Mandatory CoveragesPersonal Injury Protection (PIP)
The Florida Motor Vehicle No-Fault law requires owners or registrants of motor
vehicles to maintain personal injury protection (PIP) coverage at all times.
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A
personal injury protection policy pays up to $10,000
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without regard to fault for
bodily injury sustained in a motor vehicle accident by the named insured, relatives
residing in the same household, persons operating the insured motor vehicle,
passengers in the insured motor vehicle, and persons struck by the insured motor
vehicle. The coverage also extends to children who suffer an injury while riding a
school bus. The amount paid is:
• 80 percent of all reasonable expenses for medically necessary medical
services;
• 60 percent of disability benefits for any loss of gross income and earning
capacity per individual from inability to work proximately caused by the
injury in the auto accident;
• 100 percent of replacement services (e.g., child care, housekeeping, and
yard work), and
• A $5,000 per individual death benefit.
The owner, registrant, operator, or occupant of the PIP-insured vehicle is immune
from tort actions (and, conversely, may not bring suit to recover damages) for
pain, suffering, mental anguish, and inconvenience arising out of the accident
except in cases of:
(1) Significant and permanent loss of an important bodily function;
(2) Permanent injury within a reasonable degree of medical probability, other
than scarring or disfigurement;
(3) Significant and permanent scarring or disfigurement; or
(4) Death.