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As you probably know, all Florida drivers are required to have car insurance. Insurance policies, however, are far from one-size-fits-all. Each policy contains a number of clauses, and deductibles and premiums vary depending on many factors. One of the most important aspects of Florida car insurance is known as Personal Injury Protection (PIP).

The idea behind PIP coverage, sometimes called no-fault insurance, is to provide you with a quick source of cash in the immediate aftermath of a car accident. PIP comes from your insurance and, as its alternate name suggests, is released no matter who was at fault for the accident. The state requires every policy to carry at least $10,000 in PIP coverage, but you can opt for higher limits if you so choose.

PIP coverage provides funds to pay for injuries or cover lost wages while your settlement is resolved. However, that’s not always how it works out in practice. As you might suspect, insurance companies have created a variety of loopholes that will allow them to deny your coverage.

PIP only covers 80% of medical expenses and 60% of lost wages. Furthermore, in the event an injury is deemed a “non-emergency,” the amount of money released can be limited to $2,500. Worst of all, though, is the 14-day rule. The 14-day rule states that if you don’t seek medical attention within 14 days of your accident, you lose your right to PIP coverage.

So, if you get injured in a car accident, no matter who’s at fault, seek medical attention immediately. Obviously, that’s good practice in general, but it’s also smart from a financial perspective. If you have any inkling you might be hurt, go to the doctor.

If you’re struggling to navigate your PIP coverage or any other aspect of the car accident claims process, call our office at (813) 259-0022.