Florida PIP Insurance: What It Covers After a Crash
By Howard Merricks, Partner at Merricks Law Group – Member, The Florida Bar – Last updated October 13, 2026
If you were just in a crash in Florida, you have probably heard the term “PIP” and wondered what it actually does for you. Here is the short answer: Personal Injury Protection is the coverage that pays a portion of your medical bills and lost wages after a crash, no matter who caused it, as long as you act within a tight deadline. This guide explains what PIP covers, the 14-day rule that trips up so many people, and when your claim can go beyond PIP.
What PIP is and why Florida requires it
Florida is a no-fault state. Under [Florida’s no-fault insurance law → https://www.flsenate.gov/Laws/Statutes/2024/627.736], drivers are required to carry Personal Injury Protection, and after a crash your own PIP coverage pays first, regardless of who was at fault. The idea is to get medical bills moving quickly without waiting for a fault fight. The tradeoff is that PIP has limits and does not, by itself, pay for everything a serious injury costs.
What PIP covers
For a covered crash, PIP generally pays:
A percentage of your reasonable and necessary medical bills, up to your policy limit
A portion of your lost wages if the injury keeps you from working
A death benefit in the most tragic cases
Most Florida policies carry a standard PIP limit, and serious injuries can blow past that limit quickly. That gap is one of the main reasons injured people look beyond PIP.
The 14-day rule you cannot afford to miss
This is the single most important thing to know about PIP. To keep your benefits, [you must get initial medical care within 14 days of the crash → https://www.flsenate.gov/Laws/Statutes/2024/627.736]. Miss that window and you can lose your PIP benefits entirely, even for a legitimate injury. See a doctor promptly, even if you feel okay, because adrenaline hides injuries and the clock is running from the date of the crash.
When you can step outside PIP and pursue the at-fault driver
PIP is not the end of the road for a serious injury. Florida law lets you step outside the no-fault system and pursue the at-fault driver for full damages, including pain and suffering, when your injury is serious enough to meet the statutory threshold. Under [Florida’s injury threshold for stepping outside no-fault → https://www.flsenate.gov/Laws/Statutes/2024/0627.737], that generally means a permanent injury, significant and permanent loss of an important bodily function, significant scarring or disfigurement, or death. Whether an injury meets that threshold is often disputed, which is where having a lawyer matters.
What to do next
Get medical care within 14 days and keep every record. Report the crash to your own insurer, but be careful with the at-fault driver’s insurer and avoid recorded statements before you understand your claim. If your injuries are serious or your bills are climbing past your PIP limit, talk to a lawyer about whether you can pursue the at-fault driver.
Frequently asked questions
Does PIP pay even if the crash was my fault? Yes. PIP is no-fault coverage, so it pays a portion of your medical bills and lost wages regardless of who caused the crash, up to your limit.
How long do I have to see a doctor to keep PIP? Fourteen days from the date of the crash. Missing that deadline can cost you your PIP benefits.
What if my bills are more than my PIP limit? Serious injuries often exceed the standard PIP limit. If your injury meets Florida’s threshold, you may be able to pursue the at-fault driver for the rest, including pain and suffering.
How much does it cost to talk to a lawyer about my crash? Nothing. Our consultation is free and we work on contingency, so there are no fees or costs unless we win.
Talk to a Tampa car accident lawyer, free
PIP is only the starting point, and the insurance company will not volunteer everything you may be owed. Merricks Law Group brings more than 150 years of combined experience and will explain your options in plain English. There are no fees or costs unless we win. Call (813) 226-3800 for your free consultation, available 24/7.
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About the Author
Howard Merricks is a the founding partner at Merricks Law Group and a member of The Florida Bar. The firm has more than 20 years of experience and has recovered millions for injuried clients.
This article is general information about Florida law, not legal advice, and reading it does not create an attorney-client relationship. Every case is different and past results do not guarantee a similar outcome. Speak with a licensed Florida attorney about your specific situation.
