PIP Law Goes Into Effect Tomorrow

TALLAHASSEE - When someone is injured in a car crash, the accompanying medical bills need to get paid somehow.

When legislators let the personal injury protection (PIP) laws fade away years ago, the governor made sure they came back this year to resurrect it. He, along with many other lawmakers, did not want taxpayers to foot the bill.

Sen. Mike Fasano, R-New Port Richey, wanted the new PIP laws to have exceptions, mostly for seniors covered by Medicaid. He also questioned giving residents no choice when it comes to paying for auto insurance.

"When you look at the whole picture, as much as you want people to have a choice ... someone is going to have to pay those medical bills," he said. "You don't want the taxpayers to pay the bills. Medical expenses just don't go away."

No exceptions were made. Beginning Jan. 1, 2008, all Florida motorists will be required to pay for PIP coverage in addition to property damage liability.

From Oct. 31 through the end of this month, only property damage liability was required. A few years ago, Gov. Jeb Bush vetoed a PIP bill, which meant the law would "eventually sunset," Fasano said. In other words, it would simply go away.

Lawmakers decided to extend the sunset until Oct. 2007. This year, Gov. Charlie Crist called for a special session and the issue was back on the table. The law passed and now those motorists who canceled their PIP coverage will have to reinstate it.

Insurance carriers are asked to notify the Department of Motor Vehicles of those customers who do not have the proper coverage. That person would then have his or her license and registration suspended.

Reinstatement costs will range from $150 to $500, according to the Department of Highway Safety and Motor Vehicles.

For more information about PIP coverage and other auto insurance information, call 1-877-MyFLCFO or visit http://myfloridacfo.com/NoFault/.