About Auto Insurance in Florida

Auto insurance is a common requirement when operating a vehicle in most states; while Florida is not an exception, the state is unique in the way that their insurance laws operate.  Learning more about auto insurance in Florida will help you to retain your driving privileges and avoid unwanted brushes with the law.

Driving without car insurance is illegal in most states because there is a high probability for accidents to occur and the injury to persons and vehicles can be financially ruinous.  Comprehensive insurance coverage normally entails a maximum payout amount for bodily harm and vehicle repair, but Florida handles automobile insurance differently.  Florida is a no-fault state, meaning that if an accident occurs each party is responsible for their own bodily injury, but the at-fault party must pay for the victims property damage. Here are a few key facts about auto insurance in Florida:

• Personal Injury Protection (PIP) is the name of the first-party insurance coverage that all Florida drivers must carry.  This will cover the driver, members of the family in the vehicle, and some other passengers who don't have PIP.  The minimum limit that drivers must carry is $10,000.  It is considered first party coverage since it covers the owner of the policy.


• Property Damage Liability (PDL) is the portion of the auto policy that pays out in the event that the policyholder is found to be at fault in an accident.  All Florida drivers must carry a minimum of $10,000 PDL coverage in order to register a vehicle. This coverage is considered third party because it doesn't pay directly to the policyholder.


• Bodily Injury Liability (BDL) is another type of coverage that drivers can purchase from an insurance company to pay for harm caused to a third party due to the policyholder's negligence.  This form of insurance is not required in Florida but is good to have because this portion of the policy will pay for a defense team in the event of a lawsuit.

The implications of living in a no-fault state are many and it is wise for Floridians to find out more about how to protect themselves in an accident.  Carrying high PIP and PDL limits is the first step on the road to ensuring your financial future remains sound.