If you are a driver in Florida, it is important to be aware of car insurance laws. Failure to have the proper coverage can result in fines and other penalties. In this blog post, we will discuss the car insurance laws in Florida and what you need to know to stay compliant.
Contact The Fran Haasch Law Group today for a free consultation if you feel you have been the victim of a car accident through no fault of your own and have questions about what is covered under your policy and what additional damages you may need to seek compensation for.
Florida Auto Insurance Coverage Requirements
Florida drivers must have two types of minimum coverage car insurance options:
Personal Injury Protection Insurance
All drivers in Florida must have personal injury protection (PIP) insurance. This type of coverage will pay for your medical expenses and lost wages if you are injured in a motor vehicle accident, regardless of who is at fault. You must have a minimum of $10,000 in PIP coverage.
Property Damage Liability Insurance
Property damage liability coverage is also required in Florida. This coverage will pay for damages to another person’s property if you are at fault in an accident. The minimum amount of coverage you must have is $10,000.
Be sure to have the proper coverage before driving on Florida roads. If you are caught driving without insurance, you could face fines and other penalties.
Optional Auto Insurance Coverage
These insurance options are not required in Florida, but it is good to have this coverage if you can afford it.
- Bodily Injury Liability Coverage: This insurance will pay for medical bills and lost wages if you are at fault in an accident and someone is injured.
- Uninsured Motorist Coverage: This insurance will pay for your medical bills and lost wages if you are in an accident with a driver who does not have insurance.
- Collision Coverage: This insurance will pay for damages to your car if you are in an accident.
- Comprehensive Coverage: This insurance will pay for damages to your car if it is damaged by something other than a collision, such as fire, theft, or vandalism.
- Medpay: Medpay or Medical Payment Coverage is an additional elective provision insurance policy. This coverage ensures that 100% of your medical bills are paid up to a specific coverage limit.
Any additional coverage will increase your auto insurance rates, but it is better to have peace of mind if you are ever in an accident.
Penalties for Driving Without Car Insurance in Florida
Driving without the proper insurance coverage in Florida can result in several penalties. These include:
- A fine of $150 for the first offense
- A fine of $250 for the second offense
- A fine of $500 for subsequent offenses
If you do not provide proof of insurance to your local Department of Highway Safety and Motor Vehicles within the deadline, you could also face:
- A suspension of your driver’s license for three months
- A suspension of your vehicle registration for three months
If you are caught driving without insurance, it is important to take action immediately to avoid further penalties. Contact an experienced car accident lawyer who can help you understand your options and protect your rights.
How Much Does the Minimum Car Insurance Cost in Florida?
According to a recent study, the average cost of the minimum car insurance in Florida is $219 per month, while the average cost of full insurance is $347 per month. However, your actual rate will depend on many factors, including your age, driving record, and the type of vehicle you drive.
What Should I Do After a Car Accident in Florida?
If you are involved in a car accident in Florida, you should first call the police. Once the police arrive, they will create a report of the accident. You should get a copy of this report for your records. Then, you should exchange information with the other driver, including your name, contact information, insurance information, and license plate number. You should also take photos of the accident scene, if possible.
Once you have gathered all the necessary information, it is important to contact an experienced car accident lawyer who can help you file a claim with your insurance company. The Fran Haasch Law Group lawyers have experience handling car accident cases in Florida and can help you get the compensation you deserve. Our lawyers will help you navigate the claims process and protect your rights.
How Do I File a PIP Claim in Florida?
If you have been involved in a car accident in Florida, you may be able to file a Personal Injury Protection (PIP) claim. PIP is a type of no-fault insurance that can help pay for your medical bills and lost wages after an accident.
To file a PIP claim, you must submit several documents to your insurance company, including a copy of the police report, medical bills, and proof of lost wages. It is important to note that you have a very brief period of 14 days to receive medical treatment.
Can I Sue For Damages After a Car Accident?
In Florida, you can only sue the other driver if you have suffered serious injuries in a car accident or your damages exceed your PIP limits. Serious injuries are defined as permanent disability, significant and permanent scarring, or death. If you have not suffered one of these injuries, you will likely not be able to file a lawsuit against the other driver.
Should you decide to file a lawsuit, you must prove that the other driver was at fault for the accident. This can be done by showing that the other driver was speeding, driving under the influence, or engaging in reckless behavior.
Hire a Car Accident Attorney For Your Claim
At The Fran Haasch Law Group, we focus on helping you and your family recover. We pursue personal injury lawsuits and wrongful death claims to obtain full compensation for damages such as pain and suffering, medical expenses, lost earnings, property damage, and more.
With over 23 years of experience, we draw on constant medical research to help clients recover after being injured in auto accidents in Tampa Bay and the surrounding areas. Founding personal injury attorney, Fran Haasch, is a lifetime member of the Multimillion Dollar Advocates Forum and a member of the American Association for Justice, the Florida Justice Association, and the Tampa Bay Trial Lawyers Association.
Our attorneys are skilled and experienced litigators. We are not afraid to take your lawsuit to trial if necessary. No matter how complicated your case, our firm is here to help you navigate the legal process from start to finish.
Contact a Car Accident Attorney
After being in a car accident, one of the first things you should do is call a car accident lawyer. With their guidance, you will better understand your rights and remedies. In case two weeks have already passed since your accident, your lawyer will be able to help you figure out the best next step.
The Fran Haasch Law Group and our personal injury attorneys are standing by to help car accident victims in Clearwater, Florida, and the Greater Tampa Bay region. We offer free case evaluations to inquiring clients. Our case results speak for themselves, but if you would like to know more about our legal services, please feel free to call (727) 784-8191 or contact us online to get started on receiving maximum compensation for your personal injury case.
