Florida's minimums are lower than you might expect
Florida's minimum auto insurance requirements are surprisingly low — and structured differently from most other states. Understanding exactly what the law requires, and what it doesn't, is essential for protecting yourself financially on Florida roads.
Personal Injury Protection (PIP): $10,000 minimum
Property Damage Liability (PDL): $10,000 minimum
Bodily Injury Liability: NOT required (though strongly recommended)
Personal Injury Protection (PIP) — $10,000 minimum
PIP is Florida's no-fault coverage — it pays your own medical bills after an accident regardless of who caused it. Florida requires all registered vehicle owners to carry at least $10,000 in PIP. PIP pays 80% of your medical expenses up to the limit, and 60% of lost wages.
The $10,000 minimum is considered by many insurance professionals to be dangerously low. Emergency room visits, surgery, and rehabilitation can easily exceed $10,000 for moderate injuries. Consider carrying higher PIP limits for better protection.
Property Damage Liability (PDL) — $10,000 minimum
PDL covers damage you cause to another person's vehicle or property. The $10,000 minimum can be quickly exhausted in an accident involving a newer or luxury vehicle. If you cause more damage than your PDL limit, you are personally responsible for the difference.
Bodily Injury Liability — NOT required, but critical
This is what surprises most people about Florida auto insurance law. Unlike nearly every other state, Florida does not require drivers to carry Bodily Injury Liability (BI) coverage. BI covers injuries you cause to other people in an accident.
If you cause serious injury to someone in an accident and they sue you — which is allowed when injuries meet Florida's threshold — you are personally liable for damages above your insurance limits. Without BI liability, your personal assets (savings, home equity, wages) can be at risk. Most insurance professionals strongly recommend carrying at least $100,000/$300,000 in BI liability.
What coverage should Florida drivers actually carry?
- PIP: $25,000-$50,000 — the $10,000 minimum is insufficient for serious injuries
- PDL: $50,000-$100,000 — the $10,000 minimum is quickly exhausted
- Bodily Injury Liability: $100,000/$300,000 — not required but essential for asset protection
- Uninsured Motorist: $100,000/$300,000 — critical given ~20% of FL drivers are uninsured
- Collision and Comprehensive — if your vehicle has significant value
Carrying only Florida's minimum requirements leaves you significantly exposed. The additional cost to increase from minimum to adequate coverage is often only $30-$60/month — money well spent for the protection it provides. The consequences of being underinsured in a serious accident can be financially devastating.