Sarasota Car Accidents: What to Know About Insurance, Claims & Coverage After a Crash

If you’ve been in a car accident in Sarasota, Florida, you’re not alone. With a mix of busy roads, tourist traffic, and unpredictable weather, crashes are unfortunately common. But while the accident itself may happen in seconds, the insurance process that follows can be anything but simple.

Whether you’re dealing with vehicle damage, medical bills, or lost wages, understanding how Florida’s no-fault insurance laws work—and how to protect your rights—can make a big difference in your financial recovery.

Here’s what every Sarasota driver should know about insurance, claims, and what to expect after a crash.

Florida’s No-Fault Insurance System: How It Affects Your Claim

Florida is a no-fault state, which means that after most accidents, your own insurance company pays your medical bills, regardless of who caused the crash. This is handled through Personal Injury Protection (PIP) coverage, which is required by law.

Minimum Florida Auto Insurance Requirements:

• $10,000 Personal Injury Protection (PIP)
• $10,000 Property Damage Liability (PDL)

But here’s the catch: PIP only covers up to 80% of your medical bills and 60% of lost wages, with a $10,000 cap. It also doesn’t cover pain and suffering.

If your injuries are severe—like broken bones, permanent disability, or significant trauma—you may be able to step outside the no-fault system and pursue a claim against the at-fault driver. That’s when bodily injury liability coverage (optional in Florida, but often purchased) becomes relevant.

Common Mistakes That Can Hurt Your Claim

After an accident, your priority should be safety and medical care—but your next steps also matter for your insurance claim. These are some common missteps Sarasota drivers make:

• Delaying medical treatment: You must seek care within 14 days for PIP to apply.
• Not documenting injuries or vehicle damage: Take photos at the scene if possible.
• Admitting fault: Let the insurers and adjusters determine fault—stick to the facts.
• Not notifying your insurer: You should report the accident promptly, even if you’re unsure about filing a claim.

Your insurer (and the other driver’s insurer, if you file a liability claim) will look for any gaps or inconsistencies to limit what they pay.

Dealing with Insurance Adjusters in Sarasota

Insurance adjusters work for the insurance company—not for you. Whether you’re filing under your own PIP or dealing with the other party’s liability insurer, expect scrutiny.

Key Tips:

• Keep detailed records: Document conversations, expenses, and medical visits.
• Be cautious with recorded statements: What you say can affect your claim.
• Review your policy limits: Know how much coverage you have for each type of loss.
• Don’t accept the first offer: Insurers often make low initial offers—especially if you’re pursuing pain and suffering outside the no-fault system.

When Coverage Isn’t Enough: UM/UIM Insurance

Sarasota has a mix of full-time residents and seasonal drivers. Unfortunately, not everyone on the road has enough insurance.

If you’re hit by a driver with no insurance or too little to cover your damages, your best protection is Uninsured/Underinsured Motorist (UM/UIM) coverage—but it’s optional in Florida.

If you carry it, this coverage can step in to pay for:

• Medical bills
• Lost wages
• Pain and suffering

If you don’t have UM/UIM and the other driver has no bodily injury coverage, you may have limited options for recovery—which is why it’s highly recommended, especially in Florida.