What Is Personal Injury Protection (PIP) Insurance in Florida?
Jan 21
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Personal Injury Protection (PIP) insurance is a mandatory component of most auto insurance policies in Florida. It is designed to provide immediate medical and financial benefits to people injured in car accidents—regardless of who caused the crash.
Florida is a no-fault insurance state, which means that after a car accident, your own insurance policy is typically the first source of payment for medical bills and certain lost wages. Understanding how PIP works—and its limitations—is critical if you’ve been injured in a Florida car accident.
This guide explains what PIP insurance is, what it covers, how much it pays, and when it may not be enough.
Florida Is a No-Fault State: What That Means
Under Florida law, drivers are required to carry a minimum of $10,000 in PIP coverage. After most auto accidents, injured parties must first turn to their own PIP policy, even if another driver was clearly at fault.
PIP is intended to:
Reduce litigation over minor accidents
Ensure fast access to medical care
Cover immediate economic losses
However, PIP does not fully compensate many accident victims—especially in cases involving serious injuries.
What Does PIP Insurance Cover in Florida?
Florida PIP coverage generally includes:
Medical Expenses (Up to 80%)
Emergency room visits
Ambulance transport
Diagnostic testing (X-rays, MRIs)
Follow-up medical treatment
Physical therapy
Chiropractic care (with limitations)
PIP pays 80% of reasonable and necessary medical expenses, subject to the policy limits.
Lost Wages (Up to 60%)
If your injuries prevent you from working, PIP may cover:
60% of lost income
Reduced earning capacity
Certain replacement services (e.g., household help you can no longer perform)
Death Benefits
If a crash results in a fatality, PIP can provide up to $5,000 in death benefits to surviving family members, separate from medical benefits.
How Much Does PIP Pay in Florida?
Although PIP policies are often described as providing “$10,000 in coverage,” that amount is not automatic. There is an Emergency Medical Condition (EMC)" Requirement.
If a doctor determines you suffered an Emergency Medical Condition (EMC), PIP may pay up to $10,000. Without an EMC diagnosis, benefits are capped at $2,500. This determination can significantly affect the value of your claim and your access to care.
The 14-Day Rule: A Critical Deadline
Florida law requires that injured individuals seek medical treatment within 14 days of the accident to qualify for PIP benefits. Failing to obtain treatment within this timeframe can result in a complete denial of PIP coverage, even if you were genuinely injured.
Who Is Covered by PIP Insurance?
PIP coverage generally applies to:
The named insured
Relatives living in the same household
Passengers in the insured vehicle
Certain pedestrians and bicyclists struck by a vehicle
Coverage priority rules can be complex, particularly when multiple policies are involved.
What PIP Does Not Cover
PIP insurance has significant limitations. It does not cover:
Pain and suffering
Emotional distress
Property damage
100% of medical bills
Long-term or catastrophic losses beyond policy limits
Once PIP benefits are exhausted, unpaid bills may be submitted to health insurance, MedPay, or asserted as part of a bodily injury or UM/UIM claim.
Why PIP Claims Are Sometimes Disputed
Despite being mandatory coverage, PIP claims are sometimes:
Underpaid
Delayed
Denied on technical grounds
Common issues include:
Disputes over medical necessity
EMC determination challenges
Fee schedule reductions
Allegations of unrelated or pre-existing conditions
These disputes often require legal intervention to ensure proper payment.
Why PIP Is Only the Starting Point
PIP insurance was never intended to fully compensate injured victims. It is simply the first layer of coverage following a Florida car accident.
In many cases, additional claims may exist, including:
Bodily Injury liability claims
Uninsured/Underinsured Motorist (UM/UIM) claims
Third-party negligence claims
Understanding how these layers interact is essential to protecting your rights.
Final Thoughts: Understanding PIP Protects You
Personal Injury Protection insurance plays a vital role in Florida’s auto insurance system—but it is limited, technical, and often misunderstood.
If you’ve been injured in a Florida car accident, knowing how PIP works—and where it falls short—can make a significant difference in your recovery and financial stability.
If you have questions about PIP benefits, denied payments, or whether your injuries qualify for additional compensation, speaking with a Florida personal injury attorney can help clarify your options.
Contact Attorney Bethany Dolezal at Dolezal Law, P.A. Call (888) 411-7854 (toll-free) or (727) 387-AUTO (local) to schedule a FREE consultation.
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This article is for informational purposes only and does not constitute legal advice. Every case is fact-specific.
