Understanding PIP Insurance in Florida: What You Need to Know
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Because Florida is a no-fault state, the law requires all drivers to carry personal injury protection insurance. Referred to as PIP insurance, this type of policy allows injured drivers to file a claim through their own insurance after an accident, regardless of who was at fault for the crash.
Learn more about PIP insurance Florida requirements and how this coverage works.
Definition of Personal Injury Protection (PIP)
Florida PIP insurance pays for personal injury expenses after a motor vehicle crash. Whether you caused the accident or not, PIP auto insurance will cover medical bills and other related costs up to your policy’s limit.
Unlike in at-fault states, injured Florida drivers make an insurance claim through their PIP coverage rather than the at-fault driver’s insurance. This way, each driver is financially protected by their own auto insurance and does not have to rely on another person’s policy to cover expenses.
Legal Requirements for PIP Insurance in Florida
Florida law requires all drivers with a state-registered vehicle to have the minimum PIP insurance coverage of $10,000. This means your insurance will cover up to $10,000 of qualifying expenses after a car accident. However, you can always carry more than the minimum PIP insurance coverage Florida requires.
Other insurance policies that offer additional protection include property damage liability (PDL) and bodily injury liabilities coverage (BIL). While PDL is mandatory for all drivers in Florida, only some drivers must carry BIL coverage, such as taxi drivers and individuals convicted of driving under the influence.
Coverage Provided by PIP Insurance
Florida PIP insurance will cover most medical expenses and other losses caused by a traffic crash. Here are common damages your PIP policy may reimburse:
Emergency Medical Care
It’s not uncommon to visit the emergency room for immediate medical care after a crash. PIP insurance will help pay for these expenses.
Other Medical Treatment
You may also need medical treatment for less severe injuries that did not require an emergency room visit. PIP can cover a portion of the cost.
Cost of Ambulance Services
If an ambulance took you to the hospital from the scene of the crash because your injuries did not allow you to transport yourself, PIP may reimburse you for that expense.
Rehabilitation
PIP insurance may also cover physical or occupational therapy that is necessary to fully recover from your car accident injuries.
Lost Wages
PIP coverage will pay for 60% of lost income when you’re unable to work due to injuries. This helps your family pay bills and household expenses during your recovery.
Wrongful Death Expenses
If you lost a loved one in a Florida car accident, PIP insurance pays up to $5,000 to help cover related expenses, such as funeral and burial costs.
Claim Filing Process
Although there are several Florida car insurance carriers, the process of filing a PIP claim will be similar for any company. Here are the general steps for PIP claims after an accident:
- Contact your insurance provider to report the accident and initiate the claims process.
- Confirm your PIP policy details with the insurance representative to know what coverage you have.
- Make sure you write down your claim number and the representative’s contact information.
- Complete a PIP application detailing the crash, your injuries, and other losses.
- Provide medical records, official treatment plans, and other required documentation to support your claim.
- Share your PIP claim number with your doctor and other medical providers, allowing them to bill your insurance directly.
You typically have 30 days from the date of the accident to file a PIP claim. However, check your no-fault insurance details to see what deadline applies to your policy.
Understanding Medical Treatment and PIP Insurance
Under Florida’s 14-day rule, you only have 14 days to seek medical care after an accident. If you do not get treatment for your injuries within two weeks following the crash, you will lose the chance to receive reimbursement for expenses.
However, if you seek medical attention within 14 days, your PIP insurance will cover 80% of your medical expenses. Even if you don’t have an urgent condition that needs emergency care, PIP can cover up to $2,500 for your treatment.
Limitations and Exclusions of PIP Insurance
While Florida PIP insurance can help pay medical bills and lost wages after a car accident, it does not cover other expenses. For example, PIP will not reimburse you for property damage to your vehicle.
Limitations and exclusions of PIP insurance in Florida include:
- Property damage to your car
- Property damage to another person’s car or property
- Injuries to other drivers
- Pain and suffering
- Injuries caused by a crash while driving for work
- Injuries caused by criminal acts
- Vehicle theft
If you want an insurance policy that covers these expenses, you’ll need to purchase additional coverage.
Choose the Right PIP Coverage
When you’re looking for the best PIP auto insurance Florida offers, it’s vital to shop around often. It’s also important to consider your needs and budget. Although the minimum $10,000 PIP coverage might be adequate for some people, you may want more coverage for you and your family.
Because insurance options vary by ZIP code and driver profile, the best way to get the right PIP insurance is to compare custom options. Getting a custom comparison with us is always free and only takes a few minutes!