Florida auto insurance can be confusing because the coverage requirements and terminology are different from what many drivers expect.
Florida is a no-fault insurance state, which means Personal Injury Protection (PIP) plays an important role in the state's auto insurance system.
Florida drivers also need to understand Property Damage Liability, Bodily Injury Liability, Uninsured/Underinsured Motorist coverage, Comprehensive, Collision and other optional coverages.
The following guide explains the major Florida auto insurance coverages and what they can do for you.
PIP – Personal Injury Protection
Florida generally requires at least $10,000 of PIP coverage on qualifying vehicles.
PIP can help pay certain medical expenses and lost income following an automobile accident, subject to Florida law and your policy.
Florida also has a 14-day requirement for receiving initial medical treatment after an accident to qualify for PIP benefits.
Property Damage Liability – PD
Property Damage Liability covers damage you cause to someone else's property when you're legally responsible.
This could include damage to another vehicle, a fence, building or other property.
Florida generally requires at least $10,000 of Property Damage Liability.
Bodily Injury Liability – BI
Bodily Injury Liability can help protect you when you are legally responsible for injuring another person in an automobile accident.
Florida does not generally require every driver to carry BI coverage, but it can provide important financial protection when serious injuries occur.
Uninsured/Underinsured Motorist – UM/UIM
UM/UIM coverage can help protect you if you're injured by a driver who has no bodily injury insurance or not enough insurance to cover your damages.
This is an important coverage to discuss with your Florida insurance agent.
Comprehensive Coverage
Comprehensive coverage, sometimes called Other Than Collision, can cover damage to your vehicle from things such as:
Theft
Fire
Vandalism
Windstorm
Flood
Falling objects
Animal strikes
Collision Coverage
Collision coverage generally pays for damage to your vehicle resulting from a covered collision, subject to your deductible and policy terms.
Examples include hitting another vehicle, object or structure.
Medical Payments – Med Pay
Medical Payments coverage can help pay certain medical or funeral expenses resulting from an auto accident, subject to the policy.
Rental Reimbursement
Rental Reimbursement can help pay for a temporary rental vehicle when your insured vehicle is being repaired following a covered loss.
Towing and Roadside Assistance
Towing and Labor coverage can provide assistance for certain roadside services, subject to your policy's limits and conditions.
What Does "Full Coverage" Mean?
"Full coverage" isn't actually a specific insurance coverage.
A policy described as "full coverage" might include Comprehensive and Collision along with liability coverage, but two policies can have very different limits, deductibles and optional coverages.
When comparing Florida auto insurance, look at the actual coverages and limits—not just the premium.
Safeguard Insurance helps drivers in Vero Beach, Sebastian, Fort Pierce and throughout the Treasure Coast review their Florida auto insurance options.