OVERVIEW: Motor vehicle insurance is mandatory in the State of Florida and requires that certain limits of insurance be in place upon vehicles. The failure to maintain continuous coverage upon a vehicle will normally result in the revocation of the registration for the vehicle and/or suspension of driving privileges.

The liability portion of motor vehicle insurance (i.e. 10/20, 100/200) covers bodily injury and/or property damages to other people or vehicles. Personal injury protection (PIP) is no fault insurance that ensures that a portion of all medical bills are paid to those injured in an accident regardless of fault. Comprehensive and collision coverage is optional and it protects your own vehicle from damage, theft, and vandalism. Uninsured motorist coverage is also optional and that covers you in the event that the other party does not have insurance at the time of the accident.

Frequently, coverage disputes for an accident arise on the basis that the policy was canceled. Cancellation can occur for nonpayment of a premium or the failure to renew. Likewise, coverage may be excluded if material misrepresentations were made on the insurance application (failure to accurately disclose driving history, eligible drivers in the household, preexisting damage to the auto). Again, insurance coverage is important both for a claimant and the insured for without it the parties are left to fend for themselves. In other words, the insured may face personal liability for damages that were caused while the claimant will have to pursue the insured personally for the damages.

KEY BENEFITS: Resolution of all first and third party motor vehicle insurance claims. Analysis of insurance applications, underwriting files, policy conditions, and exclusions. Pursuit of and defense against breach of contract and declaratory actions involving motor vehicle coverage.

Note: The results and/or recoveries in individual cases are based on the facts and circumstances of that case.  Past results and recoveries achieved in similar cases are not an indication of the type of result or recovery that may be reached in your case.  Nothing stated herein is nor should be construed to be a guarantee of a result or recovery for your particular case.

---

RESEARCH RESOURCES

Insurance Law ArticleInsure.comInternational Risk Management InstituteFlorida Department of Insurance

RELEVANT FLORIDA STATUTES

Florida Insurance Contract StatutesFlorida Motor Vehicle Insurance StatutesFlorida Unfair Insurance Practices StatutesFlorida Required Insurance StatuteFlorida Required Personal Injury Protection Statutes