PIP Insurance: Definition and Clinical Context

What Is PIP Insurance?

PIP — Personal Injury Protection — is a mandatory component of auto insurance in Florida under the state's no-fault insurance system. Florida Statute 627.736 requires all motor vehicle owners to carry a minimum of $10,000 in PIP coverage.

"No-fault" means that after a car accident in Florida, your own PIP coverage pays for your medical expenses — regardless of who caused the accident. You do not need to wait for fault to be determined, a lawsuit to be filed, or the other driver's insurance to accept liability before receiving medical care.

What PIP Covers

PIP in Florida covers 80% of "reasonable and necessary" medical expenses up to the $10,000 limit. This includes:

• Emergency and non-emergency medical treatment
• Chiropractic care
• Diagnostic imaging (X-rays, MRI)
• Physical therapy
• Lost wages (60% of income lost due to injuries)
• Death benefits

The remaining 20% (your copay) may be covered by health insurance or may be billable to the at-fault driver's liability insurance through a separate claim.

The 14-Day Rule — Critical for Florida PIP

Florida law requires that you seek initial medical treatment within 14 days of your accident to be eligible for the full $10,000 PIP benefit. Miss this window and your benefits are reduced — potentially to zero for non-emergency care.

This is one of the most important things to understand after a Florida car accident: do not wait, even if you feel fine immediately after the accident. Soft tissue injuries (whiplash, muscle strain, disc injuries) frequently develop or worsen in the 24–72 hours after impact.

PIP and Chiropractic Care

Chiropractic care is expressly covered under Florida PIP when provided by a licensed Doctor of Chiropractic. Many of the most common auto accident injuries — whiplash, cervical disc injuries, lumbar strain — respond well to chiropractic treatment, and PIP covers this care from the first visit.

At McNamara Chiropractic Center, we are experienced with PIP claims and Florida's auto accident care requirements. We treat PIP patients, provide thorough documentation, and can work directly with your insurance adjuster.

What McNamara Chiropractic Does for PIP Patients

• We accept PIP insurance
• We see patients promptly — often the same day or next day after an accident
• We document injuries thoroughly for insurance and legal purposes
• We communicate with adjusters and, when authorized, with attorneys
• We provide a comprehensive treatment plan from the initial evaluation forward

Learn more about Auto Accident Care at McNamara Chiropractic, read our PIP FAQ, or call (954) 943-1100.

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McNamara Chiropractic Center | 3320 N. Federal Highway, Suite 101, Lighthouse Point, FL 33064 | (954) 943-1100