Florida No-Fault Insurance Explained: What PIP Actually Covers in 2026

Florida is one of a handful of U.S. states with a no-fault auto insurance system. That means when you're injured in a car accident, you file a claim with your own insurance company first — regardless of who caused the crash. The coverage that pays those bills is called Personal Injury Protection (PIP), and it's required by law for every Florida driver.

What PIP Covers

Florida law requires a minimum of $10,000 in PIP coverage. Here's what it pays:

• 80% of medical bills — up to the policy limit for emergency medical treatment
• 60% of lost wages — if injuries prevent you from working
• Death benefits — $5,000 in the event of a fatal accident
• Replacement services — e.g., household services you can no longer perform

What PIP Does NOT Cover

PIP does not cover damage to your car (that's collision coverage). It also doesn't cover pain and suffering unless your injuries meet a specific threshold — typically a permanent injury, significant scarring, or serious disfigurement. Below that threshold, you generally cannot sue the at-fault driver for non-economic damages.

The 14-Day Rule

One of the most important rules in Florida's PIP law: you must seek medical treatment within 14 days of the accident to be eligible for the full $10,000. If you wait longer, you may only be entitled to $2,500 — and only for non-emergency care.

Is $10,000 Enough?

In most cases, no. Emergency room visits, imaging, and physical therapy can easily exceed $10,000 for even a moderate injury. That's why many Florida drivers add Medical Payments (MedPay) coverage on top of PIP, which fills the gap left by the 20% PIP co-pay and extends total medical coverage beyond the PIP limit.

Have questions about your Florida auto insurance coverage? As an independent agency under Tomlinson & Co, we have access to multiple top-rated carriers. Call the team at FloridAuto.com at 800-616-1418 — we'll make sure your policy actually protects you.