Mrs. López and all of the Staff that had helped us it has been an absolute pleasure. They always had an answer to our questions and treated us with respect but most of all they listened.
Alondra O.
Outstanding Attorneys and Legal Team. Lopez, Justin, and Daisy were quick to answer my questions and handled my accident case with speed and courtesy. The outcome was much better than I anticipated.
Robert R.
A huge thanks to your office for such a great experience with my case. Special thanks to Denora, Carmen, and especially Kevin for answering my many calls and questions and keeping me informed through the entire process. I’m am extremely happy and grateful with the outcome.
Kathy W.
If you’re like most people in Florida, you probably don’t spend much time thinking about car insurance—until you absolutely have to. Maybe you’ve been in an accident, or someone close to you has, and now you’re trying to make sense of what your policy actually covers.
At Lopez & Humphries, P.A., we’ve been listening. We talk to drivers across Polk County and beyond every day, and in 2025, we’re seeing the same questions pop up again and again. If you’ve been wondering whether you’ve got the right coverage or what happens after a crash, you’re not alone. Let’s break it down.
“What Coverage Do I Need to Drive Legally in Florida?”
Florida’s insurance laws are unique—and not always in a good way. The state currently
requires that all drivers carry a minimum of:
● $10,000 in Personal Injury Protection (PIP)
● $10,000 in Property Damage Liability (PDL)
That’s the legal minimum. No bodily injury liability coverage is required for most drivers, which surprises many people, especially those who’ve moved here from other states. And while that might sound like a good deal—less required insurance, lower costs—it can come back to haunt you if you’re in a serious accident.
“What Does PIP Actually Cover?”
PIP is part of Florida’s “no-fault” system, which means your own insurance pays for certain costs after an accident, regardless of who caused it. Here’s what you get under standard PIP coverage:
● 80% of your necessary medical expenses
● 60% of your lost wages if you can’t work
● Up to $5,000 for funeral expenses, if the worst happens
PIP is meant to be immediate relief—money to cover urgent needs while the dust settles. But it’s not unlimited. And for anyone who’s been through a hospital visit or a stretch of missed paychecks, $10,000 doesn’t stretch very far.
“Is the State Minimum Enough?”
This is one of the most important questions we’re hearing—and the answer is almost always no.
The reality is, today’s medical costs and vehicle repair expenses can easily exceed the limits of a basic policy. A ride to the emergency room, a night in the hospital, and a few follow-up appointments can wipe out that $10,000 before you even start thinking about lost income or ongoing treatment.
That’s why attorneys, consumer advocates, and even some insurers recommend carrying higher liability limits and considering additional coverage. It’s not about spending more, it’s about making sure you’re not left holding the bag when someone else causes a serious wreck or when your own injuries go beyond the basics.
“What Happens If the Other Driver Has No Insurance?”
Unfortunately, Florida has one of the highest rates of uninsured drivers in the country.
Nearly 1 in 5 drivers on our roads doesn’t carry any insurance at all.
So, what happens if one of them hits you? If they’re at fault but have no coverage—and you only have the minimum—you could be on the hook for your medical bills and more. That’s where Uninsured/Underinsured Motorist (UM/UIM) coverage comes in. It’s optional, but it fills the gap if the at-fault driver can’t pay. In our experience, this is one of the smartest—and most overlooked—forms of protection you can have.
“Are There Any Law Changes Coming?”
There could be. Lawmakers in Tallahassee have been debating whether to overhaul Florida’s no-fault system altogether and move to a fault-based model, which would require all drivers to carry bodily injury liability coverage.
If that change passes, it would significantly impact how claims are handled and who’s financially responsible after an accident. For injured drivers, it might open new doors for compensation, but it could also make navigating insurance even more complex. At Lopez & Humphries, we’re keeping a close watch. We’ve been through legislative changes before, and we’ll be ready to help our clients adapt if this one becomes law.
So, What Should You Do?
Understanding your car insurance isn’t just about staying legal—it’s about protecting yourself and your family when life throws you a curveball. We’ve seen how fast things can spiral after a crash. Medical bills pile up. Missed work becomes missed paychecks. And if you’re not properly covered, the stress only gets worse.
That’s why we always recommend reviewing your coverage with a trusted advisor—someone who understands both the insurance side and the legal side. If you’ve been injured, or even if you’re just trying to make sure you’re protected before anything happens, we’re here to help.
At Lopez & Humphries, P.A., we’ve guided thousands of clients through this process. We’ve fought insurance companies, taken cases to court, and secured millions in verdicts and settlements. And we do it because we know what’s at stake for you.
Have you or a loved one been injured in an accident and you have questions? Let’s talk. Your consultation is free, and we’ll help you figure out where you
stand.
