Detailed Answer

Medical payments coverage (often called “MedPay”) is an optional portion of an auto insurance policy that can help pay reasonable medical and funeral expenses after an auto accident, regardless of who was at fault. In Florida, most drivers also carry Personal Injury Protection (PIP), a separate no‑fault benefit required for most policies. PIP and MedPay are different coverages. How MedPay applies to your bills depends on the exact language of your MedPay policy and whether you also have PIP, health insurance, or other sources of payment.

Step-by-step: How to file a MedPay claim

1. Confirm you have MedPay and the policy limits. Look at the declarations page of your auto policy. The declarations page shows whether MedPay is included and the coverage limit (e.g., $1,000, $5,000). If you are unsure, call your insurance agent or the company’s customer service and ask for confirmation.
2. Seek and document medical treatment right away. MedPay typically requires that you obtain reasonable and necessary medical care after an accident. Keep all medical records, itemized bills, X‑ray reports, treatment notes, and receipts. These documents are the primary proof the insurer will require.
3. Give prompt notice to your auto insurer. Report the accident and your injury to your auto insurer as soon as possible. Most policies require prompt notice; “prompt” is defined in your policy contract. Ask the insurer for a claim number and the claim representative’s contact information.
4. Complete the insurer’s claim forms and provide supporting documents. The company will usually ask you to sign a claim form and provide: (a) medical records and itemized bills; (b) proof of payment or statements showing outstanding balances; (c) a copy of the police crash report (if any); and (d) any other requested documents (e.g., witness statements).
5. Understand how MedPay coordinates with other coverages. Whether MedPay pays before or after other insurance (PIP, health insurance, Medicare) depends on policy language and who is injured. Florida requires PIP for most policies (see Fla. Stat. § 627.736), so PIP may be the primary no‑fault source for auto‑related medical bills. Your MedPay policy may fill gaps or cover deductibles/co‑payments. Ask the adjuster how they will coordinate benefits in your situation.
6. Expect subrogation and repayment rules. If your MedPay insurer pays medical bills and later your third‑party claim (against the at‑fault driver) recovers money for medical expenses, the MedPay insurer will often assert a subrogation or reimbursement right to recover what it paid. Keep copies of settlement documents and inform all insurers about lawsuit filings or settlements.
7. If the insurer denies or delays payment, seek reasons in writing. Request a written explanation for denials or reductions. Check the policy’s coverage provisions and required notice/filing deadlines. If the insurer fails to handle the claim properly, you can file a complaint with Florida consumer insurance regulators (see resources below).

How Florida law affects MedPay claims

Florida law requires most drivers to carry Personal Injury Protection (PIP) coverage and sets rules for what PIP covers and how insurers must process PIP claims. You can read the PIP statute here: Fla. Stat. § 627.736 (Personal Injury Protection). MedPay itself is an optional coverage; state law does not require insurers to offer identical MedPay terms, so the policy language controls many details of a MedPay claim.

Common documents the insurer will want

• Policy declarations page showing MedPay limits
• Accident and police report (if available)
• Medical records and itemized medical bills
• Receipts for any out‑of‑pocket payments
• Statements from providers showing outstanding balances
• Signed medical authorization so the insurer can obtain records

Typical timing and payment

Insurers commonly acknowledge claims quickly and ask for medical documentation. Payment timing depends on the completeness of your documentation and any coordination of benefits. If your claim is straightforward and you provide necessary records, payment for covered amounts can follow within weeks. Complex cases or disputes may take longer.

What to do if your MedPay claim is denied or underpaid

1. Ask for a written denial explaining the reason and the specific policy language relied upon.
2. Gather all medical records and bills showing treatment and expenses were accident‑related.
3. File an internal appeal with the insurer following the appeal steps in your policy or the denial letter.
4. If the insurer still refuses to pay appropriately, file a complaint with the Florida Department of Financial Services (consumer services) and consider speaking with an attorney who handles insurance claims or personal injury recovery.

Useful Florida resources:

• Fla. Stat. § 627.736 (Personal Injury Protection): https://www.flsenate.gov/Laws/Statutes/2023/627.736
• Florida Department of Financial Services — Consumer Help and Complaints: https://www.myfloridacfo.com/Division/Consumers/
• Florida Office of Insurance Regulation (general info): https://www.floir.com/

Hypothetical example: You are in a minor crash and have MedPay with a $5,000 limit and PIP with a $10,000 limit. You incur $3,200 in medical bills. You notify your insurer immediately, submit the itemized bills and records, and supply a police report. If PIP applies as the primary no‑fault benefit, PIP may pay 80% (subject to policy rules) and MedPay may be used to cover the remainder or expenses not covered by PIP depending on policy language. If a third party was fully at fault and pays your medical bills later through a settlement, your MedPay carrier may seek repayment for amounts it advanced.

Bottom line: To claim MedPay in Florida, confirm you have the coverage, seek medical care, notify your insurer promptly, submit complete medical documentation, and ask how the insurer will coordinate with PIP and other coverages. Keep careful records of all bills, payments, and communications.

Disclaimer: This article explains general information about Florida insurance practices and statutes and is not legal advice. It does not create an attorney–client relationship. For advice about your particular claim, policy language, deadlines, or disputes, consult a licensed Florida attorney or contact the Florida consumer insurance help resources listed above.

Helpful Hints

• Read your declarations page first — it tells you whether you have MedPay and the coverage limit.
• Document everything: dates of treatment, provider names, bills, receipts, and who you talked to at the insurer (name, date, phone, claim number).
• Ask the insurer how MedPay coordinates with PIP and health insurance in writing.
• Sign any reasonable medical records authorization promptly so the insurer can verify treatment.
• Keep copies of all records you submit — insurers may misplace documents and will request duplicates.
• If you plan to sue a third party or expect a third‑party settlement, notify your MedPay carrier early — they may assert subrogation rights.
• If you hit a roadblock, file a complaint with the Florida Department of Financial Services and consider talking to an attorney experienced in Florida auto insurance claims.