Do Floridians Have to Have Car Insurance?

As of October 1st of this year, Florida drivers will no longer have to carry PIP, or No Fault auto insurance on their cars. Not only that, but many fear that without it being required by law any longer, they will no longer have to carry any car insurance at all. Needless to say, residents are worried about what this means if they get in an accident.

State Farm Auto Insurance Company and Allstate have lobbied lawmakers in Florida to get rid of the PIP because they say that it is costing the people of the state of Florida, as well as themselves, more money than is necessary. They say that by not having PIP, those with car insurance will be able to save money by not carrying the extra auto insurance coverage. They also say that without the extra money they have to pay out, they will be able to cut auto insurance rates as well.

Legislators have cow towed to the lobbyists and have allowed PIP to expire. Residents are upset because this means that they will ultimately have more uninsured drivers on the road, and responsible drivers will have to pay more for extra auto insurance to make sure that they are covered against an accident that won’t even be their fault.

Right now, PIP pays for $10,000 in medical expenses and lost wages, as well as 80% of all medical bills up to $10,000 for the driver and each passenger involved in the accident. It also gives lost wages back to the insured and death benefits. The law makes it mandatory for drivers to carry $10,000 in personal injury, and $10,000 in property damage. The property damage insurance covers damage to the other person’s car, home, etc. in the event of an accident.

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