Personal injury protection insurance, or PIP, is coverage that pays for medical bills, lost wages, and other expenses when you’re hurt in a car accident. Under Florida’s “no-fault” system, at least $10,000 of PIP coverage is mandatory in every auto insurance policy, allowing drivers to use their own insurance to resolve most coverage claims.
This page is a plain-language guide to PIP coverage, including what it pays for, how to claim money under the policy, and how you can pursue more compensation when your bills exceed the coverage limit.
If you’ve been hurt in a Florida car accident, the experienced legal team at Payer Law can help you go over your legal options and understand how your PIP insurance applies. Contact us online or call (305) 363-7099 today for a free, fast case review.
Why Personal Injury Protection (PIP) Matters in Florida
PIP insurance is the quickest and easiest lifeline for injury victims after a car crash. As Florida is a no-fault state, you’ll tap into your own auto insurance policy first without needing to go to court and fight over who is liable.
Nobody wants to haggle with another driver’s insurer while they’re in a neck brace. PIP coverage lets you recover much-needed injury compensation without playing a long and frustrating legal blame game.
For more information on Florida’s no-fault laws, read our in-depth explainer here.
What Does PIP Insurance Cover in Florida?
- PIP insurance covers 80 percent of medical expenses and 60 percent of lost wages, up to a $10,000 per-person limit.
- If the policyholder dies in the crash, PIP also provides a $5,000 benefit to cover funeral costs.
Under Florida’s PIP statute, the injury coverage applies to “all reasonable expenses for medically necessary” services. Under the law, this refers to initial or follow-up care by a hospital facility or licensed medical provider. However, the $10,000 limit is reduced to only $2,500 if the policyholder doesn’t have an “emergency medical condition” in the provider’s opinion.
Is PIP Insurance Required in Florida?
Yes, PIP insurance is required by law in Florida. You must show proof of PIP to even register a vehicle. There are optional deductibles available above the $10,000 in required coverage, but most drivers opt to skip the additional coverage.
The PIP requirement gives teeth to the state’s no-fault system and ensures all drivers can access coverage in the event of an accident. Letting your PIP coverage lapse can create additional headaches for drivers, including:
- Suspended license or car registration tags for up to three years
- Reinstatement fees of up to $500
- To have your license or registration reinstated, you may be required to file an SR-22, a form proving you hold the minimum required coverage.
How Does PIP Work After an Accident?
To access your PIP coverage after an accident, you’ll have to follow three steps:
- Seek medical treatment. Go see a doctor and have your injuries documented. You must get treatment within 14 days of an accident to receive PIP compensation.
- Contact your insurer. Notify the insurance company as soon as possible after the crash, then submit any required claim forms, medical records, and other evidence you have.
- Save every receipt. Ask for itemized bills and detailed records of your treatment to save your insurer time and reduce the likelihood of any follow-ups. Additionally, keep track of how much time you will miss at work and include pay information to establish the amount of income you’re losing.
If the insurance company doesn’t need any further information, it should send compensation within 30 days of receiving your claim.
What Isn’t Covered By PIP Insurance?
PIP can be a helpful safety net, but it doesn’t cover all costs. PIP won’t cover property damage to your vehicle or compensate for the non-financial impacts of your injuries, like pain and suffering.
PIP also won’t cover medical costs above the $10,000 cap. If you have serious injuries, you may be able to sue the other driver for further losses. If the other driver was under the influence at the time of the crash, Florida law allows you to sue the driver directly for compensation instead of filing a PIP claim.
How Payer Law Can Assist with PIP Claims
Although PIP insurance is intended to make the claims process quick and painless, insurance companies can still play hardball, leaving injury victims with unfair denials or underpayments. If your insurer tries to take advantage of you after an accident, Payer Law can step in to help protect your rights.
James D. Payer and his skilled team of Miami car accident lawyers can help you file a proper claim, handle negotiations with insurance companies, contest an unreasonable denial, and file a lawsuit if necessary. With 30 years of experience and more than $100 million recovered, our firm is ready to fight aggressively to secure you the compensation you deserve.
If you have questions about PIP insurance or need help handling a car accident claim, call us today at (305) 363-7099 to schedule a free consultation.
FAQs About PIP Insurance in Florida
What If My Bills Exceed PIP’s $10,000 Cap—Can I Go After the Other Driver?
Florida’s no-fault laws contain an exception for crashes that result in serious injuries, such as those that cause permanent disabilities. If you suffer a catastrophic injury in a car accident, you can file a personal injury lawsuit against the other driver and seek additional compensation under their bodily injury coverage. You may also be able to access additional coverage through your own health insurance.
Will Using PIP Spike My Insurance Rate?
Making any type of insurance claim can result in higher coverage premiums, but any specific changes will depend on who is at fault, your claim history, and your insurer’s rules. If your premiums spike after a PIP claim, talk with your insurance agent to discuss the hike and compare quotes from other insurers when renewing your policy.
Who Pays If I’m a Passenger, Pedestrian, or Cyclist and Don’t Own a Car?
If you’re injured in a car accident as a passenger or pedestrian, Florida law states that you are first entitled to PIP benefits under your own policy or a household relative’s policy. If you don’t have your own policy and aren’t covered under anyone else’s, you can receive PIP coverage from the at-fault driver’s policy.
