Does PIP Cover Motorcycle Accidents in Florida?

No. Florida PIP benefits generally do not cover injuries sustained while operating or occupying a motorcycle. Motorcycles are excluded from Florida's No-Fault Law because they are not included within the statutory definition of a covered motor vehicle. See, Progressive Cas. Ins. Co. v. Watson, 696 So.2d 543 (Fla. 3d DCA 1997); see also, Laninfa v. Prudential Prop. & Cas. Ins., 656 So.2d 965 (Fla 5th DCA 1995).

Why Are Motorcycles Different?

Florida's No-Fault law applies only to certain motor vehicles. Because motorcycles are not included within the statute's definition of covered motor vehicles, PIP benefits generally do not apply to motorcycle crashes.

Florida simply requires owners of qualifying four-wheeled motor vehicles to carry at least $10,000 in PIP coverage. Motorcycles are treated differently. The distinction has enormous financial consequences because serious motorcycle injuries often generate tens or even hundreds of thousands of dollars in medical expenses.

Furthermore, because PIP coverage does not apply to motorcycles, motorcycle owners are not required to purchase PIP, and motorcycle insurance policies generally do not include PIP benefits to provide the biker with any such insurance coverage.

Who Pays Medical Bills After a Motorcycle Crash?

The first few days after a motorcycle accident are often financially overwhelming. Hospitals, trauma centers, ambulance companies, orthopedic specialists, and imaging facilities may begin sending bills long before an insurance company has accepted responsibility.

Because Florida's PIP system generally does not apply to motorcycle crashes, injured riders often begin receiving substantial medical bills long before fault has been determined or an insurance company has accepted responsibility. Those unpaid bills can quickly create significant financial stress and, in some cases, negatively affect a rider's credit.

Without PIP, injured riders often rely on one or more other sources of coverage:

• Private health insurance, subject to deductibles, copays, and policy terms.
• Optional Medical Payments (MedPay) coverage, if purchased.
• Uninsured/Underinsured Motorist (UM/UIM) coverage, which can be especially valuable because many Florida drivers carry no Bodily Injury Liability insurance.
• The at-fault driver's Bodily Injury Liability insurance, if available.

If you've already been injured, read our article, see our "Accident Checklist" which provides a practical checklist of the most important steps to take immediately after a crash.

Why UM/UIM Coverage Matters?

Florida does not require drivers to carry liability insurance to cover an accident victim’s injuries. As a result, an injured motorcyclist may face substantial medical expenses even when another driver clearly caused the crash.

Because motorcyclists have no PIP safety net, UM coverage often becomes the single most important insurance protection available because it may provide compensation when the at fault driver has little or no Bodily Injury liability coverage.

To learn more about insurance coverage, check out: "Getting A Grip On Motorcycle Coverage"

What If I Own a Car With PIP?

Many riders mistakenly presume the PIP coverage on their automobile follows them onto their motorcycle.

Although every insurance policy should be reviewed individually, Florida's PIP statute does not provide benefits for injuries sustained while operating or occupying a motorcycle.

In more than 30 years representing injured motorcyclists, I have never seen Florida PIP benefits apply to an injured biker. I've represented many riders who believed their automobile PIP coverage would automatically protect them while riding a motorcycle. Unfortunately, many discovered after the crash that no PIP benefits were available.

Coverage Type	Covers Motorcycle Crash?
PIP	Generally No
MedPay	If Purchased
Health Insurance	Usually Medical Bills Only
UM / UIM	Often Very Important
At-Fault Driver's BI Insurance	If Available

What Should You Do After a Motorcycle Accident?

1. Seek medical treatment immediately.
2. Report the crash to law enforcement.
3. Photograph the scene, vehicles, and visible injuries.
4. Preserve receipts, medical records, and other evidence.
5. Avoid giving a recorded statement to the other driver's insurer before understanding your rights.
6. Motorcycle cases often require prompt investigation before critical evidence disappears. An experienced attorney can also identify every available source of insurance coverage before critical decisions are made.

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Frequently Asked Questions:

Is Florida a No-Fault state for Motorcycles?

No. Motorcycle accidents generally fall outside Florida's no-fault PIP system.

Do motorcycle insurance policies include PIP?

No. PIP is not included, although optional MedPay may be available.

Do motorcycle insurance policies include MedPay coverage?

Even when MedPay is available, the limits are often relatively small and may cover only a small fraction of the medical expenses associated with a serious motorcycle accident.

What insurance mistakes do you commonly see after serious motorcycle accidents?

For decades, as both a lifetime biker and motorcycle accident attorney, my office has reviewed hundreds or more motorcycle insurance agreements; and rarely do such insurance agreements help the biker when they need insurance most.

Common Insurance Mistake(s):

Many riders believe "full coverage" means they're fully protected after a serious motorcycle crash. Many policies do not include UM/UIM coverage—the protection that often becomes the most valuable when the at-fault driver has little or no bodily injury insurance.

Likewise, many riders either don't realize—or don't remember—that they signed a UM Selection/Rejection Form when purchasing their policy. Your insurance agent may have said “this will reduce your premium” or “if you have health insurance, you do not need this coverage.” Nothing could be further from the truth. If you see your declarations noting UM coverage is rejected, you might as well consider yourself riding without insurance, in a state where many at fault drivers themselves do not have insurance coverage either.

Important: Do not wait until an accident to review your insurance agreement(s). Revisit your motorcycle insurance agreement and you will see it has no PIP coverage, little to no MedPay coverage, and you may have possibly rejected UM coverage.

While reviewing your insurance agreement, you may also wish to read another article titled: Have You Seen the Commercials advertising For Motorcycle Insurance?

Solution: Contact your insurance agent to make sure you have UM coverage in your motorcycle and automobile insurance policies, with the highest limits you can reasonably afford, also asking for the UM coverage to be stacked. To see examples where UM coverage truly made a difference to a biker, see our Results page.

Can I sue the at-fault driver?

Yes, if another driver’s negligence caused the crash, you may pursue a liability claim for medical expenses, lost income, pain and suffering, and other recoverable damages, assuming liability and available insurance or assets. Depending on the facts, claims may also exist against the owner of the vehicle or an employer if the bad driver was acting within the course and scope of his employment.

Will health insurance cover all my damages?

Health insurance may help pay certain medical expenses, subject to deductibles, copays, and policy limitations. However, it generally will not compensate you for lost wages, pain and suffering, or many other damages resulting from a serious motorcycle accident.

Also, many health plans, especially those provided by an employer, have rights of reimbursement from any settlement you may enter with the at fault driver’s insurance. At times, there are arguments, exceptions and strategies to work around such liens. However, health insurance will not pay you for lost wages, pain and suffering and other special damages.

Can I use my car insurance after a motorcycle accident?

Within your auto insurance policy, remember you cannot use its PIP insurance to pay your medical bills, lost wages or funeral expenses. However, as an exception, if your auto policy contains stacked UM coverage on your personal auto insurance policy, it often covers you if you are hit by an uninsured/underinsured motorist.

Injured in a Florida Motorcycle Accident?

If an at-fault driver's negligence caused your crash, an experienced motorcycle accident attorney can evaluate your legal rights, identify available insurance coverage, and explain your options for recovering medical expenses, lost wages, and other damages.

Bottom Line

Florida riders should never assume PIP will pay medical bills after a motorcycle crash. It usually won't. Understanding your insurance coverage before an accident—and your legal options afterward—can significantly improve both your medical care and your financial recovery.

Injured in a Motorcycle Accident? Speak With a Lifetime Biker–Attorney Today

If you're looking for a Florida motorcycle accident lawyer who actually rides, you're in the right place.

• 35+ years of trial experience
• Lifetime biker who understands real riding conditions
• No fees or costs unless we win
• Free consultation
• Help with both medical bills and property damage
• Personal representation — no case managers

About the Author — Brad Souders, Florida Motorcycle Accident Attorney

Brad Souders is a lifetime biker and veteran trial lawyer with more than 35 years of experience representing injured riders throughout Florida. He combines real riding experience with extensive legal knowledge to help Florida motorcycle accident victims recover full compensation. Main office in Tampa – Representing Bikers And Their Families Throughout Florida.

Brad offers free consultations and flexible appointments, including evenings, weekends, home visits, hospital visits, or virtual meetings. Call Now: 813-220-7767 or 866-464-5291

Call The Motorcycle Attorney That Actually Rides!