Each state in the United States has its own unique set of rules and regulations related to insurance. Most states vary as to what the minimum auto insurance is required. In Florida, the bare minimum required insurance consists of only two types of coverages: Personal Injury Protection (“PIP”) and Property Damage Liability (“PDL”).
Personal Injury Protection
All Florida car owners are required to carry a minimum PIP coverage of $10,000. This type of insurance is considered, and often called “no fault” insurance. This is because you utilize your own PIP coverage if you are in a car accident, regardless of who is at fault. PIP covers 80% of your accident-related medical expenses and 60% of your accident-related lost wages, up to the limits. Keep in mind that you or your attorney can still pursue the at-fault party of injuries and additional damages beyond what PIP covers. PIP is often the first layer of insurance utilized that helps an accident-victim with medical bills. Also beware, Florida PIP coverage will only apply if the insured treats at a medical facility within 14 days of the accident.
Property Damage Liability
All Florida car insurance policies must have a minimum limit of $10,000 for PDL. If you are at-fault, this type of insurance covers your financial responsibility to the vehicle damage you cause to another party. Similarly, if you are instead the victim to another party’s fault, you can recover your vehicle’s damage from the at-fault party’s property damage liability policy. Although $10,000 is the minimum required policy limit, the at-fault party may hold a larger PDL policy of $25,000 or even higher.
Bodily Injury Liability and Uninsured Motorist Coverage
You are not required to carry Bodily Injury Liability and Uninsured Motorist Coverage on your Florida car insurance policy. However, keep in mind that Uninsured Motorist Coverage is one of the most important types of coverages you can have on your car insurance policy, as it helps cover your injuries and medical damages beyond your own PIP, and if the at-fault party has little or no Bodily Injury Liability coverage. Although Bodily Injury and Uninsured Motorist are not required in Florida, it is still highly recommend that you carry an adequate amount of each.
If you have been in an accident and have insurance questions, it is crucial that you contact an experienced personal injury lawyer as soon as possible, so that you may be advised of your rights and strive to achieve maximum compensation that you may be entitled to.
