DOES YOUR AUTOMOBILE / MOTORCYCLE INSURANCE PROVIDE YOU WITH “FULL COVERAGE”? ALMOST CERTAINLY NOT…

Jason B. Goldman • September 8, 2015

Full coverage Punta Gorda motorcycle insurance Port Charlotte motorcycle Insurance

I have handled countless automobile, motorcycle, and bicycle accidents in Port Charlotte, Punta Gorda, and Englewood in the last 20 years. At the beginning of every claim, I ask my prospective client “Do you know what levels of insurance coverage you have?” I’d venture to say that 80% of people respond with the same answer: “Oh, I have  full coverage ”. Of all the folks who believe they have “full coverage”, in my experience less than 1 in 10 actually does. Full coverage Punta Gorda motorcycle insurance Port Charlotte motorcycle Insurance dos not always fully cover you in the case of an accident!

Most people believe they have “full coverage” because they purchased a policy which includes “coverage” under every category where insurance is offered, such as:

  1. Personal Injury Protection (pays for your medical bills)
  2. Property Damage (pays for damage to other vehicle if you cause accident)
  3. Comprehensive (pays for damages to your vehicle caused by another driver)
  4. Towing Expenses
  5. Vehicle Rental
  6. Bodily Injury (compensates another who you’ve negligently injured in an accident)
  7. Underinsured/Uninsured Motorist (compensates you for injury if driver who caused accident is uninsured or underinsured)

People believe merely having all seven (7) of these coverages, regardless of the actual amount of coverage they’ve purchased, is “full coverage”, because Florida law (shamefully, I might add) only requires two (2) of these coverages, i.e. $10,000.00 in Property Damage coverage and $10,000.00 in Personal Injury Protection benefits. Let me show you with some simple examples why having merely purchased all of these coverages as part of your insurance policy, without focusing on the actual amounts of the coverages you’ve purchased, does not equate to having “full coverage”. I will focus on Property Damage coverage in Port Charlotte, Punta Gorda and Englewood, Bodily Injury coverage in Port Charlotte, Punta Gorda and Englewood, and Unsinured/Underinsured Motorist coverage in Port Charlotte, Punta Gorda and Englewood. These are the three (3) coverages for Full coverage Punta Gorda motorcycle insurance Port Charlotte motorcycle insurance where most people fall woefully short, and don’t realize it until it’s too late.

Property Damage Coverage in Port Charlotte, Punta Gorda and Englewood:

Florida law only requires us to carry $10,000.00 in Property Damage coverage, which pays for property damage you caused as a result of negligently operating your car or motorcycle. If you cause more than $10,000.00 in property damage, however, you are personally responsible for all damages above the $10,000.00 limit you purchased. If you accidentally go through a red light and broadside a newer model luxury car, do you feel $10,000.00 in Property Damage coverage is enough to cover that loss? Probably not. If you accidentally rear-end a vehicle stopped in line at a red light and that vehicles pushes forward into another vehicle, do you feel $10,000.00 in Property Damage coverage is enough to cover the property damage of two vehicles? Probably not. In these scenarios, other drivers and their insurance companies will be suing you personally for all of their property damage over and above your $10,000.00 Property damage insurance limit.

Solution Regarding Property Damage Coverage in Port Charlotte, Punta Gorda and Englewood:

Purchase at least $50,000.00 in Property Damage coverage, but we recommend $100,000.00 in light of the increasing cost of automobiles and their repair.

Bodily Injury Coverage in Port Charlotte, Punta Gorda and Englewood:

Bodily Injury coverage compensates someone you’ve negligently injured in an accident. Please recall that Florida law does not require you to purchase any Bodily Injury coverage. Nonetheless, you responsibly decide to purchase some level of Bodily Injury coverage. You can generally purchase this coverage for limits anywhere from a minimum of $10,000.00, all the way up through $1,000,000.00. So, how much should you purchase to make sure that you’re “fully covered”?

Statistics seem to bear out that each of us, at least once in our lives, will cause an accident that involves serious injury to another, i.e. bone fractures, a surgical procedure performed, substantial scarring, etc. Serious injury claims usually involve voluntary settlements or jury verdicts which exceed $100,000.00. If you’ve purchased only $50,000.00 in Bodily Injury coverage, do you feel you’re fully covered if this scenario occurs? Clearly not. In this instance, you can be sued by the injured party, and any judgment entered in excess of your $50,000.00 Bodily Injury insurance limit will be entered against you personally. Obtaining the proper level of Bodily Injury coverage, and the financial protection it provides, is even more important for those who have reached a level of financial comfort and security in their lives. The more financial success you’ve enjoyed, the more you have to protect.

Recommendations Regarding Bodily Injury Coverage in Port Charlotte, Punta Gorda and Englewood:

  1. Unless financially impossible for you to afford, never carry less than $100,000.00 Bodily Injury coverage.
  2. The more assets you own and personal wealth you’ve accumulated, the more Bodily Injury coverage you need to purchase.
  3. When deciding on the proper level of Bodily Injury coverage to purchase, have an honest discussion with your local insurance agent or an attorney like myself regarding your assets and personal wealth. This conversation takes less than 30 minutes. Unfortunately, this incredibly important discussion almost never occurs when people purchase their automobile/motorcycle insurance coverage. The amount of Bodily Injury coverage you purchase should be directly related to the amount of assets you’ve accumulated. The more assets and wealth you have, the more Bodily Injury coverage you require.

Unisnured /Underinsured Motorist Coverage in Port Charlotte, Punta Gorda and Englewood:

Uninsured/Underinsured Motorist coverages compensates you if you’re injured by another driver who either doesn’t have insurance, or has Bodily Injury coverage in an amount that’s less than the value of your injury claim. Please recall that Florida law (shamefully) does not require vehicle owners to carry any Bodily Injury coverage at all. As a result, if a negligent driver either without insurance or who has purchased an amount of Bodily Injury coverage that is far less than the value of your injury claim causes you serious injury, there may be no coverage (or very little coverage) to compensate you for your loss. Uninsured/Underinsured Motorist coverage protects you from this all-too-common scenario in Florida. You can generally purchase this coverage for limits anywhere from a minimum of $10,000.00, all the way up through $1,000,000.00. So, how much should you purchase to make sure that you’re “fully covered”?

Statistics coincidentally seem to bear out that not only will each of us, at least once in our lives, cause an accident that involves serious injury to another, they also indicate that each of us will be seriously injured by another in an accident at least once in our lives. Knowing these statistics, obtaining a proper level of Uninsured/Underinsured Motorist benefits is crucial in Florida, a state in which other drivers are not required to carry any Bodily Injury coverage whatsoever.

Once again, serious injury claims usually involve voluntary settlements or jury verdicts which exceed $100,000.00. If you’ve purchased only $25,000.00 in Uninsured/Underinsured Motorist coverage, do you feel you’re fully covered if this common scenario occurs? Clearly not. In this instance, for example, you could suffer a $500,000.00 injury and collect only $25,000.00 because of a lack of insurance coverage limits between the other driver’s Bodily Injury and your Uninsured/Underinsured Motorist coverages. This sad scenario happens each and every day in Florida.

Purchasing Uninsured/Underinsured Motorist coverage in substantial amounts is particularly important for motorcyclists. There are very few motorcycle accidents which involve only “minor” injuries, because motorcyclists have little protection. Whereas the occupant of an automobile is protected by seat-belts, air-bags, and the carriage of the vehicle, the motorcyclist has no such protections. Motorcyclists often contact the roadway at substantial force, which almost always brings about serious injuries such as fractures, internal injuries, paralysis, or death.

Recommendations Regarding Uninsured / Underinsured Motorist Coverage in Port Charlotte, Punta Gorda and Englewood:

  1. Florida law does not allow you to carry more Uninsured/Underinsured Motorist benefits (which protects you from the negligence of others) than what you carry for Bodily Injury coverage (which protects others from your negligence). As a result, you can never protect yourself from the negligence of others more than you are willing to protect others from your negligence. So if you want to fully protect you and your family, you will need to protect the public fully from you!
  2. Unless financially impossible for you to afford, never carry less than $100,000.00 Uninsured/Underinsured Motorist benefits. If you ride a motorcycle and can afford the coverage, never carry less than $250,000.00 in Uninsured/Underinsured Motorist benefits. Simple accident statistics show that you will almost certainly need this coverage at some point in your life.
  3. Always “stack” your Uninsured/Underinsured Motorist coverage. “Stacking”, the cost of which is fairly minimal, multiplies your level of coverage by the number of automobiles you have on your policy. Thus, if you choose to purchase $100,000.00 in Uninsured/Underinsured Motorist benefits and you have three (3) vehicles on your insurance policy, you in fact have $300,000.00 in Uninsured/Underinsured Motorist coverage.
  4. When deciding on the proper level of Uninsured/Underinsured Motorist benefits to purchase, have an honest discussion with your local insurance agent or an attorney like myself regarding your assets, personal wealth, and family situation. This conversation takes less than 30 minutes. Unfortunately, this incredibly important discussion almost never occurs when people purchase their automobile/motorcycle insurance coverage.

Conclusion

Please take out your automobile or motorcycle insurance policy in Port Charlotte, Punta Gorda and Englewood. Take a look at what coverages you purchased, and more importantly, pay special attention to the amount of coverage you purchased, especially for Bodily Injury coverage and Uninsured/Underinsured Motorist benefits. Ask yourself these simple questions:

  1. “If I caused an accident this week, and the driver I injured suffered a non-surgical wrist fracture, a rotator cuff tear which required surgery, and a serious ankle fracture which required surgery to insert a plate and screws to stabilize the fracture, do I have an appropriate level of Bodily Injury coverage which fairly compensates the injured driver, and in so doing protects me from getting sued?”
  2. “If I were in an accident this week caused by an uninsured or seriously underinsured driver, and I suffered a non-surgical wrist fracture, a rotator cuff tear which required surgery, and a serious ankle fracture which required surgery to insert a plate and screws to stabilize the fracture, do I have an appropriate level of Uninsured/Underinsured Motorist benefits to fairly compensate me and my family for my injuries, lost wages, unpaid medical expenses?”

If your answer to either question is “no”, you, like most others, do not have the “full coverage” you believed you had. If you have additional questions regarding the topic of this blog post, or would like to review your automobile/motorcycle insurance policy in Port Charlotte, Punta Gorda and Englewood with me, I would be happy to speak with you.

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Why Charlotte County Homeowners Should Revisit Their Liability Coverage Heading Into 2026

By Jason B. Goldman • December 31, 2025
As 2026 approaches , many Charlotte County residents are thinking about fresh starts, new goals, and long-term planning. While updating calendars and resolutions is common this time of year, reviewing your homeowner’s liability coverage is an important step that often gets overlooked. Even in close-knit communities like ours, accidents can happen and without adequate coverage, a single incident could have lasting financial and legal consequences. Understanding Liability Coverage in Homeowners Insurance Most homeowners’ insurance policies include personal liability coverage designed to help protect you if someone is injured on your property or if you cause damage to someone else’s property. This may include coverage for medical expenses, legal defense costs, and potential settlements. However, many standard policies have limits that may not align with today’s rising medical costs, legal expenses, and settlement amounts, especially as we head into 2026. Why Standard Coverage May Not Be Enough in 2026 As lifestyles evolve and homes become more multifunctional, liability risks continue to grow. Some common scenarios include: Rising Medical Costs Injury-related medical expenses have increased steadily, and even a seemingly minor accident can result in bills that exceed basic policy limits. Increased Legal Exposure Lawsuits related to slip-and-fall accidents, guest injuries, or property conditions can quickly escalate. Legal defense costs alone may strain limited coverage. Pools, Docks, and Outdoor Living Spaces Charlotte County’s outdoor lifestyle often includes pools, docks, patios, and water features: all of which can increase liability exposure if someone is injured. Activity Beyond the Home Certain incidents that occur away from your property may not be fully covered under a standard homeowner’s policy, leaving gaps in protection. Additional Coverage Options to Consider To strengthen protection going into 2026, homeowners often explore: Umbrella Liability Policies These policies provide an extra layer of protection above standard limits, offering broader coverage at a relatively affordable cost. Expanded Coverage for Secondary or Rental Properties If you own a vacation home, rental property, or short-term rental, standard homeowners’ coverage may not apply — making supplemental liability coverage essential. Scheduled Coverage for High-Value Assets  Items such as collectibles, tools, or specialty equipment may require additional protection beyond standard policy limits. Why This Matters for Charlotte County Residents From waterfront properties and seasonal visitors to year-round outdoor activities, Charlotte County presents unique liability considerations. Preparing now allows homeowners to move into 2026 with confidence, knowing they are protected against unexpected claims. Planning Ahead for Peace of Mind Reviewing your liability coverage isn’t just about insurance — it’s about protecting your financial security and your future. Taking proactive steps today can help prevent legal and financial stress tomorrow. At GTS Law Firm, we regularly help Charlotte County residents navigate liability issues and understand how insurance coverage and personal injury law intersect. If you have questions about liability exposure or find yourself facing a claim, our team is here to help. As we move into 2026, a little preparation can go a long way toward peace of mind.

New Year’s Safety in Charlotte County: Start the Year Smart and Protected

By Jason B. Goldman • December 31, 2025
The New Year is a time for fresh starts, celebrations, and setting goals for the months ahead. While ringing in the new year should be fun and memorable, it’s also one of the times when accidents, injuries, and legal issues are more likely to occur. Taking a few proactive steps can help ensure your celebration ends on a positive note. Here are some important New Year’s safety tips for residents and visitors throughout Charlotte County. Celebrate Responsibly on the Roads New Year’s Eve and New Year’s Day consistently see an increase in impaired driving incidents. Even one poor decision behind the wheel can lead to life-altering consequences. If you plan to celebrate: Arrange a designated driver ahead of time Use a rideshare service or taxi Stay overnight if alcohol will be involved If you encounter a driver who appears impaired, keep your distance and contact local authorities when it is safe to do so. Be Cautious at Parties and Events Large gatherings can bring excitement and risk. Slips, falls, and other injuries are common at crowded celebrations. To reduce risks: Keep walkways clear and well-lit Monitor alcohol consumption Address spills immediately Ensure outdoor areas are safe and free of hazards Property owners and hosts should remember that they may have a responsibility to keep guests reasonably safe. Fireworks and Fire Safety Matter While fireworks are festive, they are also one of the leading causes of holiday injuries. If fireworks are permitted: Follow local Charlotte County regulations Never allow children to handle fireworks Keep a safe distance and fire extinguisher nearby Better yet, consider attending a professional fireworks display rather than lighting your own. Stay Alert Around Water Charlotte County’s waterways remain active year-round. Cooler temperatures don’t eliminate boating or dock-related risks. Avoid alcohol while boating Wear life jackets when appropriate Watch footing on docks and seawalls Water-related injuries can happen quickly, especially during celebrations. Don’t Ignore Injuries or Incidents If an accident occurs: Seek medical attention immediately Document what happened if possible Report the incident when appropriate Prompt action protects both your health and your legal rights. Start the Year Protected The New Year is about moving forward, not dealing with preventable legal challenges. Staying alert, planning, and making safe choices can help you and your loved ones begin the year with confidence. If you or someone you care about is injured due to another party’s negligence, understanding your rights is an important step toward recovery. GTS Law Firm is proud to serve Charlotte County and remains committed to helping individuals navigate difficult situations with clarity and care. Here’s to a safe, healthy, and successful New Year.

Staying Safe This Christmas Season in Charlotte County

By Jason B. Goldman • December 2, 2025
The holiday season brings joy, celebration, and cherished time with loved ones throughout Charlotte County. As we gather for Christmas festivities, travel to visit family, and enjoy local events, it is also important to remain mindful of safety — both at home and on the road. At Goldman, Tiseo & Sturges, P.A., we are proud to call this community home. We wish every family peace and joy this Christmas, and we also want to help ensure the holiday remains safe for everyone. Holiday Travel & Road Safety Christmas is one of the busiest travel times of the year in Southwest Florida. Whether driving across town to see family or traveling farther for holiday plans, consider these safety reminders: Plan and allow extra time for increased traffic Avoid distractions — put the phone away while driving Never drive impaired or overtired Watch for pedestrians and bicyclists, especially near neighborhoods and holiday events Use extra caution in unfamiliar areas or high-traffic shopping zones If you are celebrating, arrange transportation ahead of time. A sober ride home protects you and others sharing the road. Keeping Gatherings Safe Christmas brings parties, church services, and community events. While festive gatherings are a wonderful part of the season, a few precautions help ensure everyone enjoys them safely: Keep walkways and entry areas clear to prevent falls Place holiday lighting safely, avoiding tripping hazards Monitor candles, fireplaces, and cooking equipment Ensure children are supervised around decorations and breakable items Simple steps help protect guests and reduce the risk of accidents in the home. Shopping & Gift Safety Whether shopping in-store or online this holiday season: Stay alert in parking lots and busy areas Keep packages secure and out of sight Use caution transporting bulky items or large gifts Follow manufacturer safety instructions for toys and electronics Safe gifting means more enjoyable celebrations for everyone. From Our Family to Yours Christmas is a time of reflection, gratitude, and community. Here in Charlotte County, we are fortunate to live in a place where neighbors look out for one another, and local traditions bring people together. From all of us at Goldman, Tiseo & Sturges, P.A., we wish you a joyful and peaceful Christmas filled with family, friendship, and hope for the year ahead. If you or a loved one has questions about a personal injury or safety concern this season, our team is here to help. Call (941) 625-6666 or visit www.gtslawfirm.com to schedule a consultation.

Pet Safety & Community Responsibility: What Charlotte County Residents Should Know

By Jason B. Goldman • December 2, 2025
From morning walks in gated communities to afternoons at local dog parks, our pets bring joy and companionship. However, when incidents occur such as dog bites, leash accidents, or property damage, questions of responsibility and liability can arise quickly. Understanding the expectations of pet owners within neighborhood communities and HOAs can help prevent disputes and protect the well-being of everyone involved. Why Community Pet Safety Matters Busy sidewalks, shared green spaces, mail carriers, and children riding bikes mean pets will inevitably interact with others. While most encounters are friendly, risks exist, including: Dog-to-dog altercations Dogs knocking someone over Bites or scratches Damage to shared property Loose or unsupervised pets Florida law, including strict liability for dog bites, plays a significant role in determining fault — but so do community rules and homeowner association policies . Common HOA & Neighborhood Pet Rules Many Charlotte County communities enforce policies that help keep pets and neighbors safe. These often include: Leash requirements Rules regarding unattended or roaming animals Waste pickup responsibilities Restrictions on certain breeds or aggressive animals Noise and nuisance policies Violating these rules may result not only in civil liability but also association fines or restrictions. Who May Be Liable? Responsibility may extend beyond the pet owner in certain situations. Depending on the circumstances, any of the following could be involved: The pet owner A caregiver or walker A tenant , if the property is rented A landlord or property manager , in limited circumstances An HOA , if unsafe conditions contributed (such as broken fencing or failure to enforce known hazards) Each case is fact specific. Evidence, including witness statements, veterinary records, and community documents often plays an important role. Steps to Take After an Incident Whether you are a pet owner or someone injured by an animal, consider taking these steps: Seek medical attention if someone is hurt Exchange information with the other party Document the scene and any injuries Gather witness names and contact information Review community regulations Speak with a personal injury attorney to understand your rights Prompt action can help protect your interests and clarify responsibilities quickly. Supporting Safe Communities Responsible pet ownership benefits everyone. As Charlotte County continues to grow, maintaining safe, respectful interactions between neighbors and their pets remains essential. Simple steps such as leashing pets, following HOA guidelines, and reviewing insurance coverage can help prevent incidents and foster harmonious neighborhoods. If you have been injured by someone else’s pet or have questions regarding liability within your community, Goldman, Tiseo & Sturges, P.A. is here to help. Contact us at (941) 625-6666 or visit www.gtslawfirm.com for guidance and a free consultation.