There are 12 states in the country that have “No-Fault” insurance. Also known as Personal Injury Protection (PIP), this type of auto insurance policy is designed to help drivers expedite their own personal injury claims process — regardless of who was at fault in the car accident.
What does PIP insurance cover?
Under Florida’s personal injury laws, all registered vehicles with at least four-wheels must have PIP insurance of at least $10,000. The primary purpose of this system is to provide the injured parties with a quick way to claim their compensation.
Here are three types of damage covered by PIP:
- Medical expenses: This covers 80% of your medical expenses and may include ambulance rides, hospital stays, doctor visits, dental services, medications and more.
- Lost wages and services: This covers 60% of your lost income. If your injury needs extra time to heal, you can also use the coverage for reasonable living expenses such as childcare or household services.
- Funeral expenses: This death benefit is separate from the $10,000 PIP limit. It pays $5,000 for each covered individual who dies from the car accident.
It is important to note that your insurance provider may pay you less if they think your medical expenses were not necessary for your crash injuries. To help ensure that you will not be taken advantage of by your insurer, seek legal counsel as soon as possible.
What is the statute of limitations for PIP claims?
There are two kinds of deadlines that you need to be aware of before you can qualify for a PIP insurance claim. These are:
- 14-day deadline for seeking medical treatment
- 30-day deadline for notifying the PIP insurer
After these initial steps, you will have a four-year statute of limitations from the date of the accident to file your claim. However, if you or one of your passengers is a minor, their statute of limitations is extended until they turn 18 years of age.
By understanding your rights and learning about how PIP insurance works, you can seek compensation for your crash injuries and recover from them while being free of financial worries.