What is Personal Injury Protection (PIP)?
Personal Injury Protection (PIP) is a legal requirement in Florida and is part of the minimum car insurance coverage that every driver must carry. This coverage was designed to provide immediate financial assistance to those injured in a traffic accident, covering not only medical expenses but also other related costs, such as lost wages due to temporary disability.
Mandatory coverage: Florida law requires drivers to have at least $10,000 in PIP coverage.
No-fault coverage: Unlike other states, in Florida it is not necessary to determine who caused the accident for PIP insurance to cover initial health expenses.
Medical and non-medical benefits: It includes the payment of medical bills and, in certain cases, may cover rehabilitation services, transportation costs to the hospital, and other expenses arising from the accident.
Main Benefits
Immediate coverage of medical expenses: PIP covers hospital, medical, and even physical therapy bills, easing the initial financial burden after an accident.
Compensation for lost wages: If your injuries temporarily prevent you from working, your PIP policy may help partially replace your income.
Fewer legal disputes at the start: Because it’s not necessary to prove who was at fault for the insurance to pay, the initial claims process can be faster.
Limitations to Consider
Coverage amount: The $10,000 limit may be insufficient if injuries are severe and medical expenses are high.
Deadline for receiving care: Florida law states that you must seek medical attention within 14 days for PIP coverage to apply.
Does not cover property damage: PIP only covers personal injuries; vehicle damages are handled through another policy (such as property damage coverage).
