
You have the right to use it without penalty.
If you’ve been injured in a crash caused by an uninsured driver in Venice, FL, let us help you secure the compensation you need and deserve. Call (941) 234-1432 or complete our contact us form to speak to an attorney today.