Florida PIP in a Nutshell

If you've lived in Florida for awhile, you have probably heard the term "PIP" especially if you know of anyone who has been in a car accident. Well, what exactly does it mean? Does it mean you don't have to pay any out of pocket if you've been hurt in a car accident? Does PIP take care of everything? These are significant questions if you find yourself involved in an auto injury claim.

Florida law requires a minimum of $10,000 in Personal Injury Protection (PIP) coverage. Accordingly, in the event you've been injured, you will obtain PIP benefits to pay for different expenses up to a minimum of $10,000 or up to the policy limit amount. Florida law specifies exactly what the PIP benefits can include. Under Florida Statute § 627.736(1), the following costs may be reimbursed under Personal Injury Protection:

Medical Benefits: 80% of all reasonable, medically necessary expenses for medical, surgical, X-ray, dental, and rehabilitative services, including medically necessary ambulance, hospital, and nursing services.

Disability Benefits: 60% of any loss of gross income and loss of earning capacity caused by the injury as well as all expenses reasonably incurred in obtaining services that injured person would have performed for his or her household without income; ex. Housekeeping, lawn services.

Death Benefits: These are limited to the lower of any remaining amount of unused PIP benefits per person covered under PIP who was killed in the car accident or $5,000.

Depending on when the policy was entered into, if the insured has elected a deductible or modified coverage, then the deductible may apply before the injured person may receive benefits. Deductible applicability is narrowly construed so you should discuss whether the deductible applies with your personal injury attorney. The claim should be processed through the PIP insurer once the PIP deductible is satisfied.

The person who has been injured should call his or her insurance company and report the car accident so that the insurance company can open a claims file on his or her behalf. The insurance company will probably request that the injured party complete a PIP application that ask him or her to list the injuries suffered, all medical providers, details of the auto accident, and the injured party's employment information. The insurance company will also likely request authorization to access the injured party's medical records and bills from his or her healthcare providers as well as permission to confirm the injured party's place of employment. Ideally, you should speak to an auto accident attorney before taking on this complicated process.


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Ryan Rooth is a Florida auto accident lawyer who can help you navigate through the intimidating world of personal injury law. If you have been hurt in an auto accident or have questions about your insurance claim, get your FREE e-book providing help on your Florida auto accident case, available at => http://www.stpetersburgautoaccidentlawyer.com