Curbing fraud in the state’s no-fault car insurance law was a top priority for 2012 for lawmakers and the governor, according to the Tampa Bay Times.
New legislation alters how drivers use their insurance, attempts to reduce crash-related lawsuits, and seeks to lower insurance rates.
After Gov. Scott signs the bill into law, some of the changes will begin this summer, but drivers won’t see their policies change drastically until 2013.
The measure (HB 119) includes a requirement that insurance companies reduce personal injury protection (PIP) premiums at least 10 percent by Oct. 1, and 25 percent by 2014.
PIP reform restores no-fault car insurance to its core mission, lawmakers say.
“My goal was to put PIP back into its original character as emergency treatment to get you back on your feet,” said Sen. Joe Negron, the Stuart Republican who helped craft the changes.
The Senator also said, “There is a strong alliance of senators who are going to hold the insurance companies’ feet to the fire and make sure they reduce rates dramatically.”
Tougher licensing standards for medical clinics, a new statewide anti-fraud task force, wider use of long-form accident reports, and stiff penalties for providers caught defrauding the system are some of the expected changes.
Have you or someone you know been injured in a South-Florida or Miami car accident?
The Miami personal injury attorneys at Steinger, Greene & Feiner may be able to help.
About the Author
Michael Steinger
MICHAEL S. STEINGER, founding partner of Steinger, Greene & Feiner, believes in representing real people, not big businesses. Since the firm’s creation in 1997, Steinger, Greene & Feiner has never represented an insurance company or large corporation, and he vows to keep this promise. Over the course of his career, Michael has handled thousands of Florida accident cases, recovering millions of dollars for his clients and earning him membership into the Multi-Million Dollar Advocates Forum.
Staying up-to-date on the ever-evolving laws protecting injury victims and their families, Michael is an active member of the American Bar Association, the Palm Beach, and St. Lucie Bar Associations, and sits on the Auto Insurance Committee of the Florida Justice Association.
Michael Steinger
MICHAEL S. STEINGER, founding partner of Steinger, Greene & Feiner, believes in representing real people, not big businesses. Since the firm’s creation in 1997, Steinger, Greene & Feiner has never represented an insurance company or large corporation, and he vows to keep this promise. Over the course of his career, Michael has handled thousands of Florida accident cases, recovering millions of dollars for his clients and earning him membership into the Multi-Million Dollar Advocates Forum. Staying up-to-date on the ever-evolving laws protecting injury victims and their families, Michael is an active member of the American Bar Association, the Palm Beach, and St. Lucie Bar Associations, and sits on the Auto Insurance Committee of the Florida Justice Association.