Florida PIP vs BI Coverage Explained
Quick Answer:
PIP covers YOUR medical bills regardless of fault (required in FL). BI covers OTHER people's injuries when you're at fault (optional but highly recommended).
The Key Differences at a Glance
PIP (Personal Injury Protection)
- ✅ Required in Florida
- ✅ Covers your medical bills
- ✅ Works regardless of who's at fault
- ✅ Minimum $10,000 coverage
- ✅ Pays 80% of medical, 60% of lost wages
- ✅ Must use within 14 days of accident
BI (Bodily Injury)
- ❌ Optional in Florida (but recommended)
- 🚗 Covers other people's injuries
- ⚖️ Only applies when you're at fault
- 💰 Typical limits: $25k-$100k per person
- 📈 Pays 100% up to policy limits
- 🏥 No time restrictions
What is PIP Coverage?
Personal Injury Protection (PIP) is Florida's "no-fault" insurance that covers your own medical expenses and lost wages after any car accident, regardless of who caused the crash.
Florida PIP Requirements (2025):
Minimum Coverage:
- • $10,000 medical expenses (80% coverage)
- • $5,000 disability benefits (60% of lost wages)
- • $5,000 death benefits
What PIP Covers:
- • Emergency room visits
- • Doctor appointments
- • Physical therapy
- • Prescription medications
- • Lost wages (60% up to limits)
- • Essential services (childcare, etc.)
Critical Rule: You must seek medical treatment within 14 days of your accident to qualify for PIP benefits.
What is Bodily Injury (BI) Coverage?
Bodily Injury coverage protects other people when you cause an accident. It pays for their medical bills, lost wages, pain and suffering, and other damages.
Why Florida Doesn't Require BI (But You Should Have It):
Florida is the ONLY state that doesn't require BI coverage!
This means if you cause a serious accident without BI coverage, you could be personally liable for hundreds of thousands in damages.
Typical BI Coverage Limits:
$25,000/$50,000
Minimum recommended
$50,000/$100,000
Better protection
$100,000/$300,000
Best coverage
Format: Per person / Per accident
Real-World Scenarios: How They Work Together
Scenario 1: You're Hit by Another Driver
You're rear-ended at a red light. $15,000 in medical bills. Other driver is clearly at fault.
Your PIP pays first:
- • $10,000 × 80% = $8,000 in medical coverage
- • No deductible, pays immediately
- • You still owe $7,000
Other driver's BI pays remaining:
- • Covers remaining $7,000 + pain/suffering
- • May require negotiation/lawsuit
- • Could take months to settle
Scenario 2: You Cause an Accident
You run a red light and T-bone another car. Other driver has $25,000 in medical bills.
Your injuries (PIP covers you):
- • Your PIP pays your medical bills
- • 80% up to $10,000 limit
- • Works normally regardless of fault
Other driver's injuries:
- • With BI: Your insurance pays their $25k
- • Without BI: You're personally liable!
- • Could lose assets, wages garnished
The Hidden Dangers of No BI Coverage
30% of Florida Drivers Have No BI Coverage
This creates massive financial risk. Here's what can happen:
If You Cause a Serious Accident:
- • Sued for victim's medical bills
- • Wage garnishment (up to 25%)
- • Asset seizure (house, cars, savings)
- • Bankruptcy consideration
If Hit by Uninsured Driver:
- • Limited to your PIP coverage
- • Need UM/UIM for additional protection
- • May recover nothing for pain/suffering
- • Left with overwhelming bills
Uninsured/Underinsured Motorist (UM/UIM) Coverage
Since Florida doesn't require BI coverage, smart drivers also buy UM/UIM coverage to protect themselves when hit by drivers with no insurance or insufficient coverage.
Uninsured Motorist (UM):
- • Covers you when hit by driver with no insurance
- • Acts like the at-fault driver had BI coverage
- • Your own insurance company pays
Underinsured Motorist (UIM):
- • Covers gaps when at-fault driver has minimal BI
- • Example: They have $25k BI, you have $50k in bills
- • UIM pays the difference
Recommended Florida Auto Insurance Coverage
Minimum Smart Coverage (Not Just Legal Minimum):
After an Accident: What to Know
Important Steps:
- 1. Seek medical care within 14 days - Required to trigger PIP benefits
- 2. Report to your insurance immediately - For PIP claims
- 3. Don't admit fault - Let insurance companies determine liability
- 4. Document everything - Photos, medical records, police reports
- 5. Consider legal help - Especially if injuries are serious
Need Help Understanding Your Coverage?
Dealing with insurance after an accident can be confusing. Our Orlando car accident attorneys help you understand your coverage, maximize your benefits, and recover fair compensation.
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Frequently Asked Questions
What's the difference between PIP and bodily injury coverage in Florida?
PIP covers your own medical bills regardless of fault (required in FL). Bodily injury covers other people's injuries when you cause an accident (optional but recommended).
Is bodily injury insurance required in Florida?
No, Florida is the only state that doesn't require BI coverage. However, if you cause an accident without it, you're personally liable for all damages to other parties.
How much PIP coverage do I need in Florida?
Florida requires minimum $10,000 PIP coverage. However, consider higher limits if you want better protection for medical expenses and lost wages after an accident.
What happens if I don't have bodily injury coverage and cause an accident?
You become personally liable for all damages to the other party, including medical bills, lost wages, and pain and suffering. This could result in wage garnishment and asset seizure.