Florida's no-fault insurance system requires most drivers to carry Personal Injury Protection (PIP), but the rules change when motorcycles are involved. Many riders assume they’re automatically covered under PIP like other motorists. However, Florida law treats motorcycles differently—and not understanding that difference can leave injured riders with unexpected medical bills and limited recovery options.
Below, we’ll break down how PIP works in Florida, why it doesn’t apply to motorcycles, and what riders should do to protect themselves after a crash.
Florida PIP Insurance: A Quick Overview
What PIP Covers for Motor Vehicles
Personal Injury Protection (PIP) is mandatory for owners of four-wheeled vehicles registered in Florida. It provides up to $10,000 in medical coverage regardless of who caused the accident. This includes:
- 80% of necessary medical expenses
- 60% of lost wages
- A $5,000 death benefit
PIP allows car crash victims to receive treatment quickly without waiting for a liability determination. However, the benefits are limited—and PIP has strict timelines for seeking care (within 14 days of the accident) to preserve eligibility.
Why Motorcycles Are Not Covered Under PIP
Florida Statute §627.736, which governs PIP, applies only to motor vehicles defined as four-wheeled. Because motorcycles don’t meet that definition, they are excluded from mandatory PIP coverage.
As a result, motorcycle riders in Florida cannot purchase PIP even if they want to. That means if you’re injured in a motorcycle accident, your own auto insurance policy won’t help pay for your medical treatment under PIP.
What Insurance Options Do Florida Motorcyclists Have Instead?
Medical Payments Coverage (MedPay)
Some motorcycle insurance policies offer medical payments coverage, also known as MedPay. While it’s optional, it functions similarly to PIP by covering your medical expenses regardless of fault. Coverage limits and benefits vary by insurer, so riders should check their policy closely.
Bodily Injury Liability Insurance
Though not required for motorcycle owners in Florida, bodily injury liability (BIL) insurance is another key form of protection. It covers injuries you cause to others, but not your own. However, if another driver is at fault, their BIL policy may be used to cover your losses—if they carry it.
Unfortunately, Florida does not require drivers to carry BIL, so many injured riders find themselves dealing with underinsured or uninsured motorists.
Uninsured/Underinsured Motorist Coverage (UM/UIM)
UM/UIM coverage is one of the most important protections a Florida motorcyclist can buy. If you’re hit by a driver with no insurance—or with minimal coverage—UM/UIM can step in and cover:
- Medical bills
- Lost income
- Pain and suffering
This type of coverage is not required by law, but it’s one of the few reliable safety nets riders have after a serious collision.
Why the PIP Exclusion Matters After a Florida Motorcycle Crash
Motorcyclists Must Sue to Recover Damages
Because PIP doesn’t apply to motorcycles, riders typically need to pursue compensation through a liability claim or personal injury lawsuit. This can include:
- Medical expenses
- Lost wages
- Pain and suffering
- Future rehabilitation costs
Without PIP to lean on, there’s no automatic benefit to cover immediate medical care. That means filing a lawsuit may be the only path to recovery—even for injuries caused by another driver’s clear negligence.
Permanently Injured Riders Face Greater Financial Risk
Florida’s no-fault threshold normally limits when car accident victims can sue for pain and suffering. But this restriction doesn’t apply to motorcyclists. If you’re injured in a motorcycle crash—even with relatively minor long-term effects—you may be able to pursue full compensation without meeting the same legal thresholds.
Still, the process takes time. And without PIP, many riders face months of medical debt while waiting for a settlement or verdict.
How Florida Law Treats Motorcycle Passengers
Passengers on motorcycles are in the same situation as riders—PIP coverage doesn’t apply. Unless the passenger has their own separate health insurance or the driver purchased a motorcycle policy that includes passenger medical coverage, they may have limited options.
This makes it even more important for motorcyclists to review their policies and consider additional coverage before allowing others to ride with them.
Practical Steps to Take After a Florida Motorcycle Accident
If you’ve been injured in a motorcycle crash in Florida, act quickly to protect your rights and options. Here are several key steps:
1. Seek immediate medical attention.
Even if you feel okay, internal injuries can worsen without treatment. Medical records also play a vital role in any legal claim.
2. Document everything.
Take photos of the scene, injuries, road conditions, and any involved vehicles. Write down witness names and driver details.
3. Notify your insurer.
Even though PIP won’t apply, most policies require timely notification to preserve coverage.
4. Speak with a personal injury attorney.
Motorcycle accident claims can be complex, especially when negotiating with insurers or pursuing litigation.
Should Florida Reconsider PIP for Motorcycles?
There’s growing debate about whether Florida’s insurance structure adequately protects motorcyclists. According to the Florida Department of Highway Safety and Motor Vehicles, over 9,000 motorcycle crashes occurred in 2023, resulting in nearly 600 fatalities. Many involved riders had no medical coverage, leaving them to rely on ER charity programs, health insurance, or lawsuits.
While PIP was designed to streamline claims and reduce litigation, excluding motorcycle riders has arguably done the opposite—forcing more injured individuals into courtrooms and leaving others with unpaid medical debt.
Conclusion
Florida motorcyclists are not covered by Personal Injury Protection (PIP), and they cannot purchase it even if they want to. This gap in coverage can create serious financial consequences after an accident, particularly when riders don’t carry additional insurance. Riders should strongly consider purchasing MedPay, uninsured motorist coverage, and comprehensive health insurance to protect themselves. And in the aftermath of a motorcycle crash, contacting an experienced Florida injury attorney may be the best path to securing compensation and rebuilding after the impact.
Need Legal Help? Brandon J. Broderick, Attorney at Law is One Phone Call Away
Navigating Florida car accident claims can be challenging. Fortunately, you don't need to do it alone. The experienced personal injury lawyers at Brandon J. Broderick, Attorney at Law, are available 24/7 to help you understand your legal options, gather necessary evidence, and build a strong case to secure the settlement you deserve.
Contact us now for a free legal review.