To register a vehicle with four or more wheels in Florida, drivers must carry both Personal Injury Protection (PIP) and Property Damage Liability (PDL) insurance policies with minimum coverage of $10,000 for each plan.
For motorcycles, no minimum insurance rates apply, although motorcycle riders can be held financially responsible for crashes they cause, so we recommend carrying voluntary insurance on your motorcycle.
Car insurance provides essential coverage in the event of an accident. It is often recommended that drivers carry more than the minimum coverage, as damages exceeding these limits are common, and drivers will be liable for any losses exceeding their coverage limits. If a driver injured you without sufficient coverage, a Florida car accident lawyer can help.
“No-Fault” Insurance in Florida
When it comes to car accidents in Florida, the state follows a no-fault insurance system. Under this system, all drivers are required to carry their own insurance policy, and in the event of an accident, you will file a claim with your own insurance provider. Because of this, carrying robust PIP insurance coverage can be critical.
While injury victims are barred from filing a claim against another driver in most cases, in the event of a serious injury, you may have the right to pursue legal action to recover damages that exceed your coverage limits.
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Damages Covered Under PIP Insurance
PIP coverage can provide you with compensation for a wide range of losses, including:
- Medical costs
- Future medical expenses
- Costs for essential services such as child care or household assistance
- Death benefits
However, it is important to note that PIP insurance does not cover pain and suffering, which means that even if you have coverage well over the minimum, you won’t be able to recover as much as would be possible through a lawsuit against the party responsible for your losses.
Damages Covered Under PDL Insurance
PDL insurance covers damages to another person’s personal property, including:
- Vehicle damage
- Damage to fences, buildings, or other structures
- Limited legal expenses if you are sued for damages
However, this coverage does not apply to damages to your own vehicle. These damages would need to be paid out of pocket or through separate collision coverage.
Optional Insurance Options for Florida Drivers
In addition to the required PIP and PDL insurance policies that all Florida drivers must carry, there are several additional types of insurance coverage you may consider to provide more comprehensive coverage in the event of a crash.
Bodily Injury Liability (BIL)
BIL coverage is not required in the state of Florida. However, this coverage is highly recommended. This coverage provides drivers with protection if they are at fault for an accident that injures another party and covers losses such as:
- Medical expenses
- Legal fees
- Pain and suffering (if you’re sued)
Uninsured/Underinsured Motorist Coverage (UM/UIM)
Florida has a high number of uninsured drivers. UM/UIM coverage steps in to protect you if you’re injured by a driver who has little or no insurance.
Collision and Comprehensive Coverage
These coverages protect your own vehicle, regardless of who is at fault. Collision coverage provides compensation for repairs or replacement if your car is damaged in an accident. Meanwhile, comprehensive coverage offers non-accident damage such as theft, vandalism, or weather-related damage.
Medical Payments Coverage (MedPay)
MedPay can supplement your PIP coverage, helping with medical bills not fully covered under your PIP plan. Unlike PIP, MedPay may also help pay your deductible and co-payments.
Insurance Coverage Minimums for Taxi and Rideshare Drivers
Additional coverage minimums beyond $10,000 for PIP and $10,000 for PDL apply to drivers of taxis and rideshare vehicles.
Taxis
Taxi drivers in Florida must carry a bodily injury liability policy with a minimum coverage limit of $125,000 per person/$250,000 per accident. Additionally, their PDL coverage must be a minimum of $50,000.
Rideshare Vehicles
The minimum coverage for rideshare drivers is a bit lower than for taxi drivers. Drivers of these vehicles must carry BIL insurance of at least $50,000 per person/$100,000 per accident. Meanwhile, their PDL coverage must be at least $25,000.
Is the Minimum Coverage Enough?
While Florida’s minimum car insurance requirements may technically satisfy legal obligations, they often fall short of fully protecting you in serious accidents. Medical bills, lawsuits, and vehicle repairs can far exceed these limits.
To protect your financial well-being, it’s wise to consider optional coverages such as Bodily Injury Liability, Uninsured Motorist protection, and Collision/Comprehensive insurance. Doing so could save you from financial hardship in the event of a serious accident.
Ultimately, meeting the legal minimum is just a starting point. Taking steps to go beyond those limits can offer peace of mind and protection on Florida’s busy roads.
Get Help From an Experienced Car Accident Lawyer if Your Damages Exceed Your Coverage Limits
The minimum car insurance coverage in Florida is often not enough to cover the damages caused by an accident. If you were injured in a car accident caused by another driver and your damages exceed your insurance coverage limits, speak with an experienced car accident lawyer from The Schiller Kessler Group today.
Schedule your free case review with a member of our legal team today. We can explore your options for pursuing compensation from an at-fault party if you suffered a serious injury.
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