Crashes, insurance and registration in Florida

By the end of this topic you can

• You can follow the steps Florida law requires at a crash scene.
• You can say when you must call police and when you must file your own report.
• You can state Florida's minimum insurance coverage.
• You can explain what to do if you hit an unattended vehicle.
• You can explain why proof of insurance matters for registration and at traffic stops.

What you need to know and understand

• Every owner or registrant of a vehicle that must be registered in Florida needs at least $10,000 of PIP and $10,000 of property damage liability.
• You must stop at or as close as possible to any crash you are involved in.
• Call police immediately if anyone is injured or killed, or if damage appears to be $2,000 or more.
• If police do not need to make a report, the driver must send a written report to FLHSMV within 10 days of a crash that damaged a vehicle or property.
• Give your name, address and vehicle registration number to the other people involved, and show your license if asked.
• Leaving the scene of a crash that involves injury is a felony.
• Carry proof of insurance whenever you drive and show it when an officer asks.
• If your required insurance lapses, FLHSMV can suspend your license and registration.

At the scene: step by step

1. Stop at the scene, or as close as you safely can. Turn on hazard lights.
2. If the crash caused only damage and the cars can move, move them out of traffic if it is safe.
3. Check for injuries and give reasonable help, including arranging transport to a doctor or hospital when needed or requested. Call 911 for emergencies.
4. Call the police straight away if anyone is hurt or killed or damage looks like $2,000 or more: city police inside a city, otherwise the county sheriff or the Florida Highway Patrol.
5. Exchange names, addresses and registration numbers, show your license if asked, and give the officer proof of insurance.
6. If police did not need to report the crash but there was damage, file your own written report with FLHSMV within 10 days.

Hitting a parked car or other property

Stop. Find the owner, or leave a note in a secure, visible place with your name, address and registration number, and tell the police without delay. Driving off is a crime, and leaving the scene of a crash with property damage over $50 carries 6 points.

Insurance and registration basics

PIP pays a share of medical costs and lost income for you, household relatives and passengers, up to the policy limit, no matter who was at fault. To keep PIP medical benefits, get initial medical care within 14 days of the crash. Bodily injury liability is not part of the basic requirement for most drivers, but without it you can be exposed to a license and registration suspension after some crashes, so ask an insurer.

You must show proof of PIP and PDL to register a vehicle in Florida. If you stop insuring a car, surrender its license plate first so your license and registration are not suspended. Our guide to Florida PIP and what to do after a crash goes deeper.

Common mistakes

• Driving away from a minor bump without exchanging details. Even a small crash needs the required information.
• Waiting weeks to see a doctor. PIP medical benefits need initial care within 14 days.
• Canceling insurance before turning in the license plate. FLHSMV can suspend your license and registration.
• Admitting fault or arguing at the scene. Stick to facts and exchange information.

Test yourself: Crashes, insurance and registration in Florida

Answer each question, then read the explanation. Questions come in a random order each time.

Go deeper

• Florida PIP Insurance Requirement and What to Do After a Crash
• Florida Driver License Points
• Florida TLSAE Course