Injuries Covered Under PIP Auto Insurance
July 26, 2024
Florida is one of several no-fault states that mandate drivers must carry personal injury protection (PIP) and show proof of this coverage before registering a vehicle or obtaining a license plate.
Alongside PIP insurance, drivers must also have property damage liability (PDL) coverage, which pays the cost of damages you cause to another person's property as the result of a car accident.
Drivers in the Sunshine State must first use their own PIP insurance to pay for medical expenses caused by an accident. This type of insurance helps reimburse you for injuries, regardless of who was at fault. In addition, PIP pays for injuries suffered by you and passengers in your vehicle, however it may not be enough to cover all your medical needs.
Subrogation and exceptions...
Florida auto insurance laws limit who may sue to recover beyond PIP policy limits. To reduce the number of lawsuits filed following an accident, state statutes only require PIP/PDL insurance. Moreover, Florida generally does not allow insurers to seek reimbursement from third parties (subrogation) for car accident claims. However, there are exceptions for crashes involving uninsured motorists and certain commercial vehicles. For example, if injuries result in severe disfigurement or death, the injured parties or their families can sue. In the event of wrongful death from an auto accident, PIP provides an additional $5,000 apart from the $10,000 limit. However, PIP does not cover pain and suffering or emotional distress, which are typically pursued through the at-fault party’s insurance.
Difference in PIP and Bodily Injury
PIP covers the driver, passengers, and pedestrians involved in an accident, regardless of fault. It may also cover funeral expenses for a person involved in an accident who unfortunately passed away as a result of their injuries. Injured individuals must seek medical treatment within 14 days of the incident to ensure their injuries are linked to the accident. Failing to do so within this timeframe results in forfeiting their PIP benefits. Typical benefits include:
- Coverage Limits – PIP covers 80% of reasonable medical expenses for covered injuries up to $10,000, regardless of who caused the accident.
- Passenger Coverage – PIP covers passengers of the insured's vehicle that are injured in an accident, if they do not have their own PIP insurance.
- Family Members – In Florida, drivers can choose to add other household members who do not own a vehicle and do not have their own PIP coverage.
- Extended Coverage – PIP may also pay for injuries sustained as a pedestrian, bicyclist, or as a passenger in a car driven by someone else.
- Out-of-State Accidents – Depending upon the exact details of an accident in another state, benefits are payable for you and/or an injured resident relative.
- Lost Wages & Services – If you or your passenger are unable to work due to an accident-related injury, PIP may pay up to 60% of lost wages and 100% of household duties you can’t fulfill (within time limits).
Bodily injury liability coverage provides financial protection for physical injuries resulting from an accident you cause. This type of insurance helps cover the costs of emergency services and hospital care for the injured party. Additionally, it can assist with expenses related to follow-up doctor visits and other necessary items, such as crutches or a wheelchair to ensure comprehensive support during recovery. This protects the at-fault party being sued for economic and non-economic damages.
Consequences of Bare Minimum Insurance
Relying solely on the minimum required Florida car insurance can leave you financially vulnerable. So, having a good grasp of Personal Injury Protection (PIP) insurance is essential for all drivers residing in the Sunshine State. It not only ensures that you comply with state laws but also offers financial protection in case of an accident. Driving without the required PIP in Florida can lead to serious legal consequences. The DHSMV can suspend your driver's license, vehicle registration, and license plate for up to three years for each violation.
Having more than the minimum amount of auto insurance can protect you from both financial and legal issues. For example, Florida's minimum PIP coverage only pays 80% of medical bills up to $10,000, leaving you responsible for the remaining 20%. If you don't have health insurance or have a high deductible, purchasing medical payments coverage alongside PIP is advisable. Florida law reduces the number of lawsuits by requiring PIP insurance. However, legal action is permitted if injuries cause severe disfigurement, permanent injury, or death.
Florida's minimum requirements may not cover the high costs of new cars, medical bills, or lost wages resulting from a severe accident. While PIP and MedPay are standard, Florida drivers can also opt for additional coverage, such as bodily injury liability insurance and uninsured or underinsured motorist coverage. Ensuring you have adequate coverage helps to protect your financial interest in the event of an accident. A regular review of your policies and considering additional auto accident coverage can provide peace of mind.
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By understanding the specifics of PIP insurance in Florida, you can ensure you meet legal requirements and have the necessary coverage to protect yourself and your passengers in the event of an accident. PIP limits are quite low and may not fully protect your assets in the event of an auto accident or other unexpected event. Contact an independent agent at Nsurance Nation to find out what discounts our insurers offer and how to get the best deal possible when adding optional auto insurance coverages.