What Type of Car Insurance Is Required in Florida

When new clients ask us what type of car insurance is required in Florida, the answer begins with two specific policies every driver must carry. In Florida, drivers are legally required to maintain Personal Injury Protection (PIP) and Property Damage Liability (PDL) coverage, with a minimum of $10,000 each. This insurance must always be kept active for any vehicle with four or more wheels to be legally registered. This protection is not just about meeting state requirements but is also critical when seeking compensation after an accident. 

As a Boca Raton car accident lawyer, we often see how having the right coverage impacts recovery options for injured drivers. At Hersh Kirtman, we help clients understand these rules and fight for the compensation they deserve after a crash.

Florida’s Minimum Car Insurance Requirements

Florida law requires all drivers to carry a minimum of $10,000 in Personal Injury Protection and $10,000 in Property Damage Liability. According to the Florida Highway Safety and Motor Vehicles, PIP covers 80 percent of necessary and reasonable medical expenses up to the policy limit, regardless of who caused the crash. PDL pays for damage to another person’s property if you are at fault. Without this proof of coverage, the state will not allow a vehicle to be registered, and a lapse in coverage can result in license suspension and significant fines. 

Many drivers choose to purchase policies above the minimum to ensure greater protection in the event of a serious accident. These higher limits can provide peace of mind, particularly for families and those who commute daily on Florida’s busy roads. For anyone wondering what type of car insurance is required in Florida, the answer always starts with PIP and PDL, but choosing additional coverage offers stronger security.

Is Bodily Injury Liability Insurance Required in Florida?

Unlike many other states, Florida does not mandate all drivers’ Bodily Injury Liability (BIL) coverage. However, this type of insurance can be essential if you cause an accident that seriously injures another person. While it is optional for most drivers, specific high-risk drivers, such as those previously involved in serious crashes or convicted of DUI, may be required to carry BIL coverage. 

Although not mandatory, we often encourage clients to consider adding BIL to their policy for added protection. Carrying this coverage can prevent future lawsuits from risking your personal assets. It also helps protect other drivers, ensuring that victims of severe accidents have access to fair compensation when damages exceed minimum policy limits.

Florida’s “No-Fault” Insurance Law Explained

Florida follows a no-fault system for car accidents. This means that after a crash, each driver turns first to their own PIP coverage to pay for medical bills, regardless of who was responsible. Under Florida Statutes §627.7407, drivers must maintain continuous PIP coverage under the Florida Motor Vehicle No-Fault Law. If injuries meet a certain severity threshold, a person can step outside the no-fault system to pursue a claim against the at-fault driver. 

This law was designed to ensure faster access to medical coverage and limit when lawsuits can be filed. Understanding whether your injuries qualify under this threshold is a crucial step, and having legal guidance makes that determination easier.

What Happens If You Drive Without Insurance in Florida?

Driving without the required insurance in Florida carries severe penalties. A lapse in PIP or PDL coverage can result in suspension of your driver’s license, registration, and license plate. To reinstate driving privileges, you must pay fees and provide proof of current insurance, often through an SR-22 certificate. Repeated violations can bring longer suspensions and higher costs. 

Beyond legal penalties, driving uninsured leaves you personally responsible for damages or medical bills if you are in a crash, which can be financially devastating. In some cases, failure to maintain coverage can even lead to difficulties securing affordable insurance, making it more costly to get back on the road legally. The consequences extend beyond fines, and the financial burden can overwhelm many families without proper protection.

How a Boca Raton Car Accident Lawyer Can Help You After a Crash

Even when drivers follow Florida’s insurance laws, accidents often lead to disputes with insurance companies over the value of a claim. A Boca Raton car accident lawyer can guide you through filing claims, negotiating with insurers, and determining whether your injuries qualify to step outside Florida’s no-fault system. 

At Hersh Kirtman, we understand the complexities of these cases and provide the legal support needed to secure fair compensation. We assist clients with medical expense recovery, lost wages, pain and suffering, and other damages that insurance companies may overlook. Don’t wait to get the guidance you need after a crash. For help after an accident, contact us today at 561.208.3700.

Michael Hersh

Founding Partner

A passionate advocate for injury victims, Michael transitioned from corporate law to fighting for individuals after a pivotal case defending an elderly couple. With over $100M in verdicts and settlements, he specializes in catastrophic injury and wrongful death cases, using his Trial Lawyers College training to powerfully tell clients’ stories.

Years of experience – Over 15 years
Elite Trial Advocate – Graduate, Trial Lawyers College
$35M Record Verdict – Catastrophic auto accident case

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