Yes — car insurance is required in Florida, but the requirements are different from most other states. Florida is a no-fault state, which means the insurance system works differently than in traditional at-fault states.

Here is what every Florida driver needs to know.

Florida law requires all registered vehicle owners to carry two types of insurance:

PIP is the cornerstone of Florida's no-fault system. It pays for your own medical bills and a portion of your lost wages after an accident — regardless of who was at fault.

What PIP covers:

• 80% of reasonable medical expenses (up to $10,000)
• 60% of lost wages (up to $10,000 combined with medical)
• $5,000 in death benefits

Important limitation: To receive the full $10,000 in PIP benefits, you must seek medical treatment within 14 days of the accident. If you wait longer, your benefits are capped at $2,500 for non-emergency conditions.

PDL covers damage you cause to other people's property — primarily their vehicles — in an accident where you are at fault.

Unlike most states, Florida does not require most drivers to carry bodily injury liability coverage. BIL pays for injuries you cause to others in an accident.

Why you should carry it anyway: Without BIL coverage, if you cause an accident and injure someone, you are personally liable for their medical bills, lost wages, and pain and suffering. A serious injury can result in a judgment of hundreds of thousands of dollars against you personally.

Exception: Drivers with prior DUI convictions are required to carry BIL coverage ($100,000/$300,000 minimum).

Florida has one of the highest rates of uninsured drivers in the nation — approximately 1 in 5 Florida drivers has no insurance. UM/UIM coverage protects you when you are injured by a driver who has no insurance or not enough insurance to cover your damages.

This is arguably the most important optional coverage in Florida. Without it, if you are seriously injured by an uninsured driver, you may have no way to recover full compensation.

• Collision: Covers damage to your own vehicle in an accident, regardless of fault
• Comprehensive: Covers non-collision damage (theft, weather, vandalism)

These are required if you have a car loan or lease.

In a no-fault state like Florida, after most accidents, each driver's own PIP insurance pays for their medical bills and lost wages — regardless of who caused the accident. This is designed to reduce the number of lawsuits over minor accidents.

Florida's no-fault system does not bar all lawsuits. You can sue the at-fault driver for pain and suffering and other non-economic damages if your injuries meet the serious injury threshold:

• Significant and permanent loss of an important bodily function
• Permanent injury within a reasonable degree of medical probability
• Significant and permanent scarring or disfigurement
• Death

If your injuries meet this threshold, you can pursue a personal injury lawsuit against the at-fault driver for full compensation beyond what PIP covers.

Driving without the required PIP and PDL coverage in Florida can result in:

• License and registration suspension — until you provide proof of insurance and pay a reinstatement fee ($150–$500)
• Fines — up to $500 for a first offense
• SR-22 requirement — you may be required to file an SR-22 certificate of financial responsibility for 3 years
• Personal liability — if you cause an accident while uninsured, you are personally responsible for all damages

1. Call the police and get a police report
2. Seek medical treatment immediately
3. File a PIP claim with your own insurer
4. File a UM claim with your own insurer if you carry UM coverage
5. Contact a personal injury attorney — an attorney can help you explore all available sources of compensation

Juan Cordero Lawyers handles Car Accident Lawyer Florida and insurance coverage disputes throughout Florida. If you were injured in an accident, call 305.525.8957 for a free consultation — available 24 hours a day, 7 days a week. We serve clients in Miami, Fort Lauderdale, Martin County, and across South Florida.