If you own a car in Florida, you’re legally required to carry PIP insurance — but many drivers still don’t fully understand what it is or why it's necessary. Known as Personal Injury Protection, this type of coverage is a cornerstone of Florida’s no-fault insurance system, and it plays a critical role in protecting you financially after a car accident.
In this article, we'll explain how PIP works, who it covers, and what every Florida driver should know to stay legally compliant and fully protected.
Understanding Florida's No-Fault Law
Florida is one of a handful of no-fault states in the U.S., which means that regardless of who causes an accident, your own insurance policy pays for your medical expenses. That’s where PIP insurance comes in. It ensures that, if you’re injured in a crash — even if you're at fault — your insurance company will help cover certain costs without needing to sue the other driver.
This system is designed to reduce the number of lawsuits from minor accidents, but it also means PIP is mandatory for nearly all vehicle owners in the state.
What Exactly Does PIP Insurance Cover?
Personal Injury Protection covers more than just your medical bills. In fact, it’s designed to help you recover not just physically, but financially, after an accident.
Here’s what Florida PIP typically includes:
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Up to $10,000 in medical expenses for injuries sustained in an accident
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60% of lost wages if your injuries prevent you from working
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Death benefits up to $5,000 to help cover funeral expenses
This coverage applies not only to you, but also to your household family members, passengers who don’t have their own PIP coverage, and even pedestrians or cyclists you might accidentally injure with your car.
Who Needs PIP Insurance in Florida?
In Florida, if you own a vehicle that’s registered in the state, you're required by law to carry:
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$10,000 in Personal Injury Protection (PIP)
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$10,000 in Property Damage Liability (PDL)
There are no exceptions — whether you drive your car daily or only occasionally, you're still required to maintain this minimum coverage to stay compliant.
Is PIP Insurance the Same as Health Insurance?
Not exactly. While PIP covers medical costs resulting from auto accidents, it’s not a replacement for traditional health insurance. Instead, PIP acts as the first line of coverage for accident-related injuries.
This means that your PIP coverage will pay first, and then your health insurance may kick in (if applicable). It’s important to understand how your PIP coverage interacts with your health insurance, especially when choosing deductibles and benefit limits.
What PIP Doesn’t Cover
While PIP covers a lot, it’s far from comprehensive. It does not cover:
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Vehicle damage (that’s handled by your collision or comprehensive coverage)
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Injuries to other drivers in accidents where you're at fault (covered under Bodily Injury Liability if you have it)
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Medical expenses beyond the $10,000 limit
That’s why many drivers in Florida choose to add Bodily Injury Liability and Uninsured Motorist Coverage for more complete protection.
Do You Have Enough Coverage?
The required minimum might be enough for small accidents, but serious injuries can easily exceed PIP’s $10,000 limit. If you’ve been involved in an accident before, you know how quickly medical bills can stack up — even after a single ER visit.
That’s why we recommend talking to a local insurance agent to see if upping your coverage limits or adding additional protection could save you thousands down the road.
If you have questions about your coverage or need help filing a claim, we're here to help.
Final Thoughts: PIP Insurance Is Just the Beginning
PIP insurance is more than just a legal requirement — it’s a safety net designed to catch you during some of life’s most unexpected moments. But like all insurance, it's only helpful if you truly understand how it works.
If you’re unsure whether your policy offers the protection you really need, now is the perfect time to review it. Our team of local agents in Miami, Kendall, and Homestead is here to help you find the right plan — not just the minimum.