Car insurance isn’t always top of mind, until an accident, theft, or weather event makes it essential. Florida drivers, in particular, face unique risks on the road and from the elements. Understanding the state’s minimum requirements is key to protecting yourself financially.
Florida’s Minimum Insurance Requirements
In Florida, your own insurance initially covers a portion of your medical expenses after an accident, regardless of who caused it. To legally drive, Florida requires:
- $10,000 in Personal Injury Protection (PIP)
– Covers medical bills and a portion of lost wages after an accident.
- $10,000 in Property Damage Liability (PDL) – Pays for damage you cause to someone else’s property.
If your medical expenses exceed $10,000, typically the next insurance coverage you would seek is the at-fault driver’s bodily injury liability insurance. Unlike many other states, Bodily Injury Liability (BIL) coverage is not required for most drivers. However, this can leave you personally responsible if you injure someone in a crash. BIL is often mandated if you’ve been convicted of a DUI or are required to carry an FR-44 form.
Additional Coverage to Strongly Consider
Florida’s minimums may keep you legally compliant, but they often fall short in real-life scenarios. The following coverages can offer more complete protection:
- Bodily Injury Liability (BIL)
Suggested minimum: $100,000 per person / $300,000 per accident
Helps protect your personal assets if you’re found liable for injuries to others in a serious accident. - Uninsured/Underinsured Motorist (UM/UIM)
With a high number of uninsured drivers in Florida, UM/UIM coverage helps pay for your medical bills, lost wages, and pain and suffering if you’re hit by someone with insufficient—or no—coverage. - Collision and Comprehensive Coverage
- Collision: Pays for damage to your vehicle after an accident, regardless of fault.
- Comprehensive: Covers non-collision incidents like theft, vandalism, hurricanes, or flooding—especially important in Florida's climate.
- Medical Payments Coverage (MedPay)
Offers additional support for medical expenses beyond what PIP covers. This is particularly helpful if you have limited health insurance. - Gap Insurance
If you lease or finance your vehicle, gap insurance covers the difference between what you owe on the loan and the actual cash value if your car is totaled.
Making the Right Insurance Decisions
While Florida’s minimum requirements satisfy the law, they don’t always provide the protection most drivers need. Reviewing your policy and adding appropriate coverage can help prevent significant financial strain after an accident or natural disaster. If you're unsure where to start, consider speaking with an experienced insurance agent or Florida auto insurance attorney.
Make sure your policy has the answers and protection you need so that when an unfortunate injury occurs, you can call the injury lawyers at Douglas & Douglas and we will be able to help.