| The
Coalition is calling on the Legislature to either
reform and extend the current system, which requires
all drivers to carry minimum mandatory coverage that
protects both people and property, or to replace it with alternative
mandatory coverage.
If legislative leaders fail to act, Floridians can expect a surge
of uninsured drivers; more dangerous roads; higher health insurance
and auto insurance costs; threats to healthcare access; and a new wave
of costly, time-consuming lawsuits over car crashes.
Additionally, if Florida allows PIP to sunset
and only requires Property Damage coverage, it
would become a national anomaly - the only state
that requires drivers to protect property but
not people.
As it stands now, 47 other states require drivers
to carry minimum coverage for both medical protection
and property damage. Today, New Hampshire and Wisconsin
are the only states that have no minimum auto coverage
requirements.
The Coalition, which comprises 37 organizations
and is growing, is coordinated by the Florida Hospital
Association and the Safety Net Hospital Alliance of
Florida, which includes the state's teaching, public
and children's hospitals. Besides hospitals, other
members include Blue Cross and Blue Shield of Florida,
the state's largest health insurer; Direct General
Insurance Company, a large state auto insurer; the
Florida Safety Council; and the Florida Fire Chiefs' Association, among
others. |
