Do I Need Med Pay Coverage?

Med Pay is optional and supplemental auto insurance coverage offered in the State of Florida and can be purchased for an additional fee. Med Pay coverage will pay the 20% of medical bills that PIP does not cover and when PIP is exhausted will pay 100% of the medical up to the coverage limits. Unlike PIP coverage, Med Pay does not compensate for lost wages. Med Pay is affordable coverage that helps when someone’s negligence causes you to suffer significant injuries and large medical bills. Typically depending on the amount of coverage purchased, Med Pay can be added to a policy for around $50.00 a policy period. You should check your policy for Med Pay and consider adding this coverage.

Florida Motorcycle Laws

Florida law does not require motorcycles to be insured, leaving many motorcyclists without insurance to protect themselves and others in an accident. Typically, motorcyclists are often severely injured in accidents and their medical bills quickly escalate while in emergency care. Motorcycle insurance is essential considering the rising cost of healthcare, leaving many Floridians without health insurance or means to pay their medical bills. Without proper insurance, they are faced with enormous medical bills and financial ruin.

Unfortunately, there are many uninsured motorists on Florida’s roadways and with the slowing economy, these numbers are expected to increase over time. Insurance protection can also provide benefits for the motorcyclist when the other driver is at fault for the accident, but does not have automobile insurance. Without proper insurance coverage, a motorcyclist can also be personally sued by the other party for property damages and personal injuries, if they caused the accident.

Although motorcycle insurance is not required in Florida and no one ever expects to be in an accident, there are many benefits in having the insurance coverage when and if needed. Unexpected and uninsured accidents can be devastating emotionally and financially. I recommend that all motorcycle owners purchase insurance coverage that will offer them adequate protection and benefits.

New Seat Belt Law in Florida

Starting June 30, 2009 law enforcement officers can stop you for the single offense of not wearing your seat belt. Officers no longer have to have another reason to stop a vehicle to issue a citation for a seat belt violation. Now, motorists can be ticketed if either they or their front seat passengers fail to wear their seat belt. All passengers under 18 years of age are also required to wear seat belts, regardless of where they are sitting in the vehicle. The penalty is a $30 fine plus administrative and court costs, which makes most tickets cost about $100, varying by county.

Crist Vetoes Insurance Legislation

Governor Crist just put great hindrance on large property insurance companies wanting to write policies in Florida, on Wednesday. Crist vetoed a bill that would have encouraged these insurance companies to insure property owners in Florida. The legislation would have relaxed the current regulations and allowed the big insurance companies to increase policy premiums. Christ’s has stated that he vetoed the bill to keep insurance rates affordable for Floridians.