Florida is a “No-Fault” insurance state when it comes to automobile liability insurance.  This can be quite a confusing topic.

There is sometimes a misconception that because Florida is a “No-Fault” state, that the at-fault party cannot be sued and held liable for the injuries that they caused in an auto accident.  This is incorrect.  Unless the “serious injury” threshold is met, victims are not usually able to hold the other driver liable.  Most minor accidents fall under the no-fault rule.  The serious injury threshold is met when a permanent injury, significant and permanent scarring, or disfigurement occur.

Under Florida law, every motorist is required to carry a minimum of $10,000 in Personal Injury Protection (PIP) and $10,000 in Property Damage Liability (PDL) coverage.  PIP coverage is used to cover medical bills and lost wages that each driver may suffer when in an auto accident, no matter who was at-fault.  PDL coverage pays for damage to another person’s property caused by you or someone else driving your insured vehicle.

When a car accident occurs, each party involved turns to their own insurance company for medical costs and other losses up to $10,000.  In order for your PIP coverage to kick in, you will need to seek treatment within 14 days of the auto accident.  If not, there will be no PIP coverage applied.