A new law could change your Florida car insurance

Your car insurance bill is one that you may dread paying, but when you are involved in a car accident you are thankful that you have the insurance in place. An important question is whether you have enough insurance to cover the medical bills and expenses that can come with an accident.

The discussion of adequate insurance coverage has prompted Florida lawmakers to reconsider the types of auto insurance coverage currently required in The Sunshine State. Current laws require minimum amounts of bodily injury protection, property damage coverage and personal injury protection.

Here’s what you should know about the changes that lawmakers are currently considering.

What are they proposing?

The proposed changes could affect the personal injury protection (PIP) portion of the Florida car insurance requirement. PIP covers up to 80 percent of all “necessary and reasonable” medical expenses, no matter who causes an accident. Even if you were not at fault, you could be expected to pay the medical bills of someone who caused an accident in the first place.

Lawmakers propose changing the PIP requirement to a bodily injury liability requirement. This revision would significantly change the no-fault rule that comes with the PIP system.

How will it impact my current car insurance?

If the proposed law passes, carriers may reevaluate auto insurance rates for Florida residents. The premium for your particular coverage will depend on a number of factors determined by the insurance carrier.

Ask your insurance carrier about the coverage you will be required to carry if and when the law passes. Keep in mind that there is already a significant problem in Florida with uninsured and underinsured drivers. Be sure to confirm with your insurance carrier now that you have sufficient coverage for your own protection and for the protection of those who travel in your car.

Regardless of whether or not the proposed law passes, Florida law currently requires that drivers carry a minimum amount of car insurance to protect themselves and others on the road. Contact your agent to confirm that your coverage complies with Florida law, and provides specific coverage if you are involved in an accident where another driver is either uninsured or underinsured.