When it comes to car insurance in Florida, the debate between PIP vs full coverage can be a bit confusing, especially for those who are unfamiliar with the specifics of Florida’s insurance laws. While both provide important protection, they serve different purposes, and understanding their differences can help you make the right choice for your personal situation.

This article will walk you through the key differences between PIP insurance and full coverage car insurance in Florida, explaining what each policy covers, and when you need one or the other.

The Key Difference Between PIP and Full Coverage Car Insurance in Florida

The most significant difference between PIP vs full coverage is their purpose and coverage area:

  • PIP is designed to pay for your medical bills and lost wages, regardless of fault.
  • Full coverage auto insurance goes beyond that, offering protection for your car, property damage, and other people’s injuries if you’re at fault in an accident.

What is PIP Insurance?

Personal Injury Protection (PIP) is a mandatory car insurance coverage in Florida. It is a no-fault insurance, which means it doesn’t matter who caused the accident, your PIP will cover your medical expenses and lost wages up to a certain limit, typically $10,000. Even if the other driver was at fault, your own PIP coverage will pay for your immediate medical expenses after an accident.

PIP typically covers:

  • 80% of medical expenses related to the accident.
  • 60% of lost wages if you’re unable to work due to your injuries.
  • Other essential economic losses like transportation expenses related to your medical treatments.

It’s important to note that PIP doesn’t cover pain and suffering or non-economic damages. It’s strictly for medical expenses and lost wages.

What is Full Coverage Insurance?

Full coverage car insurance is a comprehensive policy that typically includes several types of coverage:

  1. Liability coverage: Pays for damages to others if you’re at fault in an accident.
  2. Collision coverage: Covers the cost of repairing or replacing your vehicle if it’s damaged in a collision, regardless of fault.
  3. Comprehensive coverage: Covers non-collision-related damages, such as theft, vandalism, or natural disasters.
  4. Uninsured/Underinsured Motorist coverage: pays for damages you suffer when you are hit by an uninsured motorist

While full coverage isn’t required by Florida law, it’s often a smart choice if you want extra protection beyond the basic PIP insurance, especially for those who have a newer or higher-value car.

When Does PIP Come Into Play?

In Florida, PIP insurance is typically the first coverage that kicks in after an accident. Because Florida is a no-fault state, PIP is mandatory, meaning you must have it if you own a car. This insurance pays for the first $10,000 of medical bills and lost wages, regardless of who was at fault in the accident.

This is beneficial for quick coverage after an accident. For example, if you are injured and need immediate medical attention, PIP ensures that you won’t have to wait for a claims process to start receiving medical care.

However, while PIP is essential, it only covers medical bills and lost wages and does not pay for pain and suffering. If your injuries exceed the limits of PIP coverage, you may need additional insurance to recover the rest.

When Does Full Coverage Car Insurance Come Into Play?

Full coverage car insurance is ideal for those who want more comprehensive protection. Unlike PIP, full coverage includes collision and comprehensive coverage, which pay for damage to your own vehicle, not just medical bills.

Additionally, full coverage typically includes liability insurance, which covers the damages you cause to other people and their property if you’re at fault in an accident. This is crucial because, while PIP covers your own medical bills, liability coverage covers the medical expenses of other drivers or passengers involved in the accident.

If you’re involved in a crash and the other party is at fault, your full coverage will help cover the repair costs for your vehicle and medical bills if the other driver doesn’t have enough insurance or none at all.

What is Not Covered by PIP?

While PIP offers valuable protection, it does have its limitations. It does not cover pain and suffering, which can be a significant factor in an accident claim, especially if the injuries are severe. If you want to pursue pain and suffering damages, you would need to meet certain thresholds that allow you to pursue a lawsuit against the at-fault driver.

In addition, PIP doesn’t cover damages to your car. This is where collision and comprehensive coverage from full coverage come into play.

Full Coverage Provides Additional Car Insurance Protection

Full coverage offers broader protection by not only covering your own medical bills (if you have MedPay or other supplemental coverage) but also paying for damage to your own car and damage you cause to others. For example, if you’re involved in an accident where you’re at fault and you have full coverage, it will cover repairs to your car, as well as any medical bills for the other driver or passengers.

In Florida, even though PIP covers your initial medical expenses, full coverage helps with expenses beyond what PIP covers, particularly vehicle repairs and property damage. It also provides extra protection in case you’re found at fault.

Do You Need Both PIP and Full Coverage Car Insurance in Florida?

In Florida, PIP is mandatory, so you must have it if you own a car. Full coverage, on the other hand, is optional but highly recommended, especially for those who want protection for their car’s damages or if they have a newer or higher-value vehicle.

If you already have full coverage, you might still want to add MedPay for additional medical protection. PIP will still pay first, but MedPay can help cover any gaps.

PIP vs Full Coverage: Which is Right for You?

The choice between PIP vs full coverage largely depends on your personal needs and financial situation:

  • If you are looking for a basic protection plan that covers your immediate medical expenses and lost wages, PIP is essential and required by Florida law.
  • If you want full protection that covers your car, others’ damages, and medical bills beyond what PIP offers, then full coverage is the better option.

For drivers who own high-value cars or who want more comprehensive coverage, full coverage offers peace of mind beyond the minimum requirements. However, if you just need to satisfy Florida’s legal requirements, and you’re looking for basic coverage, PIP is the starting point.

Ultimately, PIP and full coverage serve complementary purposes, and many drivers find it beneficial to have both, ensuring they are fully protected in the event of an accident. If you’ve been injured in an accident and are unsure how MedPay, PIP or full coverage applies to your case, a Florida Medpay coverage lawyer at Abrahamson & Uiterwyk can help. Contact us today!

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