As with almost every state, auto insurance is a legal responsibility for all owners of vehicles registered in Florida. Caught driving without a license in Florida? Driving without car insurance can result in serious legal penalties. Furthermore, a lack of insurance can lead to severe financial consequences, putting you and your loved ones at risk.
Understanding Florida’s auto insurance requirements is essential for every motorist in the state. If you’re an uninsured driver or if you have suffered injuries in a crash with someone who lacks the proper insurance coverage, speak to a Tampa car accident attorney. Lawyers can help you understand your rights and options for no-insurance accidents.
Legal Requirements for Insurance in Florida
What are the legal requirements to watch out for if you are found driving without a license in Florida? In most states, the at-fault party’s liability insurance policy pays for the other party’s medical expenses and property damage. However, Florida is one of the few states that does not require car owners to purchase liability insurance. As a no-fault state, Florida requires vehicle owners to purchase Personal Injury Protection (PIP) insurance and Property Damage Liability (PDL) coverage.
When someone carries PIP insurance, their policy will pay for a percentage of medical expenses (usually 80 percent) and lost wages (usually 60 percent). This is regardless of who caused the accident.
Florida law requires motorists to purchase policies with minimum coverage limits of $10,000 in PIP insurance and $10,000 in PDL insurance.
It is worth noting that owners must meet the minimum insurance requirements for all registered vehicles with license plates. Even if you do not intend to drive the vehicle, you must keep it insured unless you surrender your license plate.
Types of Optional Insurance Coverage for Florida Drivers
While Florida law only requires PIP and PDL coverage, there are several optional types of insurance that drivers may choose to purchase. These include:
- Bodily Injury Liability (BIL) Coverage – This type of insurance covers the medical expenses and lost wages of others if you are at fault in an accident.
- Collision Coverage – This insurance helps pay for repairs to your vehicle if you are involved in a collision with another car or object.
- Comprehensive Coverage – This type of coverage protects your vehicle from non-collision-related incidents, such as theft, vandalism, or natural disasters.
- Uninsured/Underinsured Motorist Coverage – This insurance helps cover your expenses if you are in an accident with a driver who lacks sufficient insurance coverage.
Uninsured Driver Legal Consequences in Florida
What are the consequences when you are caught driving without a license in Tampa, Florida? Drivers who lack legally mandated insurance coverage in Florida face steep fines. In the first offense, the fine may be up to $500. For a second offense, the maximum fine is $1,000. For each subsequent offense, uninsured drivers face even steeper fines, as well as a driver’s license suspension.
A license suspension for driving without insurance can last up to three years. First-time offenders must pay a fee of $150 and demonstrate proof of insurance to have their license reinstated. Second-time offenders must pay a fee of $250. A third offense within three years requires a $500 fee to reinstate the license.
Anyone who is caught driving with a suspended license may face much steeper fines, as well as the prospect of jail time.
Exemptions to Car Insurance Requirements in Florida
There are a few limited exemptions to Florida’s car insurance requirements. These include:
- Self-insurance – Some individuals with a net worth of more than $40,000 or companies with a large number of vehicles may be able to self-insure by providing proof of financial responsibility to the state.
- Certain types of vehicles – Some vehicles, such as government-owned cars or farm equipment, may be exempt from insurance requirements.
- Non-operational vehicles – If a vehicle is not being driven and the owner has surrendered the license plate, they may not be required to maintain insurance coverage on that vehicle.
If you are unsure whether these exceptions might apply to you, speak to your insurance company.
Accident Liability for Drivers Without Insurance
What if a driver driving without a license causes an accident? If an uninsured driver causes an accident, they may be personally liable for the other party’s medical expenses, lost wages, and property damage. The injured party may file a lawsuit against the uninsured driver to seek compensation for the losses of the car accident victim. If the uninsured driver loses the lawsuit, this can result in significant financial strain and possibly even bankruptcy.
In other cases, the injured party’s insurance policy may provide coverage for accidents involving uninsured drivers. This depends on the types of coverage they have purchased and the settlement offer given.
What to Do If You Are in an Accident Without Insurance
What if you are caught driving without a license in Florida and have no insurance to back it up? If you are involved in an accident and you do not have insurance, there are several steps you should take:
- Contact law enforcement to report the accident.
- Exchange contact and vehicle information with the other driver or drivers involved.
- Document the accident scene by taking photos of the damage and gathering witness statements, if possible.
- Seek medical attention for any injuries you may have sustained, even if you believe they are minor.
- Contact an experienced car accident attorney to discuss your legal options and potential liability.
- Be prepared to face the legal consequences of driving without insurance. This may include fines, license suspension, and personal liability for any damages or injuries caused by the accident.
Contact a Knowledgeable Florida Car Accident Attorney Today
Caught driving without a license in Florida? Being involved in a traffic accident where one of the drivers lacks insurance coverage can make an already stressful situation overwhelming. In such situations, you might worry about your injuries, finances, and legal jeopardy. However, it is essential to keep in mind that you may still have options to protect yourself and possibly recover the compensation you deserve. As a personal injury lawyer or car accident attorney, no insurance coverage can spell trouble for our clients in a car accident case.
The experienced Tampa car accident attorneys at Jurewitz Law Group Injury & Accident Lawyers have a thorough knowledge of personal injury law for uninsured motorist accidents. Our law firm is ready to give you the support and advocacy you need at this challenging time. Call our legal team today at (619) 233-5020 or contact us online to schedule a free consultation and case evaluation. We will help you learn more about how your personal injury claims can help with the pain and suffering you experience.
