
Many drivers are concerned about the costs associated with a car crash. Florida has no-fault auto accidents, so drivers can have more control over how much they get for their injuries or losses.
According to state law, every motorist is required to carry a minimum amount of coverage on any vehicle with a valid registration plate. This will cover the costs for Florida auto accident injuries as well as property damage. If you do not follow these rules, you may face serious consequences. You could also be sued after an accident.
Florida Car Insurance Requirements & Optional Coverage
Failure to obtain insurance on vehicles registered in Florida can have serious consequences.
The Department of Highway Safety and Motor Vehicles can suspend driving privileges and vehicle registrations for up to 3 years per violation.
Drivers who later purchase insurance can have their licenses and driving privileges restored by submitting proof of insurance to DHSMV and paying an up-to-$500 penalty reinstatement fee.
In states with no-fault insurance, each driver who is involved in an accident receives compensation from his insurer for the costs of injuries and property. It’s important to choose more coverage than the minimum, as drivers are responsible for paying their insurance.
You can add the following to your auto insurance policy.
Personal Injury Protection Insurance (PIP)
Florida’s Motor Vehicle No-Fault Law mandates that all four-wheeled cars be insured for a minimum amount of $10,000 in PIP. These benefits cover the costs associated with a car accident such as medical bills, grocery deliveries, and housecleaning while the victim is recovering.
The policy covers not only the named insured but also the children of the policyholder, his/her household members, and passengers that aren’t covered by other policies. You can claim PIP coverage if you are injured in another person’s car.
Insurance for Property Damage Liability
Florida requires that all motor vehicles registered in the state carry at least $10,000 worth of PDL insurance. The insurance covers property damage and losses caused by an accident. This includes damages to the vehicle and loss of items in the vehicle during the crash. It also covers the cost of alternative transportation until the vehicle has been repaired. All registered vehicles must have PIP and PDL coverage, no matter how frequently they are driven.
Insurance for Bodily Injury Liability
Optional coverage for permanent injuries and deaths resulting from accidents involving your car. BIL coverage can be customized by the policyholder. It typically covers at least $10,000 for serious injuries per person and includes legal representation in the event that a victim sues you. This coverage is available to the policyholder and his family members, authorized drivers, as well as household members. This type of insurance may be required for drivers who have had a previous history of car accidents.
Uninsured/Underinsured Motorist (U/U) Coverage
This coverage, although optional, is often the best form of auto insurance. You can seek compensation if you are severely injured in an accident and have exhausted the limits of your injury insurance. If the other driver does not have insurance, then you are responsible for paying your medical bills unless you’ve got UIM or UM coverage. You’ll receive a specific amount if the driver at fault is underinsured or uninsured.
We Can Help
To learn more or to speak with a car accident lawyer, Contact us at W. Lee Clark & Associates to find out more about your legal rights following a crash.
W. Lee Clark & Associates is a dedicated law firm based in Lakewood Ranch, FL, specializing in personal injury, slip and fall injury attorneys near you, mass torts, defective product lawyer near you, tobacco and vaping-related cases, and wrongful death attorney in Florida. With extensive experience and a client-first approach, the firm proudly serves clients throughout Manatee, Sarasota, Polk, Hillsborough, and Pinellas counties. Whether you’ve been injured due to a defective product or are seeking justice for the wrongful death of a loved one, W. Lee Clark & Associates provides the guidance and legal representation you need to protect your rights and pursue compensation. Click here to learn more!