PIP rates unlikely to change much despite new law

Tougher PIP measures unlikely to have meaningful effect on automobile insurance premiums

Author:
Published On: Jan 02 2013 08:00:05 AM EST
Auto Insurance Picture
TALLAHASSEE, Fla. -

Florida drivers looking to save money resulting from a new law designed to crack down on no-fault auto insurance fraud may have to look hard to find any significant savings.

Any potential savings coming on the personal injury protection portion of a policy is so slight that it is likely to be offset by increases in other parts of the coverage.

The new, tougher PIP law — which actually took effect on July 1 — caps benefits at $2,500 unless a doctor, osteopathic physician, dentist or a supervised physician's assistant or advanced registered nurse practitioner determines there's an "emergency medical condition." Chiropractors cannot make that determination.

A driver's insurance company was previously required to pay up to $10,000 for medical bills and lost wages no matter who was at fault.

  • Copyright 2013 The Associated Press. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten or redistributed.