Every few years, Florida lawmakers introduce bills to repeal mandatory Personal Injury Protection (PIP) insurance. So far, none of those bills have passed. PIP remains the law in Florida. But the conversation is not going away, and every driver in Orlando and Central Florida should understand what PIP covers, why repeal keeps coming up, and what it would mean if the law eventually changes.
What Is PIP?
PIP is a type of no-fault insurance. It pays up to $10,000 of your medical bills after a car accident, regardless of who caused the crash. It also covers a portion of lost wages. Every Florida driver is currently required to carry at least $10,000 in PIP coverage.
The “no-fault” part means you file a claim with your own insurance company after an accident, even if the other driver was 100% at fault. PIP is designed to get medical bills paid quickly without waiting for a lawsuit to resolve.
Why Do Lawmakers Keep Trying to Repeal It?
The $10,000 cap has not been updated in decades. A single ambulance ride and ER visit can blow through that amount. Meanwhile, PIP fraud has historically driven up premiums for everyone. Critics argue the system is outdated and that Florida should move to a fault-based system like most other states, where the at-fault driver's insurance pays for the injured person's damages.
Proponents of keeping PIP argue that it provides fast access to medical care without the delays of determining fault. The debate continues in Tallahassee, but as of now, PIP remains mandatory for all Florida drivers.
What Would Repeal Look Like?
Most proposed repeal bills would replace PIP with mandatory bodily injury liability (BIL) coverage. Key changes would include:
- Mandatory bodily injury liability coverage. Drivers would be required to carry insurance that pays for injuries they cause to others in a crash, rather than covering their own injuries through PIP.
- No more 14-day rule. Under current PIP rules, you must see a doctor within 14 days of the accident or risk losing your PIP benefits. A fault-based system would eliminate that requirement.
- Greater ability to sue. Florida's current no-fault threshold limits your ability to file a lawsuit unless your injuries are “permanent.” A fault-based system could open the door for more injured people to pursue full compensation.
How PIP Works Right Now If You're in an Accident
If Someone Else Hits You
Your own PIP coverage pays up to $10,000 of your medical bills, regardless of fault. If your injuries exceed that amount, you may be able to pursue a claim against the at-fault driver's bodily injury liability insurance. This is where having an experienced personal injury attorney matters.
If You Cause the Accident
Your PIP covers your own medical bills up to the limit. The other person's PIP covers theirs. If their injuries are serious enough to meet the “permanent injury” threshold, they can file a claim against your bodily injury liability coverage. Make sure your policy limits are adequate. The minimum required limits may not be enough for a serious crash.
Uninsured/Underinsured Motorist Coverage
Whether or not PIP is ever repealed, UM/UIM coverage is critical. It protects you when the at-fault driver has no insurance or not enough insurance. Florida has one of the highest uninsured driver rates in the country. Do not skip this coverage.
What You Should Do Right Now
- Review your auto insurance policy. Make sure you have adequate PIP, bodily injury liability, and uninsured/underinsured motorist coverage.
- Do not just go with the minimum. State minimums are designed to meet a legal requirement, not to actually protect you. A serious car accident in Orlando can easily result in six or seven figures in medical bills.
- See a doctor within 14 days of any accident. Under current PIP rules, waiting longer than 14 days can cost you your PIP benefits entirely.
- Talk to an attorney before talking to insurance. Insurance adjusters are trained to minimize your payout. An attorney can protect your rights and make sure you do not settle for less than you deserve.
The Bottom Line
PIP has been the law in Florida for decades, and despite repeated efforts to repeal it, it remains in effect today. The best thing you can do is understand your current coverage, make sure your policy limits are adequate, and know your rights if you are hurt in a crash. If you are injured in a car accident in Orlando or Central Florida, having an experienced personal injury attorney on your side can make the difference between a lowball settlement and full compensation.
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