Understanding Florida No‑Fault Auto Insurance (PIP) and the Coverage Gaps Most Drivers Overlook

Quick Summary: Florida requires drivers to carry Personal Injury Protection (PIP) and Property Damage Liability (PDL), but these minimums often leave big financial gaps. Most Florida drivers in Fort Pierce, Port St. Lucie, St. Lucie Village, Vero Beach, and throughout the state should strongly consider adding Bodily Injury Liability and Uninsured Motorist coverage. These optional coverages offer essential protection if you injure someone in an accident or if an uninsured or underinsured driver hits you. With rising medical and repair costs, minimum coverage rarely goes far enough.

At State No-Fault Insurance here in Fort Pierce, FL, I talk with drivers every day who are surprised to learn what Florida’s minimum auto insurance does not cover. Below is a clear breakdown of what’s required, what it actually pays for, and which additional protections most drivers should add.

What “No-Fault” Insurance Means in Florida

Florida is one of the few “no-fault” states, meaning your own insurance helps pay for your injuries regardless of who caused the accident. This is done through Personal Injury Protection (PIP), and it’s required for every vehicle owner in Florida.

Personal Injury Protection (PIP) — Required

PIP provides coverage for:

• Medical expenses (generally up to 80%)
• Lost wages (up to 60%)
• Replacement services (e.g., childcare, housekeeping)
• Death benefits

Florida law requires $10,000 in PIP coverage, but with today’s medical costs, many drivers exhaust that limit very quickly after a serious accident.

Property Damage Liability (PDL) — Required

PDL covers damage you cause to someone else’s vehicle or property. This also has a minimum requirement of $10,000 in Florida.

However, it’s important to remember: PDL does not cover repairs to your own car. For that, you’d need collision coverage. And if the property damage you cause exceeds your limits, you may be held personally responsible for the remainder.

The Most Common (and Costly) Coverage Gaps Florida Drivers Overlook

Florida’s required coverages are a starting point — not full protection. Here are the two most important optional coverages most drivers should strongly consider adding.

Bodily Injury Liability (BIL)

BIL pays for injuries you cause to others in an accident. Florida does not require it for most drivers, which is why so many people skip it — until they learn the risks.

If you’re at fault in a serious accident and someone is injured, you could face:

• Medical bills
• Rehabilitation costs
• Lost wages for the injured party
• Pain and suffering claims
• Lawsuits

Without BIL, all of this can come out of your own pocket. Many Florida drivers only realize this after it’s too late.

Uninsured/Underinsured Motorist Coverage (UM/UIM)

Florida has one of the highest percentages of uninsured drivers in the country. Even when drivers do carry insurance, many only have the bare minimum — which may not cover your injuries if they hit you.

UM/UIM protects you and your passengers when:

• You’re hit by an uninsured driver
• The other driver doesn’t carry enough coverage
• You’re involved in a hit‑and‑run

This coverage is one of the most valuable — and affordable — additions to your auto policy.

Why Minimum Coverage Often Isn’t Enough

Costs have risen significantly in recent years, from medical treatment to vehicle repairs. With only $10,000 in PIP and $10,000 in PDL, drivers in Fort Pierce, Port St. Lucie, St. Lucie Village, and Vero Beach may be left financially vulnerable after just one accident.

Upgrading your coverage limits and adding optional protections like BIL and UM/UIM ensures you’re covered against the unexpected — especially in a state with busy roads, high accident rates, and many uninsured drivers.

Learn More About Your Auto Insurance Options

If you’d like to explore what types of auto insurance fit your needs and budget, you can visit:

• Auto Insurance
• Personal Auto Insurance

As a local agent with more than 35 years of experience, I can help you understand your coverage, identify any gaps, and build a policy that protects what matters.

Ready for a Personalized Quote?

Get started today — request your auto insurance quote at https://statenofaultftpierce.com/contact.