Florida requires you to carry personal injury protection (PIP) and property damage liability insurance on every vehicle you drive

Florida is a no-fault insurance state, which means your own insurance pays for your medical bills and lost wages after an accident, regardless of who caused it. To drive legally in Florida, you must carry a minimum of $10,000 in personal injury protection (PIP) and $10,000 in property damage liability coverage. These are the only two types of coverage the state legally requires. You do not need collision or comprehensive insurance, though your lender will require them if you have a car loan or lease.

If you drive without these minimum coverages, you face fines, license suspension, and vehicle registration suspension. The state can also require you to file an SR-22 form (proof of financial responsibility) for three years after a violation, which raises your insurance costs significantly. Driving uninsured is not worth the risk.

Key Takeaways

  • Florida law requires $10,000 in personal injury protection and $10,000 in property damage liability on every vehicle you operate.
  • Personal injury protection covers your own medical expenses and lost wages after an accident, regardless of fault.
  • Property damage liability covers damage you cause to someone else's vehicle or property.
  • Driving without these coverages results in fines, license suspension, and a three-year SR-22 requirement that increases your premiums.
  • If you have a loan or lease, your lender will require collision and comprehensive coverage in addition to the state minimums.

What personal injury protection (PIP) covers

Personal injury protection pays for your medical treatment, rehabilitation, and lost wages after an accident—up to your policy limit. It covers you, your passengers, and family members living in your household, even if they are driving someone else's car. PIP pays regardless of who caused the accident, which is why Florida is called a no-fault state.

The $10,000 minimum is often not enough for serious injuries. Medical bills and lost income can exceed that quickly. Many drivers carry $25,000 or $50,000 in PIP to avoid a gap in coverage. Your insurance company will tell you the cost difference when you get a quote.

What property damage liability covers

Property damage liability pays for damage you cause to someone else's vehicle, home, fence, or other property. The $10,000 minimum covers the other person's repairs or replacement—not your own vehicle. If you cause an accident and damage someone's $35,000 car, your $10,000 in property damage liability will not be enough, and you could be sued for the difference.

Many drivers carry $25,000 or $50,000 in property damage liability for this reason. The cost increase is small compared to the risk of a lawsuit. Your insurance agent can show you the premium difference between limits.

What happens if you drive without insurance

Driving without the required PIP and property damage liability is a criminal offense in Florida. A first offense carries a fine of $150 to $500, suspension of your driver's license for up to three months, and suspension of your vehicle registration. A second offense within three years increases the fine to $500 to $1,000 and extends the license suspension to six months.

If you are caught driving uninsured, the state will require you to file an SR-22 form with the Department of Motor Vehicles. This form proves you have insurance and must stay on file for three years. During that time, your insurance rates will be significantly higher because you are classified as a high-risk driver. The SR-22 itself does not cost money, but the increased premiums do.

Collision and comprehensive coverage: required by lenders, not by law

Collision insurance pays for damage to your own vehicle from an accident, regardless of fault. Comprehensive insurance covers theft, weather, vandalism, and other non-accident damage. Florida does not require either of these, but if you have a car loan or lease, your lender will require both as a condition of financing.

If you own your car outright with no loan, you can legally skip collision and comprehensive. However, if your car is damaged or totaled, you will pay for repairs or replacement out of pocket. Many owners of older vehicles drop these coverages to lower their premiums, but the decision depends on your car's value and your ability to pay for repairs yourself.

Proof of insurance and what to carry

Florida law requires you to carry proof of insurance in your vehicle at all times. This can be a printed insurance card, a digital copy on your phone, or a screenshot of your policy. If you are pulled over, you must show this proof to the officer. Driving without proof of insurance can result in a ticket, even if you actually have a policy.

Keep your insurance card in your wallet or glove compartment. If your policy information changes or you switch insurers, update your card immediately. Your insurance company will send you a new card by mail, but you can usually print one from their website or app right away.

Uninsured and underinsured motorist coverage

Uninsured motorist coverage pays for your medical bills and vehicle damage if you are hit by a driver who has no insurance. Underinsured motorist coverage covers you if the other driver's insurance limits are too low to pay for your damages. Florida does not require either coverage, but both are strongly recommended because many Florida drivers carry only the state minimum or drive uninsured.

These coverages are inexpensive add-ons to your policy and protect you against drivers who cannot or will not pay for the damage they cause. If you are hit by an uninsured driver and do not have this coverage, you will have to pay for your own repairs and medical care, or sue the other driver directly—which is often unsuccessful if they have no assets.

Frequently Asked Questions

Do I need insurance if I only drive occasionally?

Yes. Florida requires insurance on any vehicle you operate, regardless of how often you drive it. If you own a car but rarely drive it, you still need active insurance. Some insurers offer low-mileage or seasonal policies at reduced rates if you drive fewer than 5,000 miles per year or only during certain months.

What if I have an accident and cannot pay for damages?

Your property damage liability insurance will pay for the other person's repairs up to your policy limit. If the damage exceeds your limit, the other person can sue you for the difference. Without insurance, you are personally liable for all damages, and a judgment against you can result in wage garnishment or liens on your property.

Can I get a refund if I cancel my insurance mid-month?

Most insurers will refund the unused portion of your premium if you cancel before your policy expires. However, you cannot legally drive without insurance, so do not cancel one policy before your new one starts. Make sure your new coverage begins on the same day your old policy ends.

Does my insurance cover me if someone else drives my car?

Yes, your insurance follows the car, not the driver. If you give permission to someone else to drive your vehicle, your policy covers them. However, if someone drives your car without permission, your insurance may not cover the accident. Always make sure anyone driving your car has your permission.

What is the difference between no-fault and at-fault insurance states?

In Florida's no-fault system, your own insurance pays for your medical bills and lost wages after an accident, regardless of who caused it. In at-fault states, the person who caused the accident pays for damages. No-fault insurance is faster but often more expensive because insurers pay more claims upfront.