Car insurance requirements in FL as in every state have minimums imposed on these mandates. While you must have these minimums satisfied to drive, FL car insurance coverage limits often leave drivers exposed to financial fallout after accidents.
Since Florida is a no-fault insurance state, you must use your own insurance policy coverage when you’re in an accident, regardless of who was at fault. If you only have the bare minimum in coverage, it may not provide the protection you need.
Amanda Demanda Injury Lawyers is a trusted legal firm that focuses on personal injury cases, including car accidents, in Florida. We specialize in advocating for our injured clients in car accident cases. In this informative blog post, we discuss the importance of having sufficient car insurance coverage and answer the question, “How much auto insurance do I need in Florida?”
Understanding FL Car Insurance Coverage Limits
Car insurance requirements in FL specify that you must carry the following coverages:
- Liability coverage for property damage to the other person’s car: $10,000
- Personal Injury Protection (PIP) for your own injuries and lost wages: $10,000
This is the minimum coverage mandated by Florida law, and it doesn’t cover very much. PIP does not cover injuries you may cause to another driver if you are at fault, nor does it protect you from any claims brought against you by the other driver.
Essentially, if you are seriously injured by another driver, your insurance will cover you up to the limits of your policy. The other driver’s policy may be at the minimum as well, and once that is exhausted, you will be forced to pay out of pocket for your medical bills and other losses. It’s even worse if they are driving without any type of insurance. It is highly recommended that you consider adding optional coverages to your policy to keep yourself protected on our congested roads.
How Much Auto Insurance Do I Need in Florida?
Adding to your insurance policy is a smart move, though it’s a personal decision you’ll need to make based on your finances. Even though it will be an added expense, the benefits of these higher coverage limits mean that you will be protected in the event of a car crash in Florida.
Here is a look at some of the most important optional coverages to add to your auto insurance policy.
Bodily Injury Liability Insurance
Bodily injury (BI) liability insurance will provide the other driver with money if you cause an accident that injures them. This ultimately protects your assets, which could be a factor if your insurance coverage is too low and you are sued for damages.
Uninsured Motorist / Underinsured Motorist (UM) Insurance
UM insurance will pay for the damages you incur in an accident with a negligent driver who either doesn’t have insurance or is underinsured. You will use your PIP coverage first, and then if the at-fault driver has too little or no liability insurance, this coverage will step in to pay your medical bills and lost wages. Even better, it will also pay the damages for your pain and suffering. This coverage can be stacked, which is ideal if you have multiple vehicles on your policy, or it can be unstacked to only cover the one vehicle.
Extended PIP
Your PIP coverage doesn’t cover very much at the basic $10,000 requirement. Extended PIP can be increased to $50,000 or even more, which would help cover your medical bills and lost wages in a crash. Considering how expensive medical treatments are, holding only the minimum of $10,000 will mean that you wind up sinking into debt over those medical bills when you only have the minimum FL car insurance coverage limits in place.
Choosing the Right Car Insurance Coverage in FL
There are other types of coverages you can add to your policy that may help you too. Remember, these bare minimum coverages are only what the state requires. One-size-fits-all is not the solution for everyone. If you only have the minimum coverage, it will not be enough in a major accident.
After an auto wreck, you’ll need to negotiate with your insurance company regarding your coverage. The process can be much smoother if you’ve added these coverages, though it is always a good idea to discuss your case with a car accident law firm. Amanda Demanda Injury Lawyers can assist with this insurance claims process and help you understand how your coverages can come into play. If another driver caused your injuries, you can find out how to recover compensation for your injuries.
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