What is PIP Insurance?

What is PIP Insurance?

On Behalf of Rosenthal, Levy, Simon & Sosa | January 15, 2025 | Car Accidents

Florida is one of several states that employ a no-fault system for car accidents. This means that if you’re injured by someone else’s negligence, you’ll turn to your own coverage to address your losses. The coverage is called personal injury protection (PIP), and every car owner is required to carry it. The no-fault process is somewhat streamlined, and the matter of who is at fault doesn’t enter the picture. If, however, you were seriously injured to the point that your damage exceeds your PIP coverage, you can seek more comprehensive compensation by filing a claim with the at-fault driver’s provider. If you’ve suffered an injury in a car accident, an experienced West Palm Beach car accident attorney can help. 

PIP Coverage

PIP insurance comes into play if you suffered an injury in a car accident – regardless of who caused the accident. To register a vehicle in Florida, you must carry at least $10,000 in PIP coverage. If you endure a covered injury in a car accident, your PIP policy will compensate you for both the following:

• As much as 80 percent of the medical expenses that are considered necessary and reasonable
• Up to 60 percent of your lost income

PIP Works with Your Health Insurance

Your PIP coverage will likely work in tandem with your health insurance coverage – ensuring that your costs aren’t covered twice. PIP can address costs that your health insurance doesn’t cover, but it’s important to keep in mind that – like with other kinds of insurance coverage – there is a deductible involved. 

Pain and Suffering Is Not Covered

An important loss that PIP does not address is the physical and emotional pain and suffering you endure because of being injured by someone else’s negligence. This emotional distress can intensify your other losses and can make your recovery far more challenging. This pain and suffering component is, however, covered by liability insurance in negligence-based car accident claims. 

How It Works

To be eligible for PIP benefits, you’ll need to seek treatment for your injuries within 14 days of the car accident. Failure to do so leaves you at risk of not being covered at all. While the insurance company has 60 days to investigate each claim for fraud, they are required to compensate claimants for their covered damages within 30 days.

No-Fault Doesn’t Mean That No One Is at Fault

While Florida uses a no-fault system for car accidents, this doesn’t mean that the car accidents involved aren’t caused by someone. Most car accidents are caused by driver negligence, such as distraction, impairment, and excess speed, and one driver can be the sole cause – or both drivers can share fault. The no-fault system simply takes the complicated matter of determining fault out of the equation to simplify and speed up the claims process. While the coverage isn’t as robust, the path forward is generally less challenging.

Call an Experienced West Palm Beach Car Accident Lawyer Today

The dedicated West Palm Beach car accident attorneys at Rosenthal, Levy, Simon & Sosa are committed to fiercely and effectively advocating for the compensation you deserve. Learn more by contacting us online or calling 561-478-2500 today.