Friday, 5 October 2007
Auto Insurance Laws Stall In Florida
The personal injury protection (PIP) and no-fault auto insurance law expired in Florida on Monday. Lawmakers in both Houses of State Congress attempted to work quickly on legislation that would have restarted the no-fault law. But a last-minute amendment stalled the bill that was very close to passing.
House Republicans added an amendment to the bill that would have capped attorneys’ fees in cases against insurance companies. It also banned lawyers from doubling or tripling fees — called multipliers — in cases involving insurance claims.
The amendment, which is supported by insurance companies, would help prevent health care providers from filing fraudulent claims. But opponents of the amendment contend it would give insurance companies an unfair advantage over drivers who can’t afford a lawyer’s hourly fees, reported the Orlando Sentinel.
Because the legislation and the no-fault law are both at a stand-still, Florida drivers will not be able to determine whether they are sufficiently covered with their old policies or must buy new coverage. The future of the no-fault law in Florida is still unknown, and may not be for a few months.
“The citizens need to be calling their agents and finding out what they need to be doing to protect themselves over the next four months,” said state Chief Financial Officer, Alex Sink.
Technorati Tags: Florida auto insurance no-fault personal injury protection (PIP)
