Reader’s Question:

My daughter and her boyfriend got into an accident. My daughter borrowed my car for a trip just outside of Florida where we live at the start of the year. The accident wasn’t their fault. That’s pretty clear at this point, but both of them are in hospital as I write. I’m sure my daughter is covered by my accident insurance, but will her boyfriend be, as well?

Jessica

Miami, FL

PIP coverage is required in Florida, so I assume you have this coverage. It stands for Personal Injury Protection, or some people call it no-fault auto insurance because basically one is entitled to it whether or not he or she was at fault. If you listed your daughter as one of the drivers of your vehicle, then it goes without saying that your auto insurance company will cover her hospital bills and her physician’s fees. Her boyfriend may be covered, too, because PIP typically covers the policyholders, family members residing in the same household, and the passengers at the time of the accident. However, accident insurance has limits. Only up to $10,000 dollars may be reimbursed for medical expenses under a PIP coverage. PIP only covers the amount which the auto insurance company deems reasonable. Unnecessary procedures or those which are very expensive might not be paid for in full. There are health care providers pre-approved by your auto insurance company. They’re worth checking out because they will charge you what the auto insurance company already agreed to reimburse. Also only 80% of the medical costs will be covered by the auto insurance company; Twenty percent of them will be shouldered by you as copayment. Anyway, I hope the kids recover soon, Jessica.