July 30, 2023 
Last Updated: November 17, 2025

What Is Personal Injury Protection (PIP)? 

Being involved in a car accident is stressful, and figuring out how to pay for medical bills only adds to the anxiety. For drivers in Florida, this is where personal injury protection (PIP) insurance* becomes essential. This policy, which is a requirement for all drivers in Florida, is designed to protect you and your family members financially by covering medical costs and lost wages after a crash, no matter who is at fault in the accident.

Understanding how this auto insurance works and what specific rules apply in Florida is the critical first step toward getting the immediate care and benefits you need.

What Is PIP and How Does It Work in Florida?

PIP coverage, sometimes called no-fault insurance, is a type of mandatory auto insurance that pays for injuries sustained by you, your passengers and certain other individuals covered under your policy following a motor vehicle accident.

Florida operates under a “no-fault” system, meaning your PIP insurance covers medical expenses and related costs after an auto accident, regardless of who caused the crash, so you don’t have to wait for fault determination before receiving benefits. As a result, all vehicle owners in Florida are legally required to carry PIP insurance to register their vehicles. PIP benefits provide broad protection, covering injuries to both the policyholder and any passengers in the vehicle at the time of the accident, regardless of fault.

How Much Does Florida PIP Coverage Pay?

Florida requires a minimum of $10,000 in total PIP coverage, but it is important to understand that the coverage does not pay for 100% of your costs. It is designed to cover specific types of expenses related to your recovery and well-being.

Covered Expenses and Payout Percentages

PIP is designed to cover specific categories of loss, up to your total policy limit:

1. Medical bills: PIP pays 80% of reasonable medical expenses for the diagnosis and treatment of injuries caused by the car accident. This includes immediate care, emergency room visits, surgeries, hospital stays and follow-up rehabilitation.
2. Lost wages: If your injuries prevent you from working, PIP can replace 60% of your lost wages, up to the policy limit.
3. Replacement services: PIP pays 100% of the cost of hiring someone to perform necessary household tasks (cleaning, cooking or childcare) if your injuries leave you temporarily unable to do them yourself.
4. Death benefits: In the tragic event of a fatality, Florida PIP can cover up to $5,000 for funeral and burial expenses.

PIP vs. Liability Coverage

PIP and liability coverage serve different but complementary roles. PIP covers injury-related medical costs, lost wages, and those of your passengers, regardless of who caused the accident. Liability coverage helps with costs related to injuries or damage if you are at fault.

There are two types of liability coverage:

• Bodily injury liability: This coverage pays for the medical expenses and lost wages of other people injured if you are at fault. It’s separate from PIP coverage and included under some auto insurance policies. However, it isn’t required by Florida law.
• Property damage liability (PDL): This pays for damage you cause to other people’s property, such as their vehicle. Florida requires a minimum of $10,000 in PDL insurance coverage to register a vehicle, and PDL is not covered by PIP insurance.

The Critical 14-Day Rule and Florida PIP Claim Limits

The process of receiving benefits from PIP insurance in Florida is strictly governed by state law. Generally, once the insurance company receives reasonable proof of your injuries, they are required to pay your claim within 30 days. However, your eligibility and the amount you can receive depend entirely on the immediate actions you take.

The 14-Day Rule: Don’t Wait

To ensure you are eligible for any PIP benefits, you must seek initial medical services and care within 14 days after the motor vehicle accident. Of course, the primary reason to seek care is your health, but immediate medical attention is also required to secure your PIP benefits. Failure to seek treatment within this window can often result in the forfeiture or denial of your PIP benefits. 

The Emergency Medical Condition (EMC) Threshold

PIP coverage includes up to $10,000 in benefits, but the actual amount your plan will cover depends on the severity of your injuries.

• $2,500 limit: If your injuries are classified as non-emergency, your PIP benefit is limited to a maximum of $2,500.
• Full $10,000 limit: To access the full $10,000 in PIP coverage, a qualified physician must formally diagnose your injuries as an emergency medical condition. An emergency medical condition is defined as a condition with acute symptoms, such as severe pain, that could result in serious health risks or permanent impairment if not treated immediately.

This rule makes it absolutely critical to seek medical attention as soon as possible after an accident, not just for your health, but to ensure your doctor can properly assess and document the severity of your condition.

In Conclusion

Florida requires personal injury protection (PIP) coverage for anyone wanting to register a vehicle in the state. The coverage covers some level of medical costs for yourself or an injured passenger, reimburses lost wages and helps with certain other services you may need as you recover. It can also pay death benefits in the event that an accident is very serious. 

To receive your benefits, you must seek care within 14 days of an accident, so if you or a family member were injured in an auto accident in Florida, securing prompt and appropriate care is critical. 

Take your next steps after an accident by requesting an appointment at Complete Care or calling (844) 699-2273 to speak with our New Patient Counselors. We can help you schedule a medical evaluation.

_{^{*This article is for informational purposes only and does not constitute legal or insurance advice. PIP laws vary by state. Please consult a licensed professional for guidance on your specific situation}}