How Do You Find Out What Kind of Car Insurance You Have in Florida?

Car insurance is essential for protecting yourself and others in the event of an accident. Automobile insurance is legally required for every Florida driver, as the state operates under a no-fault system. Every motorist in Florida must have Personal Injury Protection (PIP) insurance, also known as no-fault insurance. Florida law requires all drivers to carry proof of current auto insurance coverage when driving, but many people are unclear about the specifics of their policies: the coverage they have, their limits, and how their policies protect them. Under the no-fault system, each driver’s insurance pays for their own medical expenses regardless of who caused the accident. Failure to maintain required insurance coverage may result in license suspension and a reinstatement fee of up to $500.

Understanding how much car insurance you need is crucial—especially after an accident—to ensure you receive the compensation and protection you are entitled to. Whether you are dealing with Personal Injury Protection or navigating Florida’s no-fault system, knowing your coverage details can mean the difference between financial security and devastating out-of-pocket expenses.

Here’s a comprehensive guide to help you determine what kind of auto insurance you have, why it is vital to know this information, and an outline of associated costs.

What is Considered “Full Coverage” Auto Insurance in Florida?

In Florida, “full coverage” does not have a single legal definition; it is a colloquial term meaning your policy exceeds the state’s minimum requirements. Florida law mandates only two types of coverage: Personal Injury Protection (PIP) and Property Damage Liability (PDL), each with minimum limits of $10,000. PIP covers 80 percent of medical expenses up to $10,000 for injuries resulting from a car accident, regardless of fault, and can also cover medical expenses for family or household members involved in the accident. Bodily Injury Liability (BIL), which covers injuries or death you cause to others, is not legally required but is an important addition.

A typical “full coverage” policy includes:

  • Personal Injury Protection (PIP): Covers medical expenses regardless of fault, up to policy limits
  • Property Damage Liability (PDL): Pays for damage to others’ property caused by your vehicle
  • Bodily Injury Liability (BI): Protects you if you cause injury or death to others (not mandatory, but highly recommended)
  • Collision coverage: Pays for damage to your vehicle, regardless of fault
  • Comprehensive coverage: Protects your vehicle from non-collision damages, such as theft, vandalism, fire, or floods
  • Uninsured/Underinsured Motorist (UM/UIM) coverage: Protects you in an accident with an uninsured driver

Although the law only requires minimal coverage, more coverage is often recommended to better protect your assets, especially in the case of a total loss, and to provide peace of mind. Florida has mandated PIP and PDL insurance, but many drivers are underinsured for serious accidents. Approximately 20% of Florida motorists lack any insurance coverage.

Because Florida’s required coverages are limited compared to other states, many drivers who believe they have “full coverage” may be missing key protections, such as bodily injury liability or adequate coverage limits for their assets. Although BI coverage is not legally required, adding it is important to protect yourself against damages, legal liabilities, and potential lawsuits resulting from accidents where you are at fault. If an at-fault driver in Florida lacks BI insurance, they could be personally liable for damages and risk license suspension. Florida’s high rate of uninsured drivers puts those with only minimum coverage at risk.

What Are the Four Things to Check When Determining What Kind of Car Insurance You Have?

Auto insurance coverage can be complex, but knowing your policy details is essential to making informed decisions, especially after an accident.

  1. Check Your Insurance Card
    Your insurance card gives a snapshot of your policy, including:

    • Policy number and claims contact information
    • Insurance provider’s name
    • Proof that your insurance company is licensed in Florida
    • Policy effective dates
    • Minimum coverage verification (PIP and PDL)
      Keep this card in your vehicle at all times to comply with Florida law.
  2. Review Your Policy Documents
    Policy documents offer a detailed breakdown of your coverage, specifying what protection you have for all registered vehicles. The declarations page summarizes your coverage, limits, and deductibles. Review the declarations page, contact your agent, or check your insurer’s portal to find your details. Key coverages include:

    • Personal Injury Protection (PIP)
    • Property Damage Liability (PDL)
    • Bodily Injury Liability (BI)
    • Collision Coverage
    • Comprehensive Coverage
    • Uninsured/Underinsured Motorist Coverage
    • Medical Payments (MedPay)
      If you are unsure, contact your insurance provider for clarification.
  3. Contact Your Insurance Agent
    Your insurance agent can explain:

    • Your coverage limits and whether they meet your needs
    • Your deductibles
    • Any exclusions or restrictions
    • The impact of Florida’s no-fault system
      Ask about optional coverages or request more documentation if needed.
  4. Use Your Insurance Company’s Online Portal or App
    Most providers offer tools to review your policy details conveniently. You can often see:

    • Coverage types and limits
    • Deductibles
    • Payment history and upcoming premiums
    • Options to add coverages (like roadside assistance)
      These tools allow you to update your information as needed.

What Happens When a Car Accident Claim Exceeds Insurance Limits in Florida?

Under Florida’s no-fault system, each person’s insurance pays for their accident injuries, regardless of fault, but the minimal required insurance does not cover all liability for medical bills, lost wages, or pain and suffering. If accident costs exceed your PIP coverage or other applicable limits, matters become more complex. For non-emergency injuries, PIP coverage may be limited to $2,500; otherwise, up to $10,000. Once your PIP coverage is exhausted or damages exceed policy limits, you may step outside the no-fault system and pursue additional compensation—typically by suing the at-fault driver. If your insurance does not cover all costs, you may be personally responsible for the difference.

Who Pays the Damages That Exceed the Policy Limits?

The at-fault driver becomes personally responsible for any portion of damages exceeding insurance coverage limits. If the driver has sufficient assets, you may recover the difference through litigation, but if they lack recoverable assets, full recovery may not be possible. Carrying adequate uninsured motorist coverage is recommended to protect yourself and your family from at-fault drivers with no insurance.

Why Is Knowing Your Insurance Information Important After an Accident?

Knowing your car insurance coverage details is especially critical after an accident:

  1. It Helps You File a Claim Efficiently—You can provide accurate information for your claim.
  2. It Ensures You Receive the Right Compensation—You avoid out-of-pocket expenses for damages or medical bills that should be covered by your policy.
  3. It Helps You Meet Legal Requirements—You ensure compliance with Florida’s laws and avoid fines.
  4. It Aids in Navigating the No-Fault System—You know when to seek compensation beyond PIP benefits and pursue additional claims, if justified.

What Should You Do If You Discover Gaps in Your Coverage?

If you find gaps in your coverage, consider these options:

  • Add Bodily Injury Liability: Protects your assets if you cause serious injury
  • Increase Coverage Limits: Higher PIP and liability limits offer better protection
  • Add Comprehensive Coverage: Covers non-collision damages
  • Consider Roadside Assistance: Offers peace of mind if stranded
  • Shop Around: Compare policies for better protection at competitive rates
  • Add Gap Insurance: Pays off your car loan if your car is totaled and insurance is insufficient
  • Add Medical Payments Coverage (MedPay): Supplements PIP for remaining medical expenses
    Gap insurance is important if your vehicle is declared a total loss—covering the difference between insurance payout and your remaining car loan balance, so you are not left with an unexpected financial burden.

How RTRLAW Can Help After an Accident

If you are involved in a car accident and are injured, you may need help navigating Florida’s complex insurance laws. A qualified personal injury attorney can:

  • Review your insurance policy to identify all possible compensation sources
  • Guide you through the no-fault system and help determine when you can pursue further compensation
  • Negotiate with insurers and pursue legal action when necessary

Knowing your car insurance policy details is essential for protecting yourself and ensuring adequate coverage. Review Florida’s requirements, understand the no-fault system, and seek legal guidance if you struggle to recover full compensation after an accident. If you’re struggling to navigate the complexities of an auto accident claim or need assistance understanding your rights under your insurance policy, RTRLAW is here to help. Contact us today for a free consultation by calling 1-833-HIRE-RTR or visiting our website. Let us fight for the justice and compensation you deserve.