Florida insurance minimums are not simply about compliance; it is a critical aspect of protecting yourself in the event of an accident. The financial impacts of getting into an accident without insurance would be insurmountable for many Floridians.
In Florida, the law mandates that all registered vehicles carry certain insurance coverages. The Florida Department of Highway Safety and Motor Vehicles (FLHSMV) establishes minimum insurance coverages. These requirements are not merely suggestions; they are legal obligations that, when neglected, can lead to severe consequences. Failure to comply can leave you financially liable in the event of an accident and may even result in criminal charges under certain circumstances.
Florida Personal Injury Protection (PIP) Requirements
The state of Florida operates under a no-fault system, which means that drivers must carry Personal Injury Protection (PIP). PIP covers medical expenses for you and your passengers, regardless of who was at fault in an accident.
The FLHSMV stipulates that drivers must have a minimum of $10,000 in PIP coverage. If medical expenses exceed this coverage (and you haven’t opted for additional coverage), the financial responsibility will either fall on the other driver, their insurance, and/or your own out-of-pocket payment. The circumstances of your accident will dictate how any excessive costs are covered.
Florida Property Damage Liability (PD) Requirements
Alongside PIP, Property Damage Liability (PD) is a required coverage for all drivers in Florida. PD provides coverage for damages to another person’s property resulting from a car accident for which you are responsible.
This means if you are involved in a crash, PDLcan cover damages to other vehicles, buildings, fixtures, and various other property types owned by others. As with PIP, the minimum coverage amount required by FLHSMV is $10,000. It is worth noting that vehicles used as taxis have a higher threshold, requiring a minimum of $50,000 in PD coverage, reflecting the greater responsibility borne by commercial drivers.
For both PIP and PD, commercial vehicles have additional requirements (along with Bodily Injury Liability (BI) which are covered below.
Florida Bodily Injury Liability (BI) Requirements
While PIP and PD are mandatory for all drivers, Bodily Injury Liability (BI) is only a requirement for taxis and commercial vehicles. It’s advisable that any Florida driver obtains some level of BI, however. This insurance covers the injury or death of other victims of an accident. Without this coverage, you are likely on the hook for their costs.
For commercial vehicles and taxis, however, carrying BI insurance is required. The law specifies that taxis must have at least $125,000 of BI coverage per person and a minimum total of $250,000 per incident. For commercial vehicles, the requirements are set as a combined total (with at least each individual minimum noted above) of PD and BI coverages and these requirements scale with the vehicle’s weight, ranging from $50,000 to $300,000 per incident.
Florida Uninsured or Underinsured Motorist (UM) Coverages
In Florida, Uninsured or Underinsured Motorist Coverage (UM) is an optional but critical addition to your policy. This coverage protects you if you’re hit by a driver who lacks sufficient (or any) insurance to pay for your medical expenses and other damages.
UM Coverage steps in when the at-fault driver has no liability insurance or comes into play when the at-fault driver’s policy limits are too low to cover all damages. Though not required by law, carrying this coverage can offer invaluable financial protection and peace of mind in the event of an accident.
Make Your Insurance Work For You
Insurance is more than a legal necessity; it is a crucial component of your financial security while driving. By understanding and obtaining the right coverages, you can protect yourself, your assets, and others on the road. We want to note that the above coverages are simply minimums and that obtaining additional coverage is advisable to further protect yourself.When insurance companies fail to uphold their obligations, Alvarez Law Group is here to assert your rights and help you make the most of your insurance policy through whatever means possible.
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