What Is PIP Insurance in Florida?
Personal Injury Protection, commonly called PIP insurance, is a required part of auto insurance for most Florida drivers. PIP is designed to help pay certain medical expenses and other covered losses after a motor vehicle accident, regardless of who caused the crash.
Florida generally requires owners of registered motor vehicles to carry at least $10,000 in Personal Injury Protection coverage, along with the state's required Property Damage Liability coverage.
What Does PIP Insurance Cover in Florida?
Florida PIP may provide benefits for certain expenses and losses resulting from an auto accident, subject to the terms of the policy and Florida law.
Benefits can include:
- Medical expenses: generally 80% of reasonable and medically necessary covered medical expenses.
- Lost income: generally 60% of covered lost wages or earning capacity.
- Death benefits: up to $5,000 in certain circumstances.
PIP benefits are subject to policy limits, statutory requirements, exclusions, and eligibility rules.
How Much PIP Coverage Is Required in Florida?
Florida law generally requires at least $10,000 in PIP coverage for most registered private passenger vehicles.
This $10,000 limit can apply to covered medical and disability benefits arising from injuries caused by a motor vehicle accident.
Do You Have to Receive Medical Treatment Within 14 Days?
Florida PIP law generally requires an injured person to receive initial medical services and care within 14 days after the motor vehicle accident in order for medical benefits to apply.
Because deadlines and eligibility requirements can affect a claim, anyone involved in an accident should promptly review their insurance policy and discuss claim requirements with their insurance company or qualified professional.
What Is an Emergency Medical Condition?
Under Florida PIP law, the amount of medical benefits available can depend in part on whether an authorized medical provider determines that the injured person has an emergency medical condition.
When an emergency medical condition is established, medical benefits may be available up to the applicable PIP limit. When an emergency medical condition is not established, reimbursement for covered medical services may be limited to $2,500.
Who Can Be Covered by PIP?
Depending on the circumstances, PIP coverage may apply to the named insured, certain relatives living in the household, people operating the insured vehicle, passengers, and certain pedestrians injured by the insured vehicle.
Coverage depends on the facts of the accident, the policy, and Florida law.
Does PIP Pay for Damage to Your Car?
No. PIP is primarily designed to provide benefits for certain injuries and related losses. It does not pay to repair your vehicle.
Damage to your vehicle may instead be addressed through coverages such as Collision Coverage, while damage you cause to another person's property may fall under Property Damage Liability.
Is PIP the Same as Bodily Injury Liability?
No. PIP and Bodily Injury Liability serve different purposes.
PIP can provide benefits for certain injuries and covered losses involving you and other eligible individuals, regardless of fault.
Bodily Injury Liability may help protect you financially if you are legally responsible for injuring another person in an accident.
Why Florida Drivers Should Understand PIP
PIP is only one part of an auto insurance policy. Florida drivers should also consider their liability exposure, vehicle value, household drivers, deductibles, uninsured motorist coverage, comprehensive coverage, collision coverage, and other available options.
Insurance Scout Partners helps Florida drivers compare auto insurance options from multiple insurance companies and understand how different coverages may work together.
Need Help With Florida Auto Insurance?
If you are reviewing your current coverage or shopping for a new policy, our team can help you compare available Florida auto insurance options.
Start a Florida auto insurance quote or contact Insurance Scout Partners to discuss your coverage options.
This article is intended for general educational purposes and is not legal advice. Insurance requirements, benefits, eligibility, policy terms, and claim requirements may change and can vary by situation. Coverage is subject to the terms, conditions, exclusions, limits, and underwriting requirements of the applicable insurance policy.