When you are in a car accident in Florida, you should file a claim with your own insurance company per Florida’s no-fault car insurance laws. While you are required to carry a minimum of $10,000 in personal injury protection (PIP) coverage, there are other types of insurance coverage can benefit you if you were in a wreck. Check your policy to see what coverage you have, and consider these types of coverage if you are purchasing insurance.

1.  Uninsured and Underinsured Motorist Coverage 

Uninsured and underinsured motorist coverage must be offered to you at the time you purchase your car insurance, but you are allowed to reject the coverage in writing. However, if you do choose to purchase uninsured or underinsured motorist coverage, it will help pay for your losses in the event you are in a crash with an uninsured/underinsured driver or the victim of a hit-and-run.

2.  PIP Coverage 

PIP coverage, also known as, “no-fault coverage” ($10,000 minimum), is required in Florida. It will cover 80 percent of your medical bills and 60 percent of your lost wages. This is similar to medical payments coverage. 

3.  Medical Payments Coverage 

Medical payments coverage, or Med-Pay, is an optional insurance that can help you in an accident. This coverage type will pay for your medical expenses in an accident regardless of who was at fault, similar to PIP coverage. Med-Pay can supplement PIP coverage and pay what PIP does not cover, including your co-pays and deductible.

4.  Collision & Comprehensive 

Collision and comprehensive insurance are two popular coverage types that are also not required. The former – collision – covers the costs of damage to your vehicle after an accident. The latter – comprehensive coverage – does not apply to car accidents, but instead covers damage to your vehicle that occurs due to natural phenomena, such as a storm.

5.  Bodily Injury Liability Coverage 

You are not required to carry bodily injury liability coverage in Florida, but doing so can be beneficial in the event that you cause an accident and the injured driver sues you. This coverage type pays for serious injuries and death to other persons in an accident that you cause. Furthermore, if you are sued, bodily injury liability coverage provides you with legal representation.

6.  GAP Insurance 

Guaranteed Auto Protection (GAP) insurance protects accident victims from vehicle depreciation. GAP insurance works to bridge the gap between what you still owe on a car loan after an accident and the car’s value. GAP will cover the difference between what you owe and what the insurer gave you for the car.

What to Do After a Car Accident in Florida 

If you have been in a car accident in Florida, notify your insurance company of the wreck as soon as possible. Check your insurance policy to see what your insurance covers. Then, you should call a car accident attorney who can represent you during the claims process. The car accident attorneys at the Montero Law will provide you with what you need to know about your rights after a car accident.

Contact us for a free case consultation at 954-767-6500 now.