If you’ve been involved in a car accident in Florida, one of the first terms you’ll hear is Personal Injury Protection (PIP) insurance. As part of Florida’s no-fault system, PIP is required coverage for all vehicle owners—but many drivers don’t fully understand what it covers, its limits, or how it affects personal injury claims.
This guide provides a comprehensive overview of Florida PIP insurance, including what it pays for, what it excludes, and how injured drivers and passengers can seek additional compensation when PIP isn’t enough.
What Is PIP Insurance in Florida?
Personal Injury Protection (PIP) is mandatory no-fault insurance in Florida, designed to provide quick medical and wage benefits to injured drivers and passengers—regardless of who caused the accident. Every vehicle owner in Florida must carry a minimum of $10,000 in PIP coverage.
What Does PIP Cover?
1. Medical Expenses
PIP covers 80% of reasonable and necessary medical expenses related to injuries from a car accident, including:
- Ambulance transport
- Emergency room visits
- Diagnostic testing (X-rays, MRIs)
- Surgery
- Physical therapy and rehabilitation
- Prescriptions
2. Lost Wages
PIP covers 60% of lost wages, up to policy limits, if you are unable to work due to accident-related injuries.
3. Death Benefits
PIP provides up to $5,000 in death benefits to cover funeral and burial expenses if a covered individual dies due to accident injuries.
What Doesn’t PIP Cover?
Despite its broad coverage, PIP has several key exclusions:
1. Pain and Suffering
PIP does not compensate for pain and suffering or other non-economic damages. These damages are only recoverable through a personal injury claim if your injuries meet Florida’s serious injury threshold.
2. Vehicle Repairs
PIP does not cover damage to vehicles or property. Collision coverage or the at-fault driver’s property damage liability (PDL) coverage would apply.
3. Full Medical Costs
PIP only covers 80% of medical bills—leaving you responsible for the remaining 20%. It also caps benefits at $10,000unless your injuries do not qualify as an emergency medical condition (EMC), in which case benefits may be limited to $2,500.
Who Is Covered by PIP in Florida?
PIP coverage applies to:
- The vehicle owner and their household family members
- Passengers in the insured vehicle
- Pedestrians or bicyclists injured by the insured vehicle
What Is an Emergency Medical Condition (EMC)?
Florida law restricts full PIP benefits to injuries classified as an emergency medical condition (EMC), which is defined as a medical condition requiring immediate treatment that could reasonably result in serious jeopardy to health.
Without an EMC determination, PIP benefits may be capped at $2,500 instead of $10,000.
Can You Supplement PIP with Other Coverage?
Because PIP limits are low, many drivers purchase additional coverage to protect themselves after serious accidents. These policies may include:
1. Medical Payments Coverage (MedPay)
This optional coverage helps pay the remaining 20% of medical bills not covered by PIP.
2. Uninsured/Underinsured Motorist (UM/UIM) Coverage
This provides additional compensation if the at-fault driver lacks adequate insurance to cover your damages.
3. Health Insurance
After PIP benefits are exhausted, your health insurance may cover additional treatment costs—though some health plans require reimbursement from your personal injury settlement.
When Can You File a Personal Injury Claim Beyond PIP?
Florida allows accident victims to step outside the no-fault system and file a personal injury claim against the at-fault driver if they suffer serious injuries, which include:
- Significant or permanent loss of a bodily function
- Permanent injury
- Significant and permanent scarring or disfigurement
- Death
If your injuries meet this threshold, you may pursue compensation for:
- All past and future medical expenses
- Full lost wages and earning capacity
- Pain and suffering
- Emotional distress
Why Understanding PIP Is Critical for Florida Drivers
While PIP coverage offers valuable immediate benefits, it often falls far short of covering the full costs of serious accidents. Understanding how PIP works, what it covers, and how to supplement it with other claims helps you protect yourself financially and understand your legal rights.
Know Your Coverage, Protect Your Rights
Navigating Florida’s PIP system can be confusing, especially after a serious accident. Understanding how PIP works—and knowing when to pursue a personal injury claim for additional compensation—is essential to protecting your health and your financial future.
If you’ve been injured in a Florida car accident, contact Warren Chin at ECD Law at (941) 366-8888 to discuss your options and ensure you receive the compensation you deserve.