If you own a car registered in Florida, you are required to carry Personal Injury Protection, usually just called PIP. It's the heart of Florida's "no-fault" system, and it's the first place most medical bills go after a car crash. I work with PIP every day, so here is the version I'd give a friend over coffee.
What "no-fault" means
No-fault doesn't mean nobody was at fault. It means your own PIP coverage pays your initial injury-related benefits no matter who caused the crash. The idea is to get people's medical bills and lost wages paid quickly, without waiting for a lawsuit to decide who was to blame.
Who is covered
Your PIP policy generally covers:
- You, the named insured
- Relatives who live in your household
- Passengers in your car who don't have their own PIP coverage
- Florida residents who are struck as pedestrians or cyclists by your vehicle and don't have their own PIP
What it pays
The standard Florida PIP policy provides up to $10,000 in benefits per person. Within that limit, it generally pays:
- Medical benefits: 80% of reasonable expenses for medically necessary care
- Disability benefits: 60% of lost gross income and earning capacity
- Replacement services: help with tasks you can't do while injured
- Death benefit: $5,000, in addition to the $10,000 limit
The two big conditions
PIP isn't a blank check. Two rules shape almost every claim:
- The 14-day rule. You must receive initial treatment within 14 days of the accident for medical benefits to be available.
- Emergency medical condition (EMC). The full $10,000 in medical benefits is available only if a qualified provider determines you had an emergency medical condition. Without that determination, medical benefits are capped at $2,500.
I explain both in more detail in a separate note on the 14-day rule.
What PIP doesn't cover
PIP is about injuries, not cars. Damage to your vehicle falls under property damage liability (which pays for damage you cause to others) or optional collision coverage on your own policy. PIP also doesn't pay for pain and suffering.
Deductibles
Many drivers choose a PIP deductible to lower their premium. If you did, that amount comes off the top before benefits are paid. It's worth checking your declarations page so there are no surprises.
The takeaway
PIP is designed to be fast and simple: get treated promptly, keep your paperwork, and submit bills to your own insurer. If something feels off with a claim, a Florida-licensed attorney can look at your specific facts.