Car Insurance Types
The Sunshine State requires every vehicle with four or more wheels to have certain auto insurance coverage, but there are some coverage types that are not required but are wise and important to purchase.
It can be difficult deciding what coverage to purchase, but knowing your options can really help. Other than the required property damage liability and personal injury protection, other coverage types include bodily injury liability, uninsured and underinsured motorist coverage.
Attorney for Car Insurance Types in Miami, FL
If your insurance company has denied or ignored your claim or you are in need of resolving an insurance dispute, it would be in your best interest to contact Abrams Justice Trial Attorneys. Our veteran attorneys are experienced in dealing with auto insurance companies and will strive to achieve the best possible outcome for your situation.
Call us today at (305) 709-0880 or submit your information in our online contact form and one of our attorneys will review your case for free. We serve clients in the greater Miami-Dade area including Miami, Homestead, Hialeah, Pinecrest, Miami Gardens, Miami Beach, North Miami, Doral, Coral Gables, and Cutler Bay.
Overview of Car Insurance Types in Florida
- Required Car Insurance Coverage
- Other Florida Car Insurance Types
- Car Insurance Type Resources in Miami, FL
Required Car Insurance Coverage
Almost every state in the United States requires their drivers to have auto insurance, and Florida is no different. Established under Florida Statute 627.7295, Florida drivers are required to have two types of coverage: Property damage liability and personal injury protection.
Personal Injury Protection (PIP): This is also called Florida no-fault insurance and it covers the driver up to the limits of their policy, regardless if they are at fault of the accident. PIP covers the policyholder, their children, members of their household and certain passengers who lack PIP as long as they don’t own a vehicle. It also protects individuals who are riding in someone else vehicle, as a cyclist or a pedestrian who sustain injuries from crashing into another motor vehicle. The statute requires Florida motorist to carry a minimum of $10,000 of PIP and maintain it through the licensing and registration period.
Property Damage Liability (PDL): This form of insurance is used to pay for damages caused to another person’s property while driving. For instance, a driver rear-ends someone else’s car, so PDL would cover the cost of the damages to the other person’s vehicle. This can also include damage to property such as mailboxes, fences, telephone poles and buildings. This coverage applies even if the driver is driving someone else’s vehicle. Depending on the policy conditions, PDL may also cover anyone who uses your car with your permission. Florida required drivers to have $10,000 of PDL.
Other Florida Car Insurance Types
Aside from the required PID and PDL, there are other forms of auto coverage offered in Florida. While they are not required, it’s always wise to have additional coverage. Listed below are other car insurance types offered in Florida.
Uninsured and Underinsured Motorist: This form of auto insurance covers medical expenses in the event of an auto accident involving another person who does not have enough or any insurance at all. Insurance companies are required to offer uninsured and underinsured motorist insurance to drivers. If the driver denies the coverage, they are required to sign a statement stating that have chosen to opt out.
Bodily Injury Liability Insurance (BIL): BIL covers serious and permanent injuries or death as a result of an auto accident. The insurance company will pay for the injuries up to the policy limit and provide legal counsel if the driver is sued. BIL will also cover injuries caused by other members in the household, even if they are driving someone else’s vehicle. Depending on the policy, BIL may also cover those who drive the policyholder’s vehicle with their permission.
BIL is required for certain drivers in Florida who been convicted of DUI. If a driver has been convicted of a DUI, they are required to have $100,000 worth of coverage per person and $300,000 per incident.
Collision Coverage: This form of car insurance pays for repairs to the driver’s vehicle if it collides with another vehicle, turns over, or crashes into an object. The insurance company will pay for repairs regardless of who was at fault. Collision coverage does not cover injuries to people or damage to property.
Comprehensive Coverage: This covers losses that resulted from incidents other than a collision. Some examples include theft, flood, fire, vandalism, hitting an animal and falling objects. Some drivers may be required to purchase comprehensive and collision coverage if they are financing a vehicle.
Car Insurance Type Resources in Miami, FL
Florida Department of Highway Safety and Motor Vehicle Q&A– The Florida Department of Highway Safety and Motor Vehicle features a Q&A regarding auto insurance on their website. The forum answers questions such as what happens if you fail to keep coverage, required insurance and if you can keep you’re a policy insured in another state. The Florida Department of Highway Safety and Motor Vehicles ensure safety on highways and provide services to motorist.
Florida Statute Chapter 627– View the full text of the chapter in the Florida Statute that establishes auto insurance in the state. The chapter covers uninsured and underinsured vehicle coverage, the state’s no-fault laws and required security. The chapter can be viewed on Online Sunshine, the official site of the Florida legislature.
Lawyer for Car Insurance Types in Miami, FL
Abrams Justice Trial Attorneys has extensive experience dealing with car insurance companies. If your auto insurance company has denied or ignored your claim, you should contact Abrams Justice Trial Attorneys today.
Call us today at (305) 709-0880, or submit your information in our online form and one of our attorneys will review your case for free. Abrams Justice Trial Attorneys assist clients injured in car accidents in the greater Miami-Dade area including Miami, Homestead, Hialeah, Coral Gardens, Miami Gardens, Miami Beach, North Miami, Doral, Coral Gables, and Cutler Bay.