South Florida Auto Accident Attorneys Insurance Overview

Florida Automobile Insurance Overview

Our lawyers get questions every day from clients about their auto insurance. Even if you haven’t been in an accident, it helps to understand the general language of Florida auto insurance. Below are descriptions of the various types of coverage in the state of Florida. If you are in an accident, the type of coverage you and the other party carry can often determine what type of settlement beyond medical expenses and lost wages you may be able to receive.

Personal Injury Protection Coverage (mandatory)

Florida is a "No Fault" State, which means that regardless of who is at fault in an accident, you must go to your own auto insurance to pay your medical bills. This insurance is referred to as PIP or Personal Injury Protection coverage; this coverage is mandatory for all automobile owners in Florida. PIP coverage provides for payment of 80% of medical bills and 60% of lost wages up to $10,000.00. Because of this limit, many people purchase additional extended PIP coverage or Medical Payments Coverage. If you were not at fault in the accident, you may also claim against the person who was at fault for the balance of your medical bills as well as money or compensatory damages. However, your medical bills will still be paid at 80% by your own PIP carrier. PIP covers you, your spouse, relatives living with you at the time of the accident who do not own a motor vehicle, and drivers/passengers of your vehicle who do not own a motor vehicle nor live with a relative who owns a vehicle.

Property Damage Liability Coverage (mandatory)

This coverage pays the other party's property damage in the event you are at fault in an accident. If you were not at fault in the accident, it does not apply. Property Damage Liability Coverage and PIP are the only two types of coverage which are mandatory in the State of Florida.

Bodily Injury Liability Coverage

This coverage applies only in the event that you are at fault in an accident. Bodily Injury Liability Coverage will pay money or compensatory damages to a claimant, if he/she meets certain requirements under Florida's No Fault Law, up to the limit of your coverage. Your insurance company will also pay your legal fees. While most states have statutes requiring motorists to have at least some Bodily Injury Liability Coverage, Florida does not require this type of coverage.

Medical Payments Coverage

MEDPAY coverage provides payment of the other 20% of your medical bills not covered by Personal Injury Protection coverage.

Collision Coverage

If you are at fault in an accident, or the at fault party has no insurance coverage, collision coverage may be the only source of payment for damage to your vehicle.
Uninsured-Underinsured Motorist Protection

If the at fault party does not carry Bodily Injury Liability insurance, this coverage is crucial. Instead of making a claim for money damages to the at-fault party, the claim is made to your own insurance company and treated as if you were proceeding against the other party.