Understanding PIP Insurance and Its Requirements for Florida Drivers
Personal injury protection (PIP) insurance is mandated by Florida state law, and its benefits are disbursed through your insurance provider.
What is PIP Insurance?
PIP, which stands for “personal injury protection,” is a type of insurance that compensates you for personal injuries sustained in a car accident. This coverage applies regardless of who is at fault for the accident. In Florida, every motorist is required by law to carry PIP insurance.
Every driver who registers a vehicle in Florida must have PIP coverage providing at least $10,000 for qualifying injuries and damages to any individual injured in a vehicle crash, irrespective of fault. This insurance is necessary to obtain a valid vehicle registration in the state.
Florida as a No-Fault State
Florida implemented its no-fault laws in 1971 to reduce the need for public assistance due to traffic accidents and to decrease the caseload in the state court system. Despite ongoing efforts to enhance its efficiency, these laws make Florida one of the few no-fault states in the U.S. This means each driver’s insurance covers their own losses, and they must turn to their own insurer after an accident, even if they are responsible for the crash.
What Does PIP Insurance Cover?
PIP insurance covers medical bills and lost wages if you are unable to work due to a car accident. It also provides funds for replacement services, such as household chores, child care, or transportation.
PIP insurance pays 80% of medical expenses up to the policy limit and 60% of lost wages if the injured person cannot work. It covers 100% of the costs for necessary replacement services. In the event of a death, PIP insurance offers up to $5,000 in compensation.
Who Does PIP Insurance Cover?
In addition to covering you, PIP insurance extends to your children, whether they are in your vehicle or riding a school bus. Passengers in your vehicle who do not own a car and thus lack their own PIP coverage may also be covered under your policy.
When Does PIP Insurance Apply?
No-fault PIP insurance compensates you if you are injured in an automobile accident, whether as the driver, a passenger, a pedestrian, or a bicyclist in a collision with a motor vehicle.
PIP Insurance Requirements for Nonresidents
Generally, nonresidents are exempt from this insurance requirement. However, if a vehicle has been in the state for ninety days or more within the past year, the owner must obtain PIP insurance like a Florida resident. Failure to do so can result in a license suspension and notification of the suspension to the person’s home state.
When Doesn’t PIP Apply?
In cases of severe vehicular accidents, you may go beyond Florida’s no-fault laws to seek damages from the other driver. This is possible if the injury is permanent or chronic, such as traumatic brain injury, amputation, scarring, disfigurement, loss of a major bodily function, or paralysis. In such cases, individuals typically seek assistance from a personal injury lawyer and may pursue additional damages, including pain and suffering.
Is the Minimum PIP Insurance Coverage Sufficient?
While maintaining the required minimum car insurance is crucial, it is advisable to purchase a policy with higher coverage. The minimum $10,000 may be insufficient in the event of a serious car accident, given the high costs involved. Although many assume it won’t happen to them, millions of crashes occur annually in the United States.
Need Legal Assistance?
If you have been injured in an auto accident and your insurance isn’t providing the coverage specified under your policy, contact Gabriel J. Carrera, an experienced Florida personal injury lawyer. Call 954-533-7593 or email [email protected] to schedule your free consultation and see how he can help you.
