The imperfections in Florida's no-fault auto insurance system

In 2021, the state legislature voted, almost unanimously, to repeal the no-fault insurance law and replace it with a modern mandatory bodily injury law. But in June 2021, Florida Gov. Ron DeSantis vetoed the bill. (Credit: Piyawat Nandeenopparit/Shutterstock)

Unlike most states, Florida does not require drivers to purchase bodily injury liability insurance. Bodily injury is the auto insurance that is used to compensate a person if a driver negligently injures someone while operating a car. Florida law merely requires that a driver be “financially responsible” for any injury they cause while operating their vehicle — not to actually have insurance to pay for it. No, I am not kidding.

Though Florida drivers are not required to purchase bodily liability insurance, they are required to have $10,000 in personal injury protection (PIP) and property damage liability insurance coverages on their policy. This is, essentially, what the state feels is adequate to cover your own medical bills and lost wages should you find yourself in an accident, and adequate to pay for the other driver’s property damage if you were at fault.