Personal injury protection (PIP) coverage in Florida is a type of auto insurance. It pays a portion of your medical bills and other losses if you are injured in a crash, regardless of who caused the accident.
PIP coverage is typically the “first line of defense” when it comes to paying accident-related damages. If someone else caused your injuries, you could also be entitled to damages through a personal injury claim or lawsuit. Our Orlando car accident lawyers can help you weigh your options.
What Does PIP Pay For?
Your PIP policy pays up to 80 percent of your accident-related medical bills. You could put this money towards:
- Hospital stays
- Diagnostic tests
- Medication
- Physical therapy
- Surgical operations
- Follow-up appointments or tests
PIP coverage in Florida can also reimburse you for:
- Up to 60 percent of your lost wages, should you have to take time away from work to recover
- Up to $5,000 if you lost a loved one in the crash
- Certain out-of-pocket expenses
Please note that there is a firm upper limit on how much your PIP coverage will pay. Once you hit your insurance limit, PIP will stop paying out, even if you still have bills to cover or have not returned to work yet.
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How to File a PIP Claim in Florida
Before you think about filing a claim, you must receive medical attention within 14 days of the crash. If you fail to start treatment within that time, PIP will not cover your medical expenses.
Once you have received this initial care, you can get started on your claim. To do so, you will want to notify your auto insurance company as soon as possible. Many insurers now let you do this online. They will typically ask:
- Where and when the accident happened
- What the exact sequence of events was
- What damage your car sustained
- What injuries you suffered
It is very important that you file your claim correctly and provide accurate information to avoid unnecessary delays or denials. If you have any trouble filling out the claim, contact your insurance agent or a car injury lawyer for assistance.
Once the claim is filed, you can expect an insurance adjuster to investigate. This may involve interviewing you about the crash or even coming to your home to look at your car and take photos. Again, a legal representative can be of great assistance by making sure the adjuster does not overstep their authority or employ bad-faith tactics.
Is PIP Coverage Mandatory in Florida?
Yes, all Florida drivers are required to carry PIP coverage. According to Florida Highway Safety and Motor Vehicles (FLHSMV), the minimum required amount of coverage is $10,000, but you can choose to purchase more than this amount if you wish.
Unfortunately, just because PIP is legally mandated does not mean that everyone obeys the law. As of October 2025, 5.4 percent of all Florida drivers do not have the minimum required insurance. This percentage is significantly higher in certain parts of the state.
If the driver responsible for your accident was not insured, you can still file a PIP claim with your own insurer. You may also be able to file an uninsured motorist claim (if you have this coverage) or sue the driver personally.
What if Someone Else Caused Your Florida Accident?
PIP will pay up to the policy limits, no matter who caused your accident or how it happened. If it turns out that someone else’s negligence led to your injuries, you can take additional action beyond simply filing a PIP claim: our personal injury lawyers can ask the at-fault party’s insurance company to pay for all damages not covered by PIP.
What Counts as “Negligence” in Florida?
To prove that you have the right to file a personal injury claim, you need to show that someone else behaved in a careless or reckless manner and that this behavior led directly to your injuries. Examples of negligence in auto accident cases include:
- Speeding
- Distracted driving
- Driving while drunk or high
- Failing to yield the right of way
- Turning or changing lanes unsafely
- Selling defective auto parts
- Failing to recall defective auto parts
- Poor vehicle or road maintenance
You will also need to show that your injuries are serious and that losses associated with them exceed your PIP coverage.
Our legal team can prove your case with evidence like medical records, expert testimony, and police reports.
What Damages Can You Get When You Go Beyond PIP?
While PIP is a reassuring and helpful lifeline, it does not cover everything. A personal injury claim or lawsuit could entitle you to damages for:
- Medical bills and lost wages that exceed PIP coverage
- Future loss of earning capacity
- Property damage, especially to your vehicle
- Physical pain and suffering
- Emotional distress
- Physical or intellectual disability
- Reduced quality of life
- Loss of consortium
- Scarring or disfigurement
If you lost a loved one in the accident, you can seek damages in excess of the $5,000 offered by PIP. These damages could include funeral costs, loss of financial support, and loss of companionship or guidance.
Our legal team can work with you to determine what kinds of damages you are entitled to and how to recover those damages. We can also help you deal with any challenges or hurdles along the way, such as if any of the insurance companies refuse to offer a fair settlement.
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Learn More About How PIP Coverage Impacts Your Personal Injury Case
Since 1979, Bogin, Munns & Munns has been answering client questions about what is PIP coverage in Florida, what are the limits of PIP coverage, and how to recover additional compensation from the at-fault party. To learn more about your rights and options, call us today. The initial consultation is free.
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