In the Sunshine State, Florida PIP insurance is required by law. PIP stands for Personal Injury Protection, which also goes by the moniker of no fault insurance.

If you were hurt in an auto accident, PIP insurance will cover medical bills related to injuries incurred in that accident whether or not the accident was your fault.

What Are the Limits for PIP Coverage?

If medical personnel determines you had an emergency medical condition, you could qualify for up to $10,000 per person for loss resulting from injury or illness that occurs as a result of the ownership, use or maintenance of a motor vehicle.

What if I Don’t Have an Emergency Medical Condition?

You may still receive PIP benefits of $2,500 per person for injuries or illness related to the motor vehicle accident.

How Will My Doctor Know I Have Florida PIP Coverage?

You will need to provide the appropriate PIP claim information to your medical providers. If you fail to inform the medical providers of your PIP coverage, the PIP insurer might try to avoid paying your health insurer or any other first party insurers who pay your medical bills.

What Amount of My Medical Bills Will be Covered?

PIP insurance generally pays 80 percent of all medically necessary surgical, X-ray, dental, medical and rehabilitative services, which include prosthetics and medically required ambulance, hospital and nursing care.

Is There a Time Limit on Using PIP Coverage?

Yes. PIP insurance only pays the medical bills incurred as a result of the motor vehicle accident if you receive initial services within 14 days after the accident.

Is Florida the Only State That Requires PIP Insurance?

Ten states are considered no fault states, which means they require no-fault or PIP insurance. According to the Florida Office Insurance Regulation, the goal of establishing mandatory PIP insurance was to reduce the delays in payment for injured drivers. 

Does PIP Provide Any Economic Benefits?

If you choose Florida PIP coverage with work loss coverage, you may receive 60 percent of your wages up to $10,000 if you are unable to work due to injuries or disabilities incurred as a result of the auto accident.

What if the Auto Accident Proves Fatal for the Policyholder?

In the event the PIP policyholder is killed in a car accident, the next of kin is eligible to receive $5,000 for the costs associated with the funeral and burial.

Am I Still Allowed to File a Lawsuit Against the Driver Who Caused the Accident?

Florida law allows other drivers to sue if medical costs go beyond the $10,000 PIP coverage. If you are not at fault in an accident that costs you $30,000 in medical bills, you may be able to sue the other driver for the $20,000 that PIP doesn’t cover, plus pain and suffering from your incurred injuries.

Is PIP Coverage Different from Bodily Injury Liability Coverage?

PIP coverage is no-fault insurance, but bodily injury liability coverage ensures that if you are sued for medical costs beyond $10,000 by the other driver, your bodily injury insurance can be sued, protecting your personal assets.

This article is not legal advice. It is presented
for informational purposes only.