Definition of PIP Insurance & Overview of Florida Motorist Law

Bill Allen | September 27, 2025 | Car Accidents

Definition of PIP Insurance & Overview of Florida Motorist Law

When you’re in a car accident, the last thing you want is confusion about how your medical bills and lost wages will be paid. Florida has a unique system for handling car accident claims, and understanding Personal Injury Protection (PIP) insurance is key. This article explains what PIP is, how it works, and what every driver in Florida should know about motorist laws.

What Is PIP Insurance?

Personal Injury Protection (PIP) is a type of car insurance coverage that pays for certain expenses if you are injured in a crash, no matter who caused it. Florida is a “no-fault” state, which means that after most car accidents, each driver turns to their own insurance company first for compensation.

PIP is designed to provide fast access to benefits without long legal battles over fault. It covers you, members of your household, and, in some cases, passengers or pedestrians, depending on the situation.

What Does PIP Cover?

Florida law requires every driver to carry at least $10,000 in PIP coverage. However, that does not mean you’ll automatically receive the full amount after an accident. 

Here’s what PIP generally covers:

  • Medical bills: 80% of reasonable and necessary medical expenses (such as hospital visits, surgery, rehabilitation, and medication)
  • Lost wages: 60% of lost income if your injuries prevent you from working
  • Death benefits: Up to $5,000 to help with funeral and burial expenses 

It’s important to note that if your injuries are not considered an “emergency medical condition,” your benefits may be capped at $2,500 instead of $10,000. This is a determination made by your healthcare provider.

Deadlines and Requirements Under Florida Law

To receive PIP benefits, you must seek medical care within 14 days of your accident. Waiting too long can result in your claim being denied. This rule is strictly enforced, so even if you feel okay at first, it’s wise to get checked out by a doctor as soon as possible after your accident.

You’ll also need to make sure you see an approved provider—such as a physician, hospital, or emergency medical professional. For example, massage therapists and acupuncturists are excluded under Florida’s PIP rules.

Limitations of PIP Coverage

While PIP can provide crucial financial help right after an auto accident, it is often not enough to cover the full costs of a serious injury. 

For example:

  • It only covers 80% of medical bills and 60% of lost wages, leaving you responsible for the rest.
  • Serious injuries that lead to long-term care or permanent disability can quickly exceed the $10,000 limit.
  • Property damage is not covered by PIP. That falls under separate insurance coverage.

Because of these gaps, many accident victims find themselves needing to pursue additional compensation through other avenues.

Receiving Compensation Outside of Florida’s No-Fault System

Florida’s no-fault law is not absolute. In certain situations, you may step outside the PIP system and bring a claim directly against the at-fault driver. 

This usually happens when:

  • You suffer a serious injury, such as significant and permanent loss of an important bodily function, permanent scarring or disfigurement, or permanent injury.
  • Your damages exceed what your PIP policy pays.

In those cases, you may pursue a personal injury lawsuit to recover full compensation for medical bills, lost wages, pain and suffering, and other damages.

Florida’s Motorist Insurance Requirements

In addition to PIP, Florida law requires drivers to carry Property Damage Liability (PDL) coverage of at least $10,000. This helps pay for damage to another person’s car or property if you are at fault for an accident.

Unlike many states, Florida does not require Bodily Injury Liability (BIL) coverage for most drivers. However, carrying it is highly recommended, as it protects you if someone else is seriously injured in an accident you caused.

If you are convicted of certain offenses, such as DUI, you may be required to carry BIL coverage to keep your license.

Contact the Gainesville Car Accident Attorneys at Allen Law Accident & Injury Lawyers for a Free Consultation

Motor vehicle accidents happen suddenly, and medical bills can add up fast. Knowing what PIP covers—and what it doesn’t—can help you avoid financial surprises after a crash. While PIP provides a safety net, it’s often only the beginning of the recovery process.

If you’ve been seriously injured in an accident, you may need to explore options beyond PIP to make sure you’re fully compensated. An experienced attorney can help you navigate the system and protect your rights.

Call the Gainesville car accident lawyers at Allen Law Accident & Injury Lawyers for a free initial consultation to discuss your options.

We have three convenient locations in Marion County and Alachua County, North Central Florida:

Allen Law Accident & Injury Lawyers – Ocala Office
112 S Pine Ave
Ocala, FL 34471
(352) 351-3258

Allen Law Accident & Injury Lawyers – Downtown Gainesville
621 W University Ave
Gainesville, FL 32601
(866) 928-6292

Allen Law Accident & Injury Lawyers – Gainesville Office
2550 SW 76th St #150
Gainesville, FL 32608
(877) 255-3652