If you live in Florida and drive, you probably hear a lot about PIP insurance. But what is it really? PIP stands for Personal Injury Protection. It’s a type of auto insurance that covers your medical bills and some other costs after a car accident, no matter who caused it. Florida requires every driver to have this coverage, so it’s important to understand how it works and what it covers.

What Does No-Fault Insurance Mean in Florida?

Florida has a no-fault insurance system. This means that if you get into a car accident, your own insurance pays for your injuries first, regardless of who caused the crash. The goal is to help people get quick medical care and avoid long fights over blame.

But no-fault does not mean you can’t sue. If your medical bills get very high, over $10,000, or you have a serious injury, you might be able to file a claim against the person who caused the accident.

Why Does Florida Use No-Fault Insurance?

Florida uses no-fault insurance because many drivers don’t have insurance at all, and the cost of car insurance and medical care is very high here. In fact, car insurance in Florida costs about 52% more than the national average. This system helps make sure injured people get some money quickly from their own insurance.

What Does PIP Insurance Cover?

PIP insurance in Florida covers several things:

• Medical bills: It pays 80% of your medically necessary medical costs, up to $10,000.

• Lost wages: If you miss work because of your injuries, it pays 60% of your income, also up to the $10,000 limit.

• Replacement services: If you can’t do your normal daily tasks like cleaning or cooking, PIP pays for help.

• Death benefits: If someone dies in a car accident, PIP will pay up to $5,000 to cover funeral costs. This is separate from the $10,000 limit.

You have to pay a $250 deductible before PIP starts to pay. PIP does not cover pain and suffering or permanent injuries. It’s meant to help with immediate and necessary expenses.

Who Is Covered by PIP Insurance?

PIP insurance doesn’t just cover the driver. It also covers:

• Passengers in your car at the time of the accident.

• Your children, even if they were riding a school bus.

• Other people who don’t own a car but are injured in your vehicle.

This means if you get hurt as a pedestrian or cyclist in an accident with a car, PIP coverage can also apply.

When Do You Need to Get Treatment to Use PIP Benefits?

You must get medical treatment within 14 days of the accident to use your PIP benefits. If you wait longer, you might lose your right to that coverage. After you file a claim, the insurance company has 60 days to investigate and 30 days to pay any approved benefits.

How Does PIP Work with Other Insurance?

If you have health insurance, PIP works alongside it. PIP covers the medical costs that your health insurance does not pay, up to the $10,000 limit. This way, you don’t have to pay everything out of pocket.

Is $10,000 Enough Coverage?

In many cases, $10,000 is not enough. Medical bills after a serious accident can easily go much higher. For example, the average hospital stay for someone injured in a crash can cost around $60,000. Because of this, you might want to buy more than the minimum required PIP coverage or look into other types of insurance.

When Does PIP Not Apply?

PIP doesn’t cover pain and suffering or long-term injuries. If you have serious or permanent injuries, or if your medical bills go beyond $10,000, you can file a personal injury claim against the driver who caused the accident. This is when the no-fault system allows you to sue for additional damages.

What Happens if You Don’t Have PIP Insurance?

If you live in Florida and drive without PIP insurance, you can face penalties like license suspension or fines. Even nonresidents who keep their vehicles in Florida for 90 days or more in a year must get PIP insurance.

What Should You Do After an Accident?

If you get into a car accident, try to see a doctor quickly—within 14 days—to keep your PIP benefits. Keep good records of your medical bills and lost wages. If your injuries are serious or you feel your PIP coverage won’t cover all your expenses, talk to a personal injury lawyer about your options.

Need Legal Help?

If you’ve been hurt in a car accident in Florida, understanding your PIP coverage is a good first step. But if your medical bills are high or your injury is serious, you may need more help. Contact an experienced personal injury attorney who can guide you through your claim and help you get the compensation you deserve. Don’t wait — call (800) 790-5641 today to speak with someone who can assist you.