Auto Insurance
Explore auto insurance options designed to help protect you, your vehicle, and your finances. At It Matters Insurance, Inc., we help Florida drivers understand their coverage choices, including liability, personal injury protection (PIP), collision, comprehensive, and uninsured motorist coverage.
Whether you’re insuring your first vehicle or reviewing an existing policy, we’re here to help you explore coverage options that fit your needs and budget.
The right auto insurance coverage matters. We’re here to help you understand your options and make informed decisions with confidence.
Auto insurance coverage can include protection for injuries, vehicle damage, theft, and other covered losses. Every driver’s needs are different, and we’ll help you compare available options so you can choose coverage that works for you.
At It Matters Insurance, Inc., we’re committed to making the insurance process easier to understand, from your first quote to future policy changes.
Coverage That Matters Most
What auto insurance coverage is required in Florida?
Florida generally requires owners of vehicles registered in the state to carry:
- $10,000 Personal Injury Protection (PIP): Helps pay eligible medical expenses and lost income following a covered auto accident, regardless of fault.
- $10,000 Property Damage Liability (PDL): Helps pay for damage you cause to someone else’s property.
These are Florida’s basic insurance requirements. Bodily Injury Liability and other coverages may be required in certain circumstances.
Having only the minimum coverage may leave you financially responsible for expenses not covered by your policy. We can help you understand your options and choose appropriate protection.
What is the difference between 10/10 and 10/20/10 auto insurance in Florida?
10/10 — Florida’s Basic Insurance Requirements
- $10,000 Personal Injury Protection (PIP)
- $10,000 Property Damage Liability (PDL)
10/20/10 — Bodily Injury and Property Damage Liability Limits
- $10,000 Bodily Injury Liability per person
- $20,000 Bodily Injury Liability per accident
- $10,000 Property Damage Liability per accident
Example: If you cause an accident that injures two people, a 10/20 bodily injury liability policy generally provides up to $10,000 per injured person, with a combined maximum of $20,000 for the accident.
Important: PIP is separate from bodily injury liability coverage. Florida’s basic PIP and PDL requirements do not automatically include bodily injury liability coverage, although additional liability coverage may be required in certain situations.
Higher coverage limits may offer greater financial protection.
What does Bodily Injury Liability (BI) insurance cover?
Bodily Injury Liability (BI) coverage helps pay for injuries you cause to other people in an at-fault auto accident, up to your policy limits.
Depending on the policy and circumstances, it may help cover:
- Medical expenses for injured people
- Lost wages resulting from their injuries
- Pain and suffering damages
- Legal defense costs for covered liability claims
Example: If you carry 100/300 bodily injury limits, your policy generally provides up to $100,000 per injured person and $300,000 total per accident.
Bodily Injury Liability does not pay for your own injuries. That’s one reason it’s important to understand how BI differs from Personal Injury Protection (PIP).
Florida tip: Although BI coverage isn’t generally part of Florida’s basic PIP and PDL requirements, it may be required in certain situations and can be important for protecting your finances.
What does Personal Injury Protection (PIP) cover in Florida?
Personal Injury Protection (PIP) is part of Florida’s no-fault auto insurance system. It helps cover certain expenses after a car accident, regardless of who caused the accident.
What does PIP cover?
- 80% of medical expenses: Pays eligible, reasonable, and medically necessary treatment costs.
- 60% of lost wages: Helps replace qualifying income if injuries prevent you from working.
- $10,000 coverage limit: The standard combined limit for medical and disability benefits, subject to applicable conditions.
- $5,000 death benefit: An additional benefit in the event of a covered accident-related death.
Important Florida PIP Rules
- 14-Day Rule: Initial medical treatment must be received within 14 days after the accident to qualify for medical benefits.
- Emergency Medical Condition (EMC): Medical benefits may be available up to $10,000 when an authorized medical professional determines that an EMC exists.
- Non-Emergency Condition: Medical benefits are generally limited to $2,500 when an authorized provider determines that no EMC exists.
Example: If you have $5,000 in eligible medical expenses, PIP may pay $4,000 (80%), subject to policy terms, deductibles, and applicable limits.
PIP does not cover damage to your vehicle. Other auto insurance coverages may be needed for additional protection.
What is the difference between Collision and Comprehensive auto insurance?
Collision and Comprehensive insurance both help protect your vehicle, but they cover different types of losses.
Collision Coverage
Helps pay to repair or replace your vehicle following a covered collision, regardless of who caused the accident.
Examples include:
- Hitting another vehicle
- Hitting a fence, pole, or other object
- A covered rollover accident
Comprehensive Coverage
Helps pay for covered damage to your vehicle caused by events other than collisions.
Examples include:
- Theft or vandalism
- Hurricanes, hail, and windstorms
- Fire
- Flooding
- Hitting an animal
- Falling trees or objects
Florida Tip: Comprehensive coverage can be especially valuable in Florida because of hurricanes, flooding, and severe weather.
Do I need both?
Florida law generally does not require Collision or Comprehensive coverage. However, if you finance or lease your vehicle, your lender or leasing company will typically require both.
Both coverages generally have deductibles, and payment is subject to your policy terms and coverage limits.
What happens if an uninsured or underinsured driver hits me in Florida?
Uninsured/Underinsured Motorist (UM/UIM) coverage helps protect you when an at-fault driver has no bodily injury liability insurance or does not have enough insurance to cover your injuries.
What can UM coverage help pay for?
Depending on the policy and circumstances, it may help cover:
- Medical expenses beyond PIP benefits
- Lost wages and future lost earnings
- Pain and suffering for qualifying injuries
- Other covered bodily injury damages
Uninsured vs. Underinsured Drivers
- Uninsured Motorist: The at-fault driver has no applicable bodily injury liability coverage.
- Underinsured Motorist: The at-fault driver’s bodily injury liability limits are insufficient to cover your damages.
Example:
Suppose you’re injured in an accident caused by another driver. Your total covered bodily injury damages are $75,000, but the at-fault driver only carries $10,000 in bodily injury liability coverage.
If you purchased sufficient UM coverage, your policy may help cover the remaining eligible damages, subject to its limits and terms.
Is UM coverage required in Florida?
UM coverage is not mandatory for every Florida driver. When a qualifying auto policy includes Bodily Injury Liability coverage, insurers generally must provide UM coverage unless the named insured rejects it in writing or selects permitted lower limits.
Florida Tip: UM coverage can be especially valuable because some drivers carry little or no bodily injury liability insurance. It is worth reviewing when choosing your auto insurance coverage.
What is the difference between Stacked and Non-Stacked Uninsured Motorist coverage in Florida?
Florida offers two types of Uninsured Motorist (UM) coverage: Stacked and Non-Stacked. Understanding the difference can help you choose the protection that fits your needs.
Stacked Uninsured Motorist Coverage
Stacked UM coverage generally allows you to combine UM limits from multiple insured vehicles to increase the coverage available for a covered accident.
Example:
If you insure two vehicles with $100,000/$300,000 UM limits on each vehicle:
- Vehicle 1: $100,000/$300,000
- Vehicle 2: $100,000/$300,000
- Combined stacked limits: $200,000/$600,000
Stacked coverage may also provide broader protection in certain situations involving other vehicles.
Non-Stacked Uninsured Motorist Coverage
Non-stacked UM coverage does not allow you to combine the UM limits of multiple vehicles for a single accident.
Using the same example:
- Vehicle 1: $100,000/$300,000
- Vehicle 2: $100,000/$300,000
- Available non-stacked limits: Generally $100,000/$300,000 for the covered vehicle involved in the accident.
Non-stacked coverage typically costs less but has additional restrictions on when coverage applies.
Which One Should I Choose?
- Stacked UM: May offer higher combined coverage limits and broader protection.
- Non-Stacked UM: May be more affordable but provides more limited protection.
Florida Tip: Stacked UM can be valuable for households with multiple vehicles. Even if you have only one vehicle, stacked coverage may offer advantages over non-stacked coverage in certain circumstances.
Coverage availability, limits, and exclusions depend on the policy. We can help you understand the differences before selecting your coverage.
What is an auto insurance deductible, and how does it affect my premium?
An auto insurance deductible is the amount you are responsible for paying toward a covered claim before your insurance pays the remaining eligible costs.
Deductibles commonly apply to Collision and Comprehensive coverage.
How Does a Deductible Work?
Example: Your vehicle has $5,000 in covered accident damage.
With a $500 Deductible:
- You pay: $500
- Insurance pays: $4,500
With a $1,000 Deductible:
- You pay: $1,000
- Insurance pays: $4,000
These examples assume the entire loss is covered and no other limitations apply.
Does a Higher Deductible Lower My Premium?
Generally, yes. Choosing a higher deductible can reduce your insurance premium because you agree to pay more out of pocket if you file a covered claim.
- Lower Deductible: Usually means a higher premium but less out-of-pocket expense during a covered claim.
- Higher Deductible: Usually means a lower premium but more out-of-pocket expense during a covered claim.
Are Collision and Comprehensive Deductibles Separate?
Yes. These coverages commonly have separate deductibles, so you may choose different amounts for each.
Florida Tip: Consider your savings and ability to pay an unexpected deductible before choosing a higher amount. The lowest premium isn’t always the best overall value.
At It Matters Insurance, Inc., we can help you compare deductible options and understand how they affect your coverage and premium.
What does full coverage auto insurance mean, and do I need it if my car is financed?
The term “full coverage” is commonly used in auto insurance, but it does not refer to one specific policy or guarantee that every type of loss is covered.
What Does Full Coverage Usually Include?
- Liability Coverage: Helps pay for covered injuries or property damage you cause to others.
- Collision Coverage: Helps pay for covered damage to your vehicle resulting from an accident or collision.
- Comprehensive Coverage: Helps pay for covered losses such as theft, vandalism, fire, hurricanes, and flooding.
Other important coverages, such as PIP, Uninsured Motorist, Rental Reimbursement, and Roadside Assistance, may be included or available separately.
Is Full Coverage Required for a Financed Vehicle?
If you finance or lease a vehicle, your lender or leasing company will typically require Collision and Comprehensive coverage to protect its financial interest in the vehicle.
Your lender may also specify deductible limits and require that it be listed on your insurance policy.
What Happens if My Financed Car Is Totaled?
Insurance companies generally pay the vehicle’s actual cash value (ACV), minus any applicable deductible, for a covered total loss.
If your remaining loan balance is higher than your vehicle’s value, you may still owe money to your lender.
What Is GAP Insurance?
Guaranteed Asset Protection (GAP) may help cover some or all of the difference between your vehicle’s covered total-loss value and the remaining loan or lease balance.
Example:
- Remaining auto loan: $25,000
- Vehicle’s actual cash value: $20,000
- Difference: $5,000
Eligible GAP protection may help cover that difference, subject to contract terms, exclusions, and limits. Deductibles and other charges may be treated differently depending on the GAP agreement.
Florida Tip: If you finance a vehicle with a small down payment or a long-term loan, ask about GAP protection. It may help reduce your financial exposure if the vehicle is stolen or declared a total loss.
At It Matters Insurance, Inc., we can help you review coverage options and understand what protection may be appropriate for your vehicle.
What should I do after a car accident in Florida?
Being involved in a car accident can be stressful. Knowing what to do afterward can help protect your safety and make the insurance claims process easier.
1. Check for Injuries and Stay Safe
- Check yourself and others for injuries.
- Call 911 immediately if anyone is injured or there is an emergency.
- If it is safe and legally appropriate, move your vehicle out of traffic to prevent additional accidents.
- Turn on your hazard lights.
2. Contact Law Enforcement
Report the accident to law enforcement when required. Florida law requires immediate notification for certain crashes, including those involving injuries, fatalities, suspected impaired driving, or other reportable circumstances.
3. Exchange Information
Collect the following information from the other driver:
- Full name and contact information
- Driver’s license information
- Vehicle license plate number
- Insurance company and policy information
4. Document the Accident
If it is safe to do so:
- Take photos of the vehicles and damage.
- Photograph the accident scene and surrounding conditions.
- Record the time, date, and location.
- Collect contact information from witnesses.
5. Notify Your Insurance Company
Contact your insurance company promptly to report the accident and learn about the claims process.
Keep copies of accident reports, claim numbers, repair estimates, and communications with your insurer.
6. Seek Medical Attention When Needed
Even if injuries seem minor, symptoms may develop later. Seek appropriate medical attention.
Important Florida PIP Rule: To qualify for PIP medical benefits, initial treatment generally must be received within 14 days of the accident.
7. Follow Up on Your Claim
Your insurance company will explain the claims process, applicable deductibles, coverage limits, and any additional documentation needed.
Florida Tip: Do not assume that every accident-related expense will automatically be covered. Coverage depends on the circumstances, your policy, and applicable Florida law.
At It Matters Insurance, Inc., we’re here to help you understand your coverage and guide you toward the appropriate claims resources when you need assistance.
What is the difference between PIP coverage with and without lost wages in Florida?
Florida Personal Injury Protection (PIP) insurance offers options that can affect your coverage and premium.
Standard PIP — Includes Lost Wages
Standard Florida PIP generally provides:
- 80% of eligible medical expenses
- 60% of qualifying lost income if an accident-related injury prevents you from working
- Up to $10,000 in combined medical and disability benefits, subject to applicable limits and conditions
- A separate $5,000 death benefit
PIP With Lost Wages Excluded
Florida allows policyholders to elect an exclusion of lost-income and lost-earning-capacity benefits.
With this option:
- Eligible medical expenses may still be covered at 80%.
- Lost-income benefits are excluded for the individuals to whom the election applies.
- The policyholder receives a premium reduction.
Who Might Consider Excluding Lost Wages?
Someone who is fully retired and has no employment income might consider this option.
However, a retired person who continues working, or a household with working dependent relatives, should carefully consider the consequences before excluding lost-income benefits.
Florida Tip: Excluding lost wages can reduce your premium, but it also removes an important financial benefit if you’re injured and unable to work.
At It Matters Insurance, Inc., we can help you review the available PIP options and understand how each choice may affect your coverage.