Does PIP Insurance Cover Windshields in Florida?

Navigating auto insurance policies can be complex, especially concerning specific types of vehicle damage. Understanding your policy and state laws is important for all drivers to prepare for unexpected incidents.

Understanding PIP Insurance in Florida

Personal Injury Protection (PIP) insurance is mandatory for vehicle owners in Florida’s no-fault insurance system. It covers medical expenses, lost wages, and funeral costs for you and your passengers, regardless of fault. Florida law requires a minimum of $10,000 in PIP coverage, paying 80% of medical expenses and 60% of lost wages, up to the policy limit.

PIP covers medical services like prescriptions, surgical treatments, ambulance fees, diagnostic tests, and rehabilitation. It also covers lost wages if an injury prevents you from working, and in some cases, expenses for home or pet care. However, PIP insurance is for personal injuries and related economic losses.

PIP coverage does not cover property damage to your vehicle or another person’s property. Vehicle repairs, including windshield damage, are not covered by PIP. Other coverage types are needed for physical car damage.

Windshield Coverage Specifics in Florida

Windshield damage is typically addressed by other types of auto insurance coverage, primarily Comprehensive coverage. Comprehensive insurance protects your vehicle from non-collision incidents such as shattered glass from rocks, vandalism, falling objects, fire, or damage from animals.

If windshield damage occurred as part of a larger collision, Collision coverage would apply. Collision insurance pays for car repairs if it collides with another vehicle or object, regardless of fault. However, Florida law benefits drivers with Comprehensive coverage regarding windshield damage.

Florida Statute 627.7288 mandates that Comprehensive insurance must replace or repair a damaged windshield without a deductible. Policyholders pay nothing out-of-pocket for windshield repair or replacement. This encourages prompt repair, enhancing road safety. This zero-deductible provision applies only to windshields, not to other windows.

Steps for a Windshield Claim

When your vehicle’s windshield sustains damage and you have Comprehensive or Collision coverage, initiating a claim involves steps. First, contact your insurance provider as soon as possible to report the damage. Provide details about how and when the damage occurred.

Your insurer will ask about the damage extent to determine if repair or replacement is needed. Small chips or cracks, smaller than a dollar bill or 6 inches, can be repaired, while larger damage requires replacement. While many insurers have preferred networks, Florida law allows you to choose your own repair facility.

Once approved, schedule service with your chosen auto glass company. Many offer mobile services for on-site repair or replacement. The provider often handles direct billing to your insurer, streamlining the process. For vehicles with Advanced Driver Assistance Systems (ADAS), recalibration after windshield replacement is necessary and covered without a deductible under Comprehensive insurance.