As a resident of Ontario, you know how important it is to protect your family's financial future. One of the best ways to do this is by purchasing insurance. And when it comes to automobile insurance, there's one endorsement everyone should have: the Family Protection Endorsement.

The Family Protection Endorsement is a type of coverage that provides additional protection for you and your family in the event of an accident caused by an uninsured or underinsured driver. It's designed to help you recover any losses that you or your family members might experience due to an accident that wasn't your fault.

Fortunately, most passenger vehicles have this coverage because the majority of brokers sell it to you as a matter of course.  It is still important, however, to specifically ask your insurance agent or broker to make sure you have this coverage.   

If you do not have this extra insurance coverage on your policy, you take a huge risk when travelling outside of Ontario.  If you are in a crash in the United States, and you do not have this extra coverage, your uninsured policy limits are only as much as the minimum limits in the State where the accident occurred.  That means, if the state has very low minimum insurance limits, which is common in the United States, your limits for an uninsured claim will also drop down to those low limits.  In a State like Florida, where there is no requirement to have any insurance coverage for third party injury, you could end up with no protection unless you have the endorsement.   

Here are a few other reasons why the Family Protection Endorsement is so important for Ontario residents travelling to Florida:

There is a high rate of uninsured drivers or underinsured drivers in Florida.
It has been estimated that over 20% of Florida vehicles do not have insurance coverage for bodily injury.  Even if there is insurance coverage in place for bodily injury, there is a good chance that the limits will be low. That means if you're in an accident with one of these drivers, you could be left with a lot of financial losses. The Family Protection Endorsement provides an additional layer of protection to ensure that you and your family are covered, even if the other driver isn't.

It covers you even when your not driving your Ontario vehicle
The Family Protection Endorsement provides coverage even if your vehicle doesn't go with you on your vacation to Florida.  Whether you fly to Florida or drive down it makes no difference.  You Ontario auto insurance will protect you from an uninsured or underinsured driver in many situations, including when you get injured in an accident while you are walking, cycling, riding a bus, or driving a rental vehicle.  

It covers more than just medical expenses.
While medical expenses are certainly a big concern in the event of an accident in the United States, they're not the only expenses you'll need to worry about. The Family Protection Endorsement also covers things like lost income, pain and suffering, and rehabilitation expenses.

It's affordable.
Despite the added benefits, the Family Protection Endorsement is actually quite affordable. In fact, many insurance providers offer it as an add-on to your existing policy for just a few extra dollars a month.

It's peace of mind.
Perhaps the most important reason to consider the Family Protection Endorsement is the peace of mind it provides. Knowing that you and your family are protected in the event of an accident can help ease your worries and allow you to focus on more important things. 

If you are a Canadian resident that has been injured in a Florida car accident, we can help. The Snowbird Attorney is here for Canadians injured in Florida. Call us day or night to get more information and request a Free Consultation at 1-866-234-6093 or complete our online contact form.  

Andrew Iacobelli is an experienced personal injury lawyer who established Iacobelli Law Firm with offices located in Ontario, Canada and Florida, U.S.A. Andrew restricts his practice to the representation of personal injury victims in claims involving serious injuries and wrongful death in Canada and the United States.  Andrew is the author of "Are You a Canadian Injured in the United States? Claim the Damages and Insurance Coverage the Right Way". 

As a Canadian visiting Florida, it is important to understand the legal rights and protections available to you in the event of a car accident. In the state of Florida, individuals who are involved in car accidents have the right to seek compensation for their injuries and damages. However, navigating the legal system in a foreign country can be complex, which is why it is important to have an experienced personal injury lawyer on your side.

Here are some important things that Canadians should know if they are injured in a car accident while visiting Florida:
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1. Report the Accident: It is important to report the accident to the police as soon as possible and get a copy of the police report. The report will serve as important evidence if you decide to file a personal injury claim.
2. Seek Medical Attention: If you are injured, it is important to seek medical attention as soon as possible. A medical professional can diagnose and treat your injuries and provide a written record of your treatment, which will be important evidence in a personal injury claim.
3. Contact an Experienced Personal Injury Lawyer: Navigating the legal system in Florida can be complex, which is why it is important to have an experienced personal injury lawyer on your side. An experienced personal injury lawyer can help you understand your rights and ensure that you receive the compensation you deserve.
4. Know the Statute of Limitations: There are time limits to file a claim.  In Florida, the statute of limitations for personal injury claims is four years from the date of the accident. This means that you have four years from the date of the accident to file a personal injury claim.
5. Understand Insurance Coverage: In Florida, drivers are required to have a minimum amount of insurance coverage. However, this coverage may not be enough to fully cover your damages and injuries. It is important to understand your insurance coverage and the options available to you in the event of a car accident.
6. Consider the Cost of Legal Services: In the United States, it is common for personal injury lawyers to work on a contingency fee basis, meaning that they do not charge any fees unless they win your case. This can be an attractive option for Canadians who are injured in a car accident in Florida, as it can help reduce the cost of legal services.

If you are a Canadian who is injured in a car accident while visiting Florida, it is important to understand your rights and take the necessary steps to protect them. An experienced personal injury lawyer can help you navigate the legal system and ensure that you receive the compensation you deserve. Florida.  The Snowbird Attorney can guide you through the legal process, including determining who can be held liable for your injuries. Call me today for your free consultation at 1-866-234-6093.

Andrew Iacobelli is an experienced personal injury lawyer who established Iacobelli Law Firm with offices located in Ontario, Canada and Florida, U.S.A. Andrew restricts his practice to the representation of personal injury victims in claims involving serious injuries and wrongful death in Canada and the United States.  Andrew is the author of "Are You a Canadian Injured in the United States? Claim the Damages and Insurance Coverage the Right Way". ​

Canadian drivers are accustomed to auto insurance, and generally enjoy peace of mind with the knowledge that most vehicles on Ontario roadways are adequately insured.  When Canadian residents travel to the United States, however, the unfortunate reality is that most US vehicles will have less insurance coverage than is typical in Canada.  Why does this matter to Canadian drivers?  It matters because if a Canadian resident is involved in a crash caused by a US vehicle, there is a significant risk that the at-fault vehicle will not have adequate insurance.  This is particularly true in snowbird states such as Florida, which is one of only two US states that does not mandate insurance coverage for bodily injury. That means, if an at-fault driver in Florida collides with a Canadian, the Florida vehicle may not have any insurance coverage to pay for the injuries caused because it they are not required to carry any auto insurance to pay for bodily injury.  It has been estimated that over 20% of Florida vehicles do not have insurance coverage for bodily injury.  Even if there is insurance coverage in place for bodily injury, there is a good chance that the limits will be low - often less than $50,000 in coverage. 

For a Canadian that is injured in a Florida car accident, the lack of coverage is a major concern.  A car accident that results in injuries for a Canadian can lead to immediate and significant health care expenses.  If a Canadian resident injured in a Florida car accident is taken to hospital and treated, the medical bills will add up quickly. In our practice, we regularly meet Canadians that have well in excess of $100,000USD in medical expenses from Florida hospitals and physicians.  

So what is a Canadian resident to do if they are injured in Florida and have thousands of dollars in US medical bills?  Fortunately, for many Ontario residents, they will have access to  Ontario underinsured or uninsured motorist coverage.  Simply put, Ontario auto insurance policies protect you when you are hurt in a car accident, even in the United States.  The law surrounding these claims and the cross-border issues that arise are complex, but in many cases a Canadian resident will be able to advance claims in both Ontario and Florida.  It is important to note that, with few exceptions, Florida law will apply in very significant ways so most Ontario lawyers are not well equipped to assist with these cases.  

If you are a Canadian resident that has been injured in a Florida car accident, we can help. The Snowbird Attorney is here for Canadians injured in Florida. Call us day or night to get more information and request a Free Consultation.  
Andrew Iacobelli is an experienced personal injury lawyer who established Iacobelli Law Firm with offices located in Ontario, Canada and Florida, U.S.A. Andrew restricts his practice to the representation of personal injury victims in claims involving serious injuries and wrongful death in Canada and the United States.  Andrew is the author of "Are You a Canadian Injured in the United States? Claim the Damages and Insurance Coverage the Right Way". 

This is a great question that is often asked by Canadians injured in Florida.  They see the billboards and television advertisements for attorneys in Florida, so they make the call. Others wait to return to Ontario and call an Ontario lawyer that deals with car accidents.  In both situations, the lawyers will often accept the case.  Why?  Because these lawyers may be able to assist with one area of the case - either Florida or Ontario - and will likely refer you to another lawyer to assist with the part of the case that they cannot handle.  For instance, an Ontario lawyer may say that they can help you with the Ontario aspects of your case, and then refer you to a Florida attorney for the Florida aspects of the case.  The same holds true for the Florida attorney that needs help with the Ontario aspects of the case.  Although there is nothing wrong with this approach, and many of our Canadian clients injured in Florida reach us in precisely this way, it is not the most efficient way to proceed.  When the lawyer only knows the rules on one side of the border, this often leads to delays in the case or worse, serious problems where deadlines or steps are missed.  Unfortunately, quite often I receive a frantic call from a lawyer in either Ontario or Florida that is worried they committed an error because they missed some important aspect of the claim on the side of the border where they are not experienced or licensed to practice. 

What is the answer then - hire a Florida attorney or Ontario lawyer?  In most instances you will need help from lawyers on both sides of the border.   The Snowbird Attorney is unique because we practice law both in Ontario, Canada and Florida, USA.  With offices located in Palm Beach County and in the GTA, I regularly represent Canadians injured in Florida accidents.  My practice started in Florida in 2004, first as an insurance defense attorney and then as a lawyer representing injured people.  In 2012, I also started a law firm in Ontario to help injured Ontario residents.  I am a member of the Florida Justice Association, American Association for Justice, and Ontario Trial Lawyers Association.  I am so grateful for the opportunity to help countless Canadians injured in the USA as a result of motorcycle accidents, car accidents, truck accidents, trip and fall accidents, and boating accidents.  I have also formed great relationships with Ontario lawyers and Florida attorneys that regularly call on me to assist with their cross-border accident cases and I am so very grateful to these intelligent lawyers for their continued support and counsel.

If you are a Canadian injured in Florida, call me anytime for a Free Consultation.  If you are a Florida attorney or lawyer in Ontario and you are trying to help a Canadian injured in the United States, feel free to reach out anytime with any questions. 

​The Snowbird Attorney, Andrew Iacobelli understands that being involved in a motor vehicle accident is frightening especially when you are a Canadian injured in Florida.   Andrew is often referred to as the Lawyer for Canadians, the Snowbird Lawyer or Snowbird Attorney because he has helped countless Canadians that have been injured in the United States. 

The Snowbird Attorney regularly represents Canadian residents who have been seriously injured while visiting the United States and can coordinate access to benefits from your Ontario Insurance policies, as well as available policies from US insurers. Where necessary, we have a network of professionals within the United States as well.
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Following an accident or injury in the United States, you may be worried and confused about your legal rights and options.  It’s difficult to deal with a serious accident when you are a Canadian injured while visiting Florida.  In addition to worrying about your health and well-being, you may be faced with a complex insurance claims process, expensive medical bills and many more decisions. Insurance companies and healthcare representatives may be asking you to make decisions and sign documents.  You will have many questions.

Attorney, Andrew Iacobelli recognized an important need to reach Canadian residents that have been injured in Florida to not only share important information but to also allow Canadians to reach out to a Personal Injury Lawyer who can help with Snowbird Accidents. “Ask the Snowbird Attorney” is an online group where members can discuss their concerns, ask questions and will help you decide if you need to speak with The Snowbird Attorney. Have you been injured in Florida and have questions? We encourage you to join the group at: Ask The Snow Bird Attorney | Facebook.

Before speaking with the insurance company, it is important to know your rights and you do not have to
face the consequences of an accident in the United States alone.  Personal injury attorney, Andrew Iacobelli, is experienced in cross-border personal injury cases and maintains offices in Ontario, Canada and Florida, USA.  Andrew is the author of  "Are You a Canadian Injured in the United States? Claim the Damages and Insurance Coverage the Right Way".  Call us for a FREE CONSULTATION at 1-866-234-6093.  We are available 24/7.

If you are a Canadian injured in an accident while visiting Florida and the driver of the other vehicle does not have insurance, you may still be able to claim compensation for your injuries.  Ontario auto insurance policies provide protection if you are involved in a car accident with uninsured or inadequately insured driver while visiting Florida.  This insurance coverage is in addition to no-fault statutory accident benefits, which may also be available to Ontario residents injured in Florida.  The Uninsured Claim will be advanced against your Ontario Auto Insurer in Ontario, although some aspects of Florida law will apply.  That is, Ontario law on damages applies while the laws governing liability are controlled by Florida law.  There are important distinctions between Ontario and Florida law on liability.  Significantly, some of the harsh Ontario laws such as the deductible and threshold should not apply in an Uninsured Claim in Ontario, as the Courts have held that those are liability provisions.  If this sounds somewhat complicated, that is because it can be.  Get informed about your rights by obtaining advice from a lawyer with experience handling Florida uninsured claims in Ontario.  

Attorney Andrew Iacobelli is a licensed attorney in the State of Florida and licensed lawyer in the Province of Ontario. He has offices located in Palm Beach County Florida, and Richmond Hill Ontario.  Through these offices, Andrew regularly assists Canadians that have been injured while visiting Florida.  All cases are unique and may have aspects that need to be advanced in the United States and Canada.  We are happy to review the circumstances of your case so that you can make an informed decision.  Consultations are Free and there is no obligation.  To learn more, call us at 1-866-234-6093 or complete an online contact form to request a Call.  

If you are a resident of Ontario Canada and have been involved in a car accident in Florida, you may be wondering what to do now.  If the injuries from the Florida accident are serious and you require emergency medical attention, you may be concerned about how to pay for your medical bills.  Here are some tips for Ontario residents injured in a Florida auto accident:

• Seek Medical Attention if Needed or Recommended and you are unable to immediately return to Ontario.
• Advise the Hospital or Treatment Provider of all available insurance you have, including any travel insurance, extended health insurance and automobile insurance. 
• Contact your insurance companies, including travel insurance, extended health, and auto insurance to advise them of your accident and need for medical attention - they may offer further instructions to ensure your medical expenses are paid.
• Contact our law firm for a complimentary consultation and advice if you are uncertain how to proceed or if you need assistance advancing a claim for your losses in Florida and Ontario.
• When you return to Ontario, immediately follow-up with your physicians to continue treating for your injuries. 

Ontario residents injured in Florida will usually be able to get their medical expenses paid by insurance.  Even if you do not have travel or extended health insurance coverage, an experienced lawyer can assist with ensuring medical bills are covered by auto insurance.   Ontario residents usually have claims against the at-fault driver's insurance in Florida as well as their own insurance policy in Ontario.  The claims need to be coordinated in order to ensure that you are accessing all available benefits.  We regularly represent Canadians injured in Florida, and Attorney Andrew Iacobelli has offices in Florida and Ontario to assist.  To learn more or to request a Free Consultation call us toll free 24/7 at 1-866-234-6093.