Florida Senator Seeks to Replace the Existing No-Fault Law

A Florida Senator is again proposing a measure to eliminate the existing motor vehicle no-fault insurance law and replace it with legislation that will require all drivers to purchase bodily injury and property damage coverage at minimum limits. Senator Jeff Brandes has proposed Senate Bill 896, the Responsible Roadways Act, which seeks to mandate that Florida consumers purchase bodily injury liability coverage at limits of $25,000 per person/$50,000 for more than one person, and $10,000 for property damage. If passed, the Responsible Roadways Act would replace the current no-fault law which provides for $10,000 in personal injury protection coverage, regardless of the insured’s fault in an accident.

The Florida legislature attempted to enact similar legislation in 2017, but neither the House Bill nor the Senate Bill ever reached the Senate floor. Regulators point to unaffordable auto insurance prices and widespread fraud and abuse as reasons to repeal the no-fault system. A Federal Insurance Office study found that nearly 30% of zip codes in Florida are areas in which auto insurance is unaffordable.

For any questions regarding the proposed Responsible Roadways Act or any updates on its progress through the Florida legislature, please contact Westmont Associates, Inc.