What is PIP and How Does it Work in Florida?
Personal Injury Protection (PIP) is an auto insurance coverage that is mandatory in Florida. PIP covers lost wages, medical bills, and other expenses that may arise if you’ve been injured in an accident regardless of who was at fault. While other states also have PIP, Florida has specific rules when it comes to this coverage.
How does PIP work?
PIP coverage pays a percentage of certain expenses which are incurred if you are in an automobile accident. In Florida, PIP coverage will pay 80% of your reasonable expenses for medically necessary care rather than 100%. PIP payments are usually made quickly because no determination on fault needs to be made.
What is covered by PIP?
- PIP covers many routine medical costs covered by PIP. However, PIP will not extend to medical treatments which are not regularly used and accepted by traditional medical practitioners such as acupuncture.
- Under Florida law, eighty percent of your expenses for medical, surgical, X-ray, dental, and rehabilitative services, including prosthetic devices and medically necessary ambulance, hospital, and nursing services will be covered provided you initiated service within 14 days after the motor vehicle accident.
- If your treating provider determines you did not have an emergency medical condition, you will only be entitled to $2,500 worth of benefits.
- PIP will also pay for 60% of your lost wages in you are injured or become disabled due to a motor vehicle accident. This benefit is capped at $10,000 and can pay for home services such as housekeeping and laundry services.
- If the accident results in the policyholder’s death, PIP can cover funeral and burial expenses up to $5000.
Who is covered by PIP?
Your PIP coverage can apply to you and anyone in your household. However, Florida residents may choose if household members are included in their coverage.
How much does PIP cost?
Florida residents are required to carry $10,000 in PIP coverage. The amount they will pay for PIP will vary according to the insurance provider. To keep expenses low, the policyholder could choose a higher deductible or only cover themselves rather than the entire household.
Contact an Experienced Florida Personal Injury Attorney
If you’ve been injured in an automobile accident, it is important to have your case evaluated by an attorney as soon as possible. The experienced attorneys at the Draper Law Firm are here to help. Contact us today to schedule a free consultation.
