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Florida's "No Fault" Insurance System

Each year, Florida’s roads see more than a quarter million accidents, which result in 230,000 injuries and 3,000 deaths. Insurance is becoming more and more important as vehicles become faster, heavier, and more expensive. The best way to protect you and your family from financial harm in the case of an accident is to be covered by an adequate insurance policy.

As of January 1, 2008, all cars registered in Florida must be protected by a minimum of $10,000 in personal injury protection and $10,000 in property damage liability. Florida has recently switched from the traditional insurance coverage back to a “no fault” system.

Failure to carry adequate coverage is not only a poor financial decision for you and your family, but can also result in the suspension of your license, tags, and registration by the Department of Highway Safety and Motor Vehicles.

Personal Injury Protection

Florida is a “no fault” state and requires a minimum Personal Injury Protection (PIP) coverage of $10,000. “No fault” means that your own insurance company is responsible for paying your medical bills and expenses no matter whose fault the accident was.

PIP coverage pays for:

80% of your “medically necessary” expenses
60% of your lost wages
100% of replaceable services like housekeeping, yard work, and child care
$5,000 for death benefits.

But, PIP coverage only pays to the limit of your policy. For instance, if you only have the $10,000 minimum coverage and your expenses exceed that coverage, the insurance company is under no obligation to reimburse you.

It is also important to understand that PIP does not cover certain passengers in your car. Individuals who are new to Florida may not be familiar with a no-fault system. PIP does not cover passengers in your car who either have their own PIP coverage or own an auto and do not have PIP coverage. (It does, however, cover those who do not have a car and therefore have no reason to purchase PIP).

Property Damage Liability

The $10,000 minimum Property Damage Liability (PDL) pays for damage caused to someone else’s property by you or your car. It is important to remember that the $10,000 is the minimum coverage required – policies greater than $10,000 are available and advisable. If you are in an accident in which you are at fault and the damage exceeds the limits of your coverage, you will be personally liable for the remainder of the bill. This means that the other driver may come after your savings, your vehicles, or your house in order to recover.

Lilly, O'Toole & Brown, LLP
Lakeland Office: (863) 683-1111
Bartow Office: (863) 533-5525M
Sebring Office: (863) 471-0003
Lake Wales Office: (863) 676-1991
Haines City Office: (863) 422-1282
Wauchula Office: (863) 767-1111

Also providing legal assistance to clients from:
Wauchula, Lake Placid, Avon Park, Plant City, Brandon, and Valrico, Florida.

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