On the last day of the 2021 legislative session, Florida lawmakers passed a bill that would make major changes to the state’s auto insurance system. If Governor Ron Desantis signs Senate Bill 54 into law, it would repeal Florida’s no-fault auto insurance system and instead require mandatory bodily injury coverage, effective January 1, 2022.
The proposed new law would remove Florida’s personal-injury protection coverage (PIP) insurance system that has been in place for decades. Under the current no-fault law, people involved in a car crash may file claims directly with their insurance carrier, regardless of who was at fault for the incident. Florida drivers must carry a minimum of $10,000 in personal injury protection (PIP) coverage to pay for injuries sustained in a collision.
Currently, bodily injury coverage is optional in Florida. If the law changes, it would be mandatory, requiring motorists to have bodily injury coverage of $25,000 per person/$50,000 per accident. Drivers would also be required to purchase $5,000 in death benefit coverage, which is currently required under no-fault, to help cover funeral expenses and other bills of people killed in collisions. Insurance companies would also be required to offer medical payments coverage, known as med-pay, of $5,000 and $10,000 without a deductible. Although, med-pay would remain an optional coverage.
Opponents of the bill argue that insurance premiums could rise and that increased cost to drivers could potentially add to Florida’s already high uninsured rate of 20%. Supporters of the bill argue that it would help to eliminate fraud and that could help reduce insurance rates over time.
Be Prepared Before a Car Crash
We recently reviewed the types of car insurance Florida law currently requires and optional coverage areas to consider. We recommend reviewing all of the coverage options available with a reputable insurance company and purchasing a plan that fits your budget and family’s needs.
Purchasing car insurance is the first step of safe driving. Next, it is important to know what to do after a car crash. Read through the steps you should take at the scene of a car accident so you are prepared if the unfortunate happens.
We are watching this bill closely and will continue to provide updates as they happen. If you were recently injured in a car crash and need help collecting the compensation you deserve, please give our team at Panter, Panter & Sampedro a call. We offer free consultations and want to know how we can help your case. Contact us today at (305) 662-6178.
Sources:
Saunders (2021, April 30). Florida’s ‘no-fault’ auto insurance era will end if DeSantis signs bill into law. Retrieved from: https://miamiherald.com/news/politics-government/state-politics/article251067599.html
O’Connor (2021, April 30) Florida Legislature Passes Major Changes to Auto, Property Insurance Markets. Retrieved from: https://insurancejournal.com/news/southeast/2021/04/30/612316.htm
