In Florida, you are required to have an active car insurance policy with at least the minimum coverage limits for the state. Generally, most people go with the minimums as it can be expensive to add additional coverage that isn’t required.
However, that extra coverage could provide greater protection in the event of a crash. Understanding more about the available accident coverage from Allstate in the state of Florida can help you get the right policy.
What Is Required for Florida Drivers’ Insurance?
Florida drivers are required to have property damage liability at a minimum of a $10,000 limit. This coverage is for expenses related to the damage of another person’s vehicle, building, structure, or other type of property when you are at fault for the accident.
You also need to carry a minimum of $10,000 for personal injury protection (PIP) to cover injuries for you or any passengers. That’s where the requirements end, and while you are not legally obligated to purchase more coverage, you may want to consider the available accident coverage from Allstate.
Optional Insurance Coverage
Here’s a look at additional coverage for car accidents in Florida. None of these are required, but they can be beneficial:
Bodily Injury Liability
This coverage helps with expenses related to the injury or death in a crash when you are at fault.
Uninsured Motorist
Many people in Florida drive without any insurance coverage. If you get in an accident with an uninsured driver, your minimum required insurance wouldn’t be enough to cover your expenses. Uninsured motorist coverage can offer extra protection to take care of your medical expenses.
Underinsured Motorist
In other scenarios, the driver who hit you may not have enough liability insurance. Underinsured motorist coverage will protect you in this situation.
Collision
You can choose to add collision coverage to your auto insurance policy. This helps you cover expenses to repair or replace your vehicle after a crash.
Comprehensive
Adding comprehensive coverage covers expenses to repair or replace your vehicle when it is stolen, or if it is damaged by vandals or weather events.
What to Know About Making Your Car Accident Claim with Allstate
When you contact the Allstate insurance claims department, you should know that they use a system to analyze their insurance claims. The insurance adjusters use it to input the data they collect from you when you report your accident and the system provides a value range.
The system was developed to prevent errors, though it could end up reducing your settlement amount. There are specific injury codes provided in the medical records that you receive after your medical treatments. The adjusters need to input these codes into the system, but there are times when an injury doesn’t have a code or is in the files. This means that your injury may not be noted and would then not be calculated into your settlement.
Additionally, while the software can be helpful, it can often miss things. It may underestimate the costs of your medical care. It also doesn’t analyze fault, and for these reasons, it’s imperative that you go through the documents line by line when you are making an accident claim with Allstate.
A Word About Comparative Fault
You can still claim compensation in Florida even if you share some of the fault. With the kind of system that Allstate uses to calculate settlements, it may be in your best interest to hire a car accident attorney. Legal representation can ensure that your injuries and damages are accurately calculated. They can also prevent you from taking more blame than you deserve to help you get fair compensation.
Aidan has been writing about personal finance for over 6 years. Prior to this, he worked as a Corporate Finance Analyst where he specialized in Due Diligence, Company Valuations and more. He is a CFA charterholder.
