Does My Insurance Cover Me in a Florida Car Accident?

As long as you stay on top of your auto insurance premiums, it’s reasonable to assume the policy will protect you no matter what happens. In reality, of course, there are scenarios in which your coverage won’t apply.

If you were recently involved in a collision while on vacation in Florida, for example, you’re probably wondering what kinds of compensation are available through your own carrier. From the role you played in the wreck to the losses you incurred, a variety of factors will determine what, if anything, you’re entitled to recover from your provider.

Let’s take a look at the most common kinds of insurance that states require to determine which might come into play for you:

1. Liability Coverage

If you contributed to the crash, your liability insurance will apply to those who sustained property damage and/or bodily injury; however, since Florida is a no-fault state, the other parties are going to have to seek funds from their own carriers first. Only after exhausting their personal injury protection (PIP) coverage and meeting the state’s serious injury threshold can they file a third-party claim with your insurer.

Even though your coverage was issued in another state, the carrier should honor the terms of the agreement and distribute the funds up to the policy’s limit to third parties with legitimate liability claims.

2. Personal Injury Protection Coverage

Most states that have a no-fault system, like Florida’s, require motorists to purchase PIP insurance. If you’re from one of those states, such coverage should apply following a wreck in Florida.

If, on the other hand, you’re from a fault state and you opted not to buy any PIP coverage because it wasn’t required, you obviously won’t be able to draw from it. As long as you meet the state’s serious injury threshold, though, you can bypass the no-fault system and file a claim with the liable party’s carrier to seek funds from them instead.

Florida considers an injury serious if it results in permanent scarring or disfigurement, the permanent loss of an integral bodily function, or death.

3. Uninsured/Underinsured Motorist Coverage

Like liability coverage, uninsured/underinsured motorist (UM/UIM) coverage applies across state lines. Instead of protecting others, though, it protects the policyholder.

You can draw upon this coverage up to its limits if the responsible party doesn’t have enough—or any—of their own liability insurance to cover your damages. While some states require UM/UIM coverage, others allow motorists to opt out. To ensure you’re protected in most scenarios, opting in can be a sound investment.

Discuss Your Case with a Car Accident Lawyer in West Palm Beach

If you were hurt in a car accident in Florida, turn to Donaldson & Weston for guidance, even if you’re not a resident. Our resourceful team is used to working with out-of-state clients who ended up in collisions while on vacation.

We’ll handle all the aspects of your claim right here in Florida, so you can focus on your recovery in the comfort of home. To schedule a free case review with a car accident attorney in West Palm Beach, fill out our Online Contact Form or call 561-299-3999.