Changes in Law Would End Florida’s No-Fault Car Insurance System
A new bill before the Florida House of Representatives would end the state’s no-fault auto insurance system, transitioning to a fault-based system and changing the state’s car insurance requirements. Learn more about the potential changes to the law, and contact a Vero Beach car accident attorney with questions after an Indian River County car accident.
Current insurance coverage requirements are among the most expensive and least protective
Currently, Florida car insurance is among the top-seven highest average premiums in the US, costing drivers over $1200 each year. This high average is in spite of the fact that Florida drivers have among the lowest required coverage of any state. Drivers in Florida must carry a minimum of $10,000 in Personal Injury Protection. No matter who was responsible for the accident, this coverage will pay the medical expenses associated with the driver’s own injuries.
Florida is one of only two states in the country that does not require that drivers carry bodily injury liability coverage, which helps to pay for the medical costs of injuries to other drivers involved in an auto accident. Advocates of the no-fault system argue that it provides faster relief after an accident than would come if an accident victim had to seek damages from another driver’s insurance carrier, and prevents lawsuits. Opponents argue that it offers far too little coverage at too high a price, forcing Florida drivers who were seriously injured in an accident to nevertheless file lawsuits against at-fault drivers to receive the full compensation they need.
Proposed bills would repeal no-fault insurance
Under the bill now before the House, Florida would no longer use a no-fault insurance system. Drivers would be required to purchase bodily injury liability coverage worth at least $25,000 per person and $50,000 per accident. The bill is estimated to save Florida drivers an average of $81 per car, despite providing greater coverage to car accident victims. The House bill is sponsored by Vero Beach Rep. Erin Grall. The Florida Senate is also considering a bill that would end no-fault insurance in the state, but which includes a requirement that drivers purchase $5,000 in medical payments coverage as well as bodily injury liability coverage. The Senate bill would raise the average Floridian’s insurance premium by several dollars annually.
Even under the current no-fault system, many Florida drivers struggle to receive the money they deserve after an accident from their insurer. Others may still have to file a lawsuit to get the money they need after suffering serious injuries in a crash. An experienced Vero Beach car accident attorney can help you assess your options and get you the money you need after an accident leaves you or a loved one with major injuries.
For assistance with filing a claim for damages after a Florida auto accident, contact the dedicated and effective Vero Beach personal injury attorneys at The Law Office of Keith Bregoff at 772-492-8967.
