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1-2-3. Filing a Basic Auto Insurance Claim

The state of Florida has more than 17 million licensed drivers[1]. While the majority of these drivers travel the roads without incident, sometimes accidents do happen, which is why carrying auto insurance is required.

Florida’s Auto Insurance Requirements

The minimum insurance required for Florida’s auto owners’ to legally drive in the State are the following two types of insurance:

• Personal Injury Protection (PIP): basic coverage only provides benefits for the insured at 80% of necessary medical expenses, up to $10,000.00, regardless of who is at fault in the accident.
• Property Damage Liability (PDL): the minimum coverage allowed is $10,000.00, and this amount covers damages to another person’s vehicle and/or property caused by you or another person driving your vehicle.

These basic requirements do not provide enough protection for Florida drivers. Florida drivers should elect to carry additional insurance coverage to protect themselves from significant financial loss. Some of these additional coverages include:

• Comprehensive and Collision Insurance: covers damage to your car, regardless of who is at fault.
• Bodily Injury Liability Insurance: covers bodily injury for others if you are found at fault in an accident.
• Uninsured and Underinsured Motorist Coverage: covers you for bodily caused by the other driver if the other driver is uninsured or underinsured.

Tips for Filing an Insurance Claim if You are in an Accident

If you are in a car accident, the immediate actions you take in its aftermath can directly impact your potential claim and your ability to recover damages.

• Check that everyone is okay. Immediately call for an ambulance if someone is severely injured. Even if you feel ok, make sure to visit a doctor afterwards.

• Call 911 so the police can inspect the accident and write an accident report. Take down the officer’s name and badge number. Even if the accident is a fender-bender, make sure to have an official accident report.

• Take photos and videos of the accident scene. This can provide hard evidence to show what happened in case the insurance company disputes your claim or if the claim ends up going to court.

• Obtain the other driver’s name, make and model of their car, license plate number, insurance company and policy number.

• Contact your insurance company and promptly file a claim. Insurance companies have deadlines for claim filing. If you miss the deadline, the insurance company can deny the claim.

• The insurance company will want to inspect the vehicle themselves. Don’t make any car repairs until the insurance company gives you the go-ahead.

• Don’t make any recorded statements or sign anything including statements admitting fault, waiving your rights, or agreeing not to sue. If you are asked to provide recorded statements or sign any such documents, contact an experienced personal injury attorney, like ECanter Lawyers first.

In most car accidents, both parties work out a resolution through their insurance companies. If your insurance company or the other party’s is not being responsive or is not providing the compensation that you are owed, contact ECanter Lawyers. We will review your case for free and advise you of your rights.

ECanter Lawyers

When you are dealing with the chaos and pain of accidents and personal injuries, the last thing you need is technical, confusing legal language.  ECanter Lawyers breaks down the complexities and provides clear, informative answers so that you understand your legal options. 

For over two decades, ECanter Lawyers has remained committed to honest, straightforward answers.  Named one of AVVO’s Clients’ Choice, ECanter Lawyers has helped clients receive multi-million-dollar verdicts, and millions of dollars in settlements.  ECanter Lawyers specialize in personal injury, motor vehicle accidents, medical malpractice, premises and product liability, and healthcare law.

With offices conveniently located throughout South Florida and 24/7 services, ECanter Lawyers personal injury law firm offers you the personalized attention that you need in order to maximize your compensation. 

ECanter Lawyers

561-447-4500

Boca Raton | West Palm Beach | Coral Springs | Ft. Lauderdale | Miami

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[1] Florida Department of Highway Safety and Motor Vehicles. driverlicensetypebycounty19-21.pdf (flhsmv.gov). Accessed April 26, 2022.