In the state of Florida, full coverage is not a legally defined policy. Rather, what full coverage actually means is that you generally have a combination of certain coverages included in a policy, including liability, PIP, collision, or comprehensive coverage.
That said, even “full coverage” does not guarantee complete protection after an accident. Even after learning what full coverage means, a lot of people are still confused about what it is and how it applies to their circumstances, especially in the aftermath of an accident.
This makes sense, especially if you’ve never been in a situation involving full coverage before. To learn more about full coverage, contact a personal injury lawyer in Fort Lauderdale as soon as possible.
Full Coverage Might Not Actually Mean What You Thought
If you’re shocked to learn that full coverage does not actually mean everything is covered after an accident, this moment of realization is something many victims experience. With a lawyer by your side, you’ll have someone who will review your policy line by line on your behalf.
From there, your attorneys can explain what it really includes and identify additional sources of compensation you might not know about. In general, many policies labeled as full coverage typically include the following:
- Liability coverage
- Personal injury protection
- Collision coverage
- Comprehensive coverage
However, each of these parts of a full coverage policy has its own set of limits, conditions, and exclusions. Attorneys can translate what your policy actually means in real-world terms.
That includes figuring out if your injuries are covered under Personal Injury Protection (PIP) and whether another driver’s insurance should apply. They can also determine if you have additional uninsured or underinsured motorist coverage that would otherwise increase your recovery.
What Florida Laws Require Insurance to Cover
Florida has minimum requirements in place regarding what insurance is required to cover, but those minimums are often far below what people actually need. When you meet with your lawyer, they can explain how these legal requirements interact with your policy.
From there, your legal counsel can help you pursue additional compensation when minimum coverage is not enough. Additionally, Florida is a no-fault state, which means every driver is required to carry these two forms of coverage:
- Personal Injury Protection
- Minimum property damage liability coverage
Commonly known as PIP, this type of coverage typically pays up to a limited amount of medical expenses and lost wages, regardless of who caused the accident. However, PIP often runs out quickly, especially in cases involving serious injuries.
What Coverage Do You Need Outside of PIP?
On top of PIP, drivers are also required to carry minimum property damage liability coverage, as this can cover damage you cause to someone else’s property. However, it does not necessarily help you recover money for your own injuries unless additional coverage applies.
Ultimately, a lawyer can evaluate if your injuries meet Florida’s legal threshold for stepping outside the no-fault system. If they do, you might be able to file a claim against the at-fault driver for damages that go beyond your basic insurance coverage.
What Happens if Your Insurance Refuses to Pay Enough?
If your insurance company recognizes that you were in an accident but will not agree to cover your expenses, you’re likely frustrated by their refusal. This can feel especially unfair if you were under the impression that you were fully protected.
When an insurance company refuses to pay enough, your lawyer will challenge low offers from insurers and dispute improper denials. They will also push the insurance company to honor the policy you paid for.
Excuses Insurers Use to Fight Valid Claims
Now, insurance companies often rely on internal guidelines that expect them to prioritize their own savings over fair compensation for injured parties. In doing so, they might make these arguments, no matter how inaccurate they may be:
- Certain treatments are unnecessary.
- Your injuries are pre-existing.
- The damages you sustained are lower than what your doctors reported.
Without legal representation, many victims feel pressured to accept lower settlement offers. Your attorney can counter these tactics by presenting insurers with medical documentation, consulting with professionals, and building a clear case on your behalf.
Contact Blakeley Car Accident & Personal Injury Lawyers to Figure Out What Full Coverage Actually Means
If you’re still unsure as to whether or not your full coverage policy will actually protect you in the event of an accident, don’t wait any longer to contact Blakeley Car Accident & Personal Injury Lawyers. You might even be realizing this is the case in the aftermath of an incident.
Either way, we’re here to advocate for your rights as the victim of a situation who’s legally allowed to pursue compensation. We’re home to South Florida’s most well-known Personal Injury Lawyer, and our attorney fights to get you paid fast!
Founded in 2013, our lawyers have recovered more than $250 million for our clients, and we have 40 years of combined experience. We’re a legal family committed to serving others, winning cases, and standing strong for every client who puts their trust in us.
