Unlocking The Secrets Of Florida PIP Law
Brian O Sutter
Personal Injury
While it's been in place for a few years now, Florida's PIP law is something that can easily confuse people – especially new drivers in the state. It's a unique approach to auto insurance that has met with a tremendous amount of resistance. Most of that resistance stems from the fact that the wording and design of the law actually takes away a lot of benefits from the policy holder, and also makes it easier for insurance companies to collect higher fees and avoid paying out settlements.
PIP, also known as Personal Injury Protection, is required of every Florida motorist. But unlike other states that require coverage that protects others on the road, PIP is designed to protect you. You'll be required to have at least $10,000 in PIP coverage, and that coverage is supposed to help pay for your medical costs if you're involved in any kind of accident – even if it's one that is your fault.
But there are a lot of stipulations and loopholes that help highlight why this isn't the best law, and why various consumer advocacy groups have been trying for nearly three years to get the law changed. Here's a look at some of the policy specifics that stand out as problematic.
- • You must seek initial treatment within 14 days of the accident, or you will be unable to receive any compensation for your injuries. This is especially problematic if symptoms take some time to appear.
- • You'll only be eligible for $2,500 in restitution. Only those with serious injuries could receive the higher $10,000 amount – even if the costs of minor injuries exceeds the $2,500 threshold.
- • Massage therapists, and other similar healthcare providers are exempt from PIP, and you can't receive compensation for the costs of visiting these professionals even if a physician recommends it.
- • Chiropractors can be visited, but only after a referral from a physician. And the costs of seeing them is limited to $2,500 in total compensation.
- • Current rates don't match up to the relatively low amount of potential compensation involved, and as a result most who have PIP coverage find that they're not really getting a good value for their expenses.