Florida Auto Insurance Coverage Guide
Quick Answer
Florida requires only two coverages: $10,000 PIP and $10,000 property damage liability. But that bare minimum leaves dangerous gaps. This guide explains every coverage type so you can decide what actually protects you and your wallet.
Florida's auto insurance system is different from most states. We operate under a no-fault system, which means your own insurance pays for your medical bills after an accident — regardless of who caused it. That's what PIP (Personal Injury Protection) does. But the state minimums are dangerously low, and there are several coverage types the state doesn't require that you probably need.
Below is a breakdown of every major auto insurance coverage available in Florida. Each section links to a detailed sub-guide if you want the deep dive.
What Is Personal Injury Protection (PIP)?
PIP is Florida's cornerstone coverage. It pays 80% of your medical bills (up to $10,000) and 60% of lost wages after an accident, regardless of fault. You must seek treatment within 14 days of the accident or your PIP benefits can be limited to just $2,500.
The $10,000 limit sounds reasonable until you consider that a single ER visit can exceed that. PIP was designed in the 1970s when medical costs were a fraction of what they are today. If you're in a serious accident, PIP alone won't come close to covering your bills.
What Does Property Damage Liability Cover?
Property Damage Liability (PDL) pays for damage you cause to someone else's property — their car, a fence, a building, a traffic light. Florida requires a minimum of $10,000, but that limit is easily exceeded. Hit a newer SUV or sedan and you're looking at $15,000 to $40,000 in repair costs. If your PDL limit is only $10K, you pay the difference out of pocket.
Most insurance advisors recommend at least $25,000 to $50,000 in PDL coverage. The premium difference between $10K and $50K is usually small — often just $5 to $15 per month.
Why Should You Carry Bodily Injury Liability?
Bodily Injury Liability (BI) pays for injuries you cause to other people in an accident. Florida does notrequire BI for most drivers, which makes it unusual among US states. But if you cause an accident and the other driver's medical bills exceed their own PIP coverage, they can sue you personally. Without BI coverage, your assets — your home, savings, wages — are on the line.
Common BI limits are 25/50 ($25,000 per person / $50,000 per accident) or 100/300. If you have significant assets to protect, higher limits are worth every penny. BI coverage typically adds $40 to $120 per month depending on limits and your driving history.
See our full coverage vs minimum comparison →
How Does Uninsured Motorist Coverage Protect You?
About 26% of Florida drivers are uninsured — one of the highest rates in the country. If one of them hits you, who pays? Without Uninsured Motorist (UM) coverage, you're stuck with the bills. UM coverage steps in when the at-fault driver has no insurance or not enough to cover your damages.
Underinsured Motorist (UIM) coverage works similarly but applies when the at-fault driver has insurance that isn't enough to cover your losses. Given Florida's low minimum requirements, this happens more often than you'd think.
Full guide to uninsured motorist coverage →
What Does Comprehensive Insurance Cover?
Comprehensive covers damage to your car from things other than collisions: hurricanes, flooding, theft, vandalism, falling objects, hitting a deer. In Florida, this coverage is especially relevant because of our hurricane season (June through November) and frequent thunderstorms that can cause hail and flooding damage.
If your car is financed or leased, your lender almost certainly requires comprehensive coverage. Even if you own your car outright, it's worth carrying if your vehicle is worth more than you could comfortably replace out of pocket.
When Do You Need Collision Coverage?
Collision pays to repair or replace your car after an accident, regardless of who was at fault. If you rear-end someone, your collision coverage fixes your car. If you hit a guardrail, same thing. Like comprehensive, lenders and lessors require it.
The deductible you choose ($250, $500, $1,000) directly affects your premium. A higher deductible means a lower monthly payment, but more out of pocket if you file a claim. Most Florida drivers choose a $500 deductible as a middle ground.
How Do Florida Coverage Types Compare?
| Coverage Type | Required? | What It Covers | Recommended Minimum |
|---|---|---|---|
| PIP | Yes ($10K) | Your medical bills + lost wages | $10,000 (state min) |
| Property Damage | Yes ($10K) | Damage you cause to others' property | $25,000 – $50,000 |
| Bodily Injury | No* | Injuries you cause to others | 25/50 or 50/100 |
| UM/UIM | No | Your injuries from uninsured drivers | 25/50 or higher |
| Comprehensive | No** | Weather, theft, vandalism, animals | $500 deductible |
| Collision | No** | Your car in any accident | $500 deductible |
* Required after certain violations (DUI, at-fault accidents with injuries). ** Required by most lenders/lessors.
What Is an SR-22 and Who Needs One?
An SR-22 is a certificate your insurance company files with the state to prove you carry the required coverage. You'll need one if you've had a DUI, driving without insurance, or certain other serious violations. Florida also uses the FR-44 form, which requires higher liability limits than a standard SR-22.
Complete SR-22 guide for Florida drivers →
How Can You Lower Your Florida Auto Insurance Rate?
Florida drivers pay some of the highest premiums in the country, but there are real strategies to bring your rate down. Bundling policies, raising deductibles, maintaining a clean driving record, and taking advantage of Florida-specific discounts can save hundreds per year.
Know What You Need? Compare Rates.
Now that you understand the coverage types, see what they actually cost for your situation. Compare quotes from Florida's top carriers in minutes.
Compare Rates Now →Estimates are for educational purposes only and are not quotes.
Frequently Asked Questions
What insurance coverage does Florida require?
Florida requires $10,000 in Personal Injury Protection (PIP) and $10,000 in Property Damage Liability (PDL). Unlike most states, Florida does not require bodily injury liability coverage unless you have certain violations on your record.
Is bodily injury liability required in Florida?
Not for most drivers. However, if you cause an accident with injuries or have a DUI conviction, the state will require you to carry bodily injury liability going forward. Many insurance experts recommend carrying BI regardless.
What does "full coverage" mean in Florida?
Full coverage is not a legal term. It typically means you carry the state minimums (PIP + PDL) plus bodily injury liability, uninsured/underinsured motorist coverage, comprehensive, and collision. This gives you the broadest financial protection.
Do I need uninsured motorist coverage in Florida?
It is not legally required, but it is strongly recommended. About 1 in 4 Florida drivers is uninsured. If an uninsured driver hits you, UM/UIM coverage pays for your injuries and damages that the at-fault driver cannot cover.