In 2023, Florida recorded approximately 400,000 car accidents, highlighting the state’s alarming status as one of the most dangerous places to drive in the country. What is an even bigger concern is that Florida operates as a no-fault state, imposing unique requirements on insured drivers distinct from those in other states.
Numerous clients come to us with what they believe to be comprehensive “full coverage” auto insurance policies, only to be shocked when they discover that these policies fail to adequately cover their medical expenses and property damage fees resulting from their accident.
What Is A Full Coverage Policy In Florida?
In Florida, “full coverage” isn’t an actual type of coverage but a general term used to describe a policy that combines Liability, Comprehensive, and Collision coverages.
The minimum requirements for auto insurance are $10,000 Personal Injury Protection (PIP) and a minimum of $10,000 Property Damage Liability (PDL)
When you have a catastrophic lifelong injury, this “full coverage” policy does not cover your medical expenses when you are injured in a car accident.
What Does Florida’s Minimum Insurance Requirements Not Include?
Bodily Injury Coverage
Bodily Injury Coverage is a component of auto insurance that provides financial protection if you’re found legally responsible for injuring someone else in a car accident. This coverage helps pay for the injured party’s medical expenses, such as hospital bills, rehabilitation costs, and even lost wages if they’re unable to work due to the injuries sustained in the accident.
Even though Florida is a “no-fault” state, if you cause a car accident and someone is injured as a result, they can sue you for their damages. Bodily injury coverage will pay them and protect you and your assets.
According to Florida statute, the following situations allow the victim to hold the defendant driver accountable, regardless of the “no-fault” law:
a) Significant and permanent loss of an important bodily function
b) Permanent injury within a reasonable degree of medical probability, other than scarring or disfigurement
c) Significant and permanent scarring or disfigurement
d) Death
If someone sustains a serious and debilitating physical injury in a car accident where someone else was at fault, Florida’s “no-fault” statute may not apply to the case.”
Uninsured/Underinsured Motorists (UM/UIM)
Uninsured/Underinsured Motorist (UM/UIM) is a component of auto insurance that provides protection to you and your passengers if you are involved in an accident caused by a driver who either has no insurance (uninsured) or does not have enough insurance to cover your damages (underinsured). It can also provide coverage if you are injured as a pedestrian due to an uninsured/underinsured driver.
In Florida, over 20% of drivers are uninsured, indicating that there’s a one in five chance of being involved in an auto accident with a driver who lacks insurance coverage.
Collision Coverage
Collision coverage is a component of auto insurance that helps pay for repairs to your vehicle if it’s damaged in a collision with another vehicle or object, regardless of who is at fault. By having this coverage in place, you can drive with confidence knowing that your vehicle repairs will be covered, regardless of the circumstances surrounding the accident.
Comprehensive Coverage
Comprehensive coverage is a component of auto insurance that provides protection against damage to your vehicle that is not caused by a collision. This includes protection in scenarios such as natural disasters (like tornadoes, hurricanes, or flooding), vehicle theft or break-ins, and collisions with wildlife (such as hitting a deer).
Medical Payment Coverage Or Medpay
Medical Payment Coverage, often referred to as MedPay, is a component of auto insurance that helps pay for medical expenses for you and your passengers if you’re injured in a car accident, regardless of who is at fault. It ensures prompt medical treatment for you and your passengers and helps alleviate the financial burden associated with medical bills.
Are You Covered?
Do you have every coverage listed above? Without these coverages you may find yourself experiencing financial hardship following an accident. Call your insurance agent today to see what type of coverage you have.
For more information on car insurance watch our Car Insurance 101 Series on Youtube
If you or a family member has questions about auto insurance policies, please feel free to contact our firm at zarzaurlaw.com or call us at 855Hirejoe.
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Joe Zarzaur is a Board Certified Civil Trial Attorney whose firm is dedicated to promoting community safety since 2007. ZARZAUR LAW’S AREAS OF PRACTICE: Serious Personal Injury, Product Defect, Auto Accidents, Cycling Accidents, Motor Vehicle Accidents, Products Liability, Wrongful Death, Community Safety, Boat and Jet Ski Accidents, Slip and Fall Injuries, and more. Licensed in Alabama and Florida.
It is also important to consult with a Board Certified Trial lawyer who has the knowledge and experience to help you. We know accidents can be stressful and want to make the process as easy as possible for you. Call Zarzaur Law, P.A. today at (855) Hire-Joe for a free legal consultation or visit www.zarzaurlaw.com.