What Is PIP Coverage In Florida?

Florida operates under a no-fault auto insurance system, which means every driver is legally required to carry personal injury protection (PIP) insurance. This coverage helps pay for certain expenses after a car accident, regardless of who was at fault. While PIP is mandatory, many drivers don’t fully understand what it covers and what it doesn’t.

What Does PIP Insurance Cover in Florida?

PIP insurance is designed to cover medical costs, lost wages, and certain other expenses after a car accident. However, it does not cover everything. Here’s a breakdown of what PIP pays for:

• Medical Expenses: PIP covers 80% of necessary medical bills related to the accident, up to a $10,000 limit. This includes hospital visits, surgeries, ambulance services, physical therapy, and prescription medication.

• Lost Wages: If your injuries prevent you from working, PIP pays 60% of your lost income, also up to the $10,000 limit.

• Death Benefits: If a person dies due to an accident, PIP provides a $5,000 death benefit in addition to the $10,000 coverage limit.

• Household Services: If injuries make it impossible to complete daily tasks, PIP may cover some expenses for services like cleaning or childcare.

What PIP Does Not Cover

While PIP helps with some accident-related costs, it does not cover everything. Here are a few things that PIP does not pay for:

• Vehicle repairs or property damage

• Medical costs exceeding $10,000

• Pain and suffering

• Injuries to other drivers or passengers in another vehicle

Florida’s 14-Day Rule for PIP Coverage

To qualify for PIP benefits, you must seek medical treatment within 14 days of the accident. If you don’t see a doctor within this time frame, you risk losing access to PIP coverage entirely. This rule exists to prevent insurance fraud, but it can also make it harder for accident victims to get the compensation they need.

Why PIP Insurance Alone Is Not Enough

While PIP covers some expenses, it often falls short, especially if injuries are serious. Medical costs can quickly exceed $10,000, and PIP only covers 80% of medical bills and 60% of lost wages. This means you could still be left with significant out-of-pocket expenses. If you were seriously hurt, filing a claim against the at-fault driver’s insurance or pursuing legal action may be necessary to recover full compensation.

What to Do If PIP Doesn’t Cover All Your Expenses

If your medical bills and lost wages exceed your PIP limit, you may need to take additional steps to get compensation. This may involve:

• Filing a claim against the at-fault driver’s insurance

• Using your health insurance to cover additional medical costs

• Seeking legal action to recover damages beyond what PIP pays

An experienced car accident attorney can help determine your best course of action if your expenses go beyond your PIP coverage.

Need Help With Your PIP Claim?

PIP insurance in Florida helps cover some costs after a car accident, but it has limits. If you’ve been injured and your expenses exceed your PIP benefits, you may have legal options to seek additional compensation.

If you need help with your PIP claim or have questions about your rights after an accident, contact D2 Law at 800-790-5641. Our legal team in Tampa is ready to help you understand your options and fight for the compensation you deserve.