As Clearwater auto accident attorneys, the team at Reeder & Nussbaum often fields questions and concerns from Florida drivers who find themselves involved in car accidents that cause injury. Some of the most common questions that we receive are related to the legal requirements for carrying car insurance in the state of Florida.
As part of our continuing commitment to help provide updated and accurate information regarding personal injury and accident law in Clearwater, Florida, here is information and some answers to common questions about car insurance coverage in Florida:
The Coverage You Need: PIP & PDL
Understanding Personal Injury Protection (PIP)
In Florida law, it is essential that you hold Personal Injury Protection (PIP) insurance. This insurance is created and designed to provide up to 80% coverage of medical expenses related to an injury that comes from an accident.
In Florida injury law, PIP insurance can cover up to $10,000 in medical expense coverage. This PIP insurance coverage is paid out to those insured – regardless of the fault of the injury-causing accident. If you are a driver, having PIP coverage insurance is required to ensure that you are covered in the event of an unexpected accident.
PROPERTY DAMAGE LIABILITY
Another type of car insurance that you must hold is known as Property damage liability (PDL) insurance. This insurance type covers any damages that are sustained by you to another party’s property that is involved in an accident. PDL insurance holds a minimum allowable coverage of up to $10,000.
I’m Not A Driver Currently – Do I Need Current Insurance Coverage?
There are many individuals in Clearwater who are in a season in life where they are not currently driving. So do these drivers still need to hold insurance coverage?
The short answer is yes. According to Florida law, you must still have car insurance coverage even if you are not currently driving. Unless your car is deemed inoperable (and that is factual question relating to the reason it is not operable), you must still have current coverage – a reality that may surprise you if you have not looked closely at the law in Florida.
Your car insurance must be purchased from a carrier that is licensed to do business in Florida – so make sure that you do your research prior to applying for insurance. If you do not have the proper insurance, and find yourself involved in an accident with a vehicle you may or may not own, you will need to show that you are legal in order to avoid a penalty.
What If I Don’t Have Coverage?
Many individuals believe that they don’t need to hold insurance coverage as a driver – until it’s too late. When a driver does not hold the proper Florida car insurance coverage during the registration period, many consequences may follow when they are involved in a car accident.
For one, a lack of coverage will likely lead to the suspension of your Florida driver’s license for up to nearly three years. On top of that, you may discover that your license plate registration will also be suspended – making it even harder to travel as a driver.
You may also be hit financially for the lack of car insurance coverage in Florida as well – nearly $500 on average on top of any other damages that you may have caused should you be found as the driver at fault in the accident. To avoid these penalties and consequences, it is essential that you keep your coverage updated, current, and on you at all times while you are driving.
Injured? Reeder & Nussbaum Can Help
When you are involved in a car accident, seek the help and guidance necessary to receive the compensation you need to get back to your normal, thriving life. If you are not sure where to turn for help in a car accident injury case, contact the team at Reeder & Nussbaum today.
To receive the help you need, contact an auto accident attorney Clearwater, Florida. Our highly-skilled and experienced Clearwater lawyers can help walk you through the steps of filing your claim and working through the often-complicated legal process. When you are hurt, you should focus only on the healing and recovery process. Let our team take care of the rest.