Security National Insurance Florida Auto Claims Guide

Handling a car accident is stressful enough without having to decipher confusing insurance jargon or claims procedures. If you’re insured in the Sunshine State, understanding how Security National Insurance Florida auto claims work can save you time, frustration, and potentially money. This guide walks you through the process step by step, explains your rights under Florida law, and shares practical tips to help you get your claim resolved as smoothly as possible.

Understanding Security National Insurance in Florida

Security National Insurance is part of a larger network of insurers that operate across multiple states, but Florida’s unique insurance rules make the claims experience here different from many other regions. To navigate Security National Insurance Florida auto claims effectively, you first need to understand the basics of how Florida car insurance works.

Florida’s No-Fault System in a Nutshell

Florida is a “no-fault” auto insurance state. This means your own policy generally pays for your injury-related medical expenses and certain other costs, regardless of who caused the crash.

Key coverage types include:

• Personal Injury Protection (PIP) – Mandatory in Florida. Typically provides up to $10,000 in coverage for medical bills, a portion of lost wages, and related expenses, subject to deductibles and limits.
• Property Damage Liability (PDL) – Also mandatory. Covers damage you cause to someone else’s vehicle or property.
• Optional coverages – Collision, comprehensive, uninsured/underinsured motorist (UM/UIM), rental reimbursement, and roadside assistance, depending on your Security National policy.

The no-fault system doesn’t eliminate fault entirely. It simply changes who pays first and under what conditions you can pursue a liability claim or lawsuit. Understanding how this plays into Security National Insurance Florida auto claims is crucial if your crash involves serious injuries or major property damage.

What to Do Immediately After an Accident

Your actions in the minutes and hours after a collision can significantly impact how your claim is handled. Even if you’re shaken up, a calm and systematic response helps protect your rights.

1. Prioritize Safety and Call 911

First, move vehicles out of traffic if it’s safe to do so and check for injuries. Call 911 to request police and, if needed, medical assistance. In Florida, having a police report can be particularly helpful when filing Security National Insurance Florida auto claims, especially if fault is disputed or injuries are involved.

2. Gather Evidence at the Scene

Use your smartphone to document everything you can:

• Photos of vehicle damage from multiple angles
• Close-ups of license plates
• Street signs, traffic signals, and skid marks
• Road and weather conditions

Ask for the other driver’s information:

• Full name and contact details
• Driver’s license number
• Insurance company and policy number
• Vehicle make, model, and VIN if available

Also, get contact information from any witnesses. Their statements may become important if Security National’s adjuster needs independent accounts of what happened.

3. Seek Medical Attention Promptly

Even if you feel okay, get evaluated by a medical professional within 14 days. Florida’s PIP law requires timely treatment to unlock full benefits. Delays can raise questions in Security National Insurance Florida auto claims about whether your injuries are truly related to the crash.

Keep records of all medical visits, prescriptions, and recommended follow-up care. These documents become vital evidence if your injuries are more serious than they first appear.

How to File a Claim with Security National Insurance

Once you’re safe and have gathered initial information, it’s time to notify your insurer. Timely reporting is one of the most important factors in a smooth claims experience.

Step 1: Review Your Policy

Before calling in, take a few minutes to locate your policy declarations page. Note your:

• PIP and PDL coverage limits
• Deductibles for collision and comprehensive
• Additional coverages, such as rental or towing

This helps you ask informed questions and understand the framework of your Security National Insurance Florida auto claims process.

Step 2: Contact Security National to Open a Claim

You can usually start a claim via phone, and in some cases via online portal if your policy links to a broader network platform. Have this information ready:

• Your policy number
• Date, time, and location of the accident
• Description of what happened
• Other driver’s information and insurance details
• Police report number, if available

Provide accurate, factual details, but avoid speculating about fault or injuries. It’s fine to say, “I’m still being evaluated” or “The investigation is ongoing.” Anything you say can be weighed during Security National Insurance Florida auto claims evaluations, so clarity matters.

Step 3: Document Everything

From the moment your claim is opened, keep meticulous records:

• Claim number and adjuster’s name
• Dates and times of phone calls
• Summaries of conversations and promises made
• Copies of emails and letters

Having a clear paper trail helps if there are delays, disagreements, or the need for an internal review later.

What to Expect from the Claims Adjuster

After you’ve reported the accident, Security National will assign an adjuster to investigate the claim. Understanding their role can help you work with them more effectively.

The Adjuster’s Responsibilities

Typically, the adjuster will:

• Review your policy to determine applicable coverages
• Contact you for a detailed statement
• Examine vehicle damage, often through photos or an inspection
• Obtain the police report
• Speak with witnesses, if necessary
• Evaluate medical records and bills if injuries are claimed

In Security National Insurance Florida auto claims, adjusters must also consider Florida’s specific statutes on PIP, thresholds for bodily injury claims, and any comparative negligence issues that may reduce or share fault among drivers.

Recorded Statements: Proceed with Care

The adjuster may request a recorded statement. While cooperating with your insurer is important, you’re not obligated to rush into one before you understand your situation.

Consider these tips:

• Ask what topics the statement will cover.
• Review your notes and the police report beforehand.
• Stick strictly to facts; avoid guessing or estimating.
• If injuries are still being assessed, state that clearly.

For more complex Security National Insurance Florida auto claims—especially those involving serious injury, multiple vehicles, or disputed fault—many policyholders choose to consult an attorney before giving a recorded statement.

Vehicle Repairs, Total Loss, and Valuation

One of the most visible aspects of any auto claim is getting your vehicle repaired or replaced. How Security National handles this can vary based on your coverage and the extent of damage.

Choosing a Repair Shop

Insurers often maintain a network of preferred repair shops, but Florida law generally allows you to choose your own repair facility.

Key points to keep in mind:

• Preferred shops may streamline billing directly with the insurer.
• You are not required to accept the first estimate if it seems unreasonably low.
• Ask any shop you’re considering if they have experience working on Security National Insurance Florida auto claims and navigating insurer requirements.

When Your Car Is Declared a Total Loss

If repair costs exceed a certain percentage of your car’s value, Security National may determine the vehicle is a total loss. Florida’s total loss formula and salvage rules influence this decision.

The insurer will typically:

• Assess your car’s actual cash value (ACV) based on age, mileage, options, and local market data.
• Subtract your applicable deductible.
• Make a settlement offer.

If you disagree with the valuation, you can:

• Gather listings of similar vehicles for sale in your area.
• Provide maintenance records, recent upgrades, or receipts that support a higher value.
• Request a detailed breakdown of how the ACV was calculated.

Policyholders who approach Security National Insurance Florida auto claims with supporting documentation often have more leverage in negotiating a fair settlement.

Medical Claims, PIP Benefits, and Injury Thresholds

For many Florida drivers, understanding how PIP works is the most confusing part of the process. Security National must adhere closely to state rules when paying or denying these benefits.

How PIP Benefits Work

In most cases, PIP covers:

• 80% of reasonable medical expenses related to the crash
• 60% of lost wages, up to coverage limits
• Death benefits up to a defined amount

Florida law requires that treatment be sought within 14 days of the accident to unlock PIP benefits. If no “emergency medical condition” is diagnosed, benefits may be capped at a lower amount, often $2,500 instead of the full $10,000.

To optimize your Security National Insurance Florida auto claims experience for injuries:

• Ensure all providers bill your PIP coverage first.
• Verify that your doctors correctly code and document accident-related conditions.
• Keep copies of all medical records and itemized bills.

When Can You Pursue a Bodily Injury Claim?

Because Florida is a no-fault state, you generally can’t sue the at-fault driver for pain and suffering unless your injuries meet a certain legal threshold, such as:

• Significant and permanent loss of an important bodily function
• Permanent injury within a reasonable degree of medical probability
• Significant and permanent scarring or disfigurement
• Death

If you meet these criteria, you may pursue a liability claim against the at-fault driver’s insurer and potentially beyond PIP limits. When Security National Insurance Florida auto claims involve serious injuries, it’s common for both insurers (yours and the other driver’s) to conduct detailed investigations before resolving the matter.

Common Challenges and How to Handle Them

Even when you do everything right, auto claims can hit snags. Understanding typical obstacles can help you prepare and respond strategically.

Delays in Processing

Claims can stall due to missing documents, disputes over fault, or backlog within the insurer’s system. To reduce the risk of delays:

• Submit all requested documents promptly.
• Follow up regularly, but politely, with your adjuster.
• Confirm important details in writing via email.

If communication breaks down, you can request to speak with a supervisor or inquire about Security National’s formal complaint or escalation procedures.

Partial Denials or Low Settlement Offers

Insurers may deny certain charges as “unreasonable,” dispute causation, or argue that some vehicle damage was pre-existing. When this happens with Security National Insurance Florida auto claims, consider the following steps:

• Ask for a written explanation detailing why specific amounts were denied.
• Provide supporting documents or expert opinions, such as a mechanic’s statement or a treating physician’s letter.
• Review Florida Department of Financial Services (DFS) resources on insurance consumer rights.

If you still feel the offer is unfair, consulting a Florida-based attorney who handles auto insurance disputes can provide clarity on your options.

Your Rights Under Florida Insurance Law

Florida regulators expect insurers to handle claims in good faith and within reasonable timeframes. Knowing your rights adds an extra layer of protection when navigating Security National Insurance Florida auto claims.

Key Consumer Protections

While laws and regulations can change, typical protections include:

• Timely acknowledgment of your claim
• Prompt investigation of reported losses
• Written explanations for full or partial denials
• Prohibition against unfair claim settlement practices

The Florida Office of Insurance Regulation (OIR) and the Department of Financial Services both provide consumer resources, complaint portals, and educational material about auto insurance practices.

When to Seek Legal Counsel

You may want professional legal guidance if:

• You’ve suffered serious or permanent injuries.
• There is a dispute about who caused the crash.
• Your claim has been denied or significantly underpaid.
• You suspect bad-faith handling of your Security National Insurance Florida auto claims.

Most Florida personal injury attorneys offer free initial consultations and work on a contingency fee basis, meaning they get paid only if they recover money for you.

Practical Tips to Protect Yourself Before a Claim

Some of the best moves you can make to simplify future claims happen long before an accident occurs. Proactive planning can greatly improve your experience with any insurer.

Review and Update Your Coverage Annually

As your life changes, so do your insurance needs. When evaluating your Security National policy each year, consider:

• Raising PIP or adding medical payments coverage if available.
• Ensuring you have adequate uninsured/underinsured motorist protection, given Florida’s high rate of uninsured drivers.
• Adjusting deductibles based on your budget and risk tolerance.

Staying ahead of coverage gaps means fewer unpleasant surprises when filing Security National Insurance Florida auto claims.

Maintain a Claim-Ready Packet in Your Vehicle

Keep a simple folder or digital checklist with:

• Insurance card and policy number
• Contact numbers for Security National claims
• Step-by-step accident checklist
• Emergency contacts and medical information

In the chaos after a crash, having a ready-made guide can help you remember what to do and what to document.

Trends and Insights in Florida Auto Insurance

The landscape of auto insurance in Florida is shifting due to rising repair costs, increasing medical expenses, and severe weather risks. These trends inevitably influence how Security National Insurance Florida auto claims are handled and priced.

Rising Repair and Medical Costs

Industry data shows that:

• Advanced vehicle technology, such as sensors and cameras, has raised the cost of even minor repairs.
• Medical inflation continues to push PIP claim values higher.
• Litigation around PIP benefits and injury thresholds remains active in Florida courts.

As a result, insurers are tightening internal controls, scrutinizing claims more closely, and adjusting premiums. For policyholders, this means providing thorough, accurate documentation has never been more important.

Increased Focus on Fraud Prevention

Florida has struggled with staged accidents and exaggerated injury claims. To combat this, insurers—including those managing Security National Insurance Florida auto claims—employ data analytics, specialized investigators, and closer provider oversight.

Honest drivers can get caught in additional verification steps, but you can minimize friction by:

• Using reputable medical providers and repair facilities.
• Keeping detailed, consistent records of treatment and vehicle work.
• Promptly responding to reasonable requests for information.

Bringing It All Together

Security National Insurance Florida auto claims don’t have to be overwhelming. When you understand Florida’s no-fault rules, know what to do immediately after a crash, and communicate clearly with your adjuster, you significantly improve your odds of a fair and timely outcome.

By staying informed about your coverage, documenting the accident carefully, seeking prompt medical care, and knowing when to push back or ask for help, you take control of a process that often feels out of your hands. And in a state where traffic, tourism, and weather can all raise the risk of collisions, that preparedness is one of the most valuable protections you can have.