Personal Injury Protection (PIP) in Florida

Reader’s Question:

Are there any auto insurance specialists here? My question: Am I required to have Personal Injury Protection (PIP) here in Florida?

Ben

Jacksonville, FL

I’m not what you can call an auto insurance specialist, but I do know some things about auto insurance. So, to answer your question, Ben: Some people in the United States aren’t actually required to do so. But in Florida, drivers are required to get PIP (Personal Injury Protection). This is auto insurance coverage that pays for your, your passengers’ and your family’s expenses for hospitalization, doctor’s fees and medicine in case you have an accident on the road. This may also reimburse you for your lost income because while recovering, you may not be able to work.

The minimum amount set by the state is ten thousand dollars ($10, 000). This is, by the way, in addition to what is called the Property Damage Liability, which covers the damages to the vehicles in any accident. This other auto insurance coverage requirement also has a minimum limit of ten thousand dollars ($10, 000). You, of course, have the option to increase the amount if you find it necessary.

In Florida, it does not matter whether or not you were at fault. Called a no-fault state, the state of Florida requires health insurance companies to cover accident costs regardless of the drivers’ accountability. The catch is you typically can’t sue people for road accidents.

So, there you go. I hope that answers your question. By the way when filing a claim, you must remember that your health insurance policy will only pay the amount that they deem “reasonable” and “necessary.” So, even though you have PIP, you might still have to spend more for some of your medical expenses.

PIP Insurance – Free Online Auto Insurance Quotes

Reader’s Question:

Do I need PIP insurance? If I get into an accident, will my auto insurance company pay all of my medical bills? I’d like to compare free online auto insurance quotes, their discounts and packages. How do I find companies that do this? I really hope you can help me because I’m new at this whole thing.

Kara

Wilmington, DE

That’s a common misconception. All auto insurance coverages have limits, so If I were you, Kara, I wouldn’t count on it to save me from financial responsibility completely. I think you are concerned about the possible medical expenses you might incur in an accident. To have that covered, you must have PIP or Personal Injury Protection. While it won’t pay everything, having this type of coverage would cut the costs of doctor’s fees and hospitalization for you. Personal Injury Protection will shoulder what insurers call “reasonable and necessary medical expenses,” the amount of which your auto insurance company will determine. So, if the medical procedure performed for you is not needed by their definition and standards, or if the specialist you’ve chosen charges really high rates, they won’t cover the cost completely or at all.

In Delaware, the minimum requirement according to state regulations is $15,000 for PIP. This will also, by the way, cover your passengers. If you want to be extra careful, you can also purchase Uninsured/Underinsured Motorist Bodily Injury, which is useful if the other party doesn’t have proper auto insurance. You would be surprised how many drivers out there don’t follow state requirements when it comes to auto insurance. Since I think you want to be prepared for such circumstances, you might consider this when you ask for free online auto insurance quotes.