You can find auto insurance in Florida from several insurance companies. Whether you need to insure an entire fleet of business vehicles or just one car, it is crucial to determine which company offers the best plan for your specific needs. Before you even start searching for auto insurance, it's useful to know Florida auto insurance basics, like your state's minimum requirements. Being insured for higher amounts decreases your chances of being forced to pay out-of-pocket expenses for an expensive accident.

Many factors can affect the Florida car insurance coverage you need and how much it will cost each month. That's why it's important to keep the following in mind:

1. Know the required information before trying to obtain an accurate quote.

2. Find out how much insurance you need.

3. Obtain and compare quotes from several Florida auto insurance companies.

Action Steps
The best contacts and resources to help you get it done

Know the information you will need before obtaining car insurance in FL

Prior to seeking quotes or more information on car insurance, you will need to know certain information. Many companies will ask for your vehicle make, model and year before offering you insurance, so be sure you know this information. Your address, particularly your zip code, also plays a part in how much your premium will cost.

I recommend: Allstate requires a zip code before offering a quote for auto insurance, and Florida Insurance Center requests the year, make, model and other basic information prior to giving an accurate quote.

Obtain the right amount of Florida automobile insurance

Before accepting any insurance plan, you need to know exactly how much coverage you need. When it comes to car insurance, Florida requires a minimum amount for every driver. The minimums are 10/20/10, which means that you are covered up to $10,000 for each individual injury in an accident, with $20,000 allowed per accident, while the total that insurance would pay for property damage is $10,000. If you are leasing a car, you will need to pay for more coverage, which your lender will make you aware of.

I recommend: Find information about the basic FL auto insurance requirements and get quotes at the same time from CarInsurance.com and Florida Auto Insurance 360.

Find quotes from companies that offer car insurance in Florida

Many companies provide convenient forms for you to fill out on their websites when seeking a quote. Simply fill out basic information regarding your insurance needs, and you can often receive a quote back the next day. This allows you to price shop and compare different Florida insurance companies without ever leaving your office.

I recommend: The Florida DMV website allows users to obtain up to six quotes from auto insurance providers simply by entering in their zip code. Calculateme.com also provides a Florida car insurance quote simply by entering a zip code.

Tips & Tactics

Helpful advice for making the most of this Guide

• •  If you get caught without basic auto insurance in Florida, your driver's license and license plate can be suspended for up to three years. You will also have to pay up to a $500 fee to reinstate your license, so you are definitely better off financially if you purchase the minimum insurance or better.

Car insurance in Florida, like gas or rent, is expensive yet necessary. It doesn't just protect your car from dents; it protects you and other drivers from both bodily harm and financial ruin. For that reason, Florida car insurance coverage isn't just something that drivers in the "Sunshine State" should have; it's something they must have.

Florida auto insurance coverage doesn’t have to break the bank. You may be able to cut costs by shopping around, declining unnecessary coverage and trading high deductibles for lower premiums, but you can't cut corners. If you drive in Florida, you need auto insurance in Florida. Here's what kind and how much, according to Florida state law:

1. When buying car insurance, Florida drivers must purchase personal injury protection (PIP), property damage liability (PDL) and bodily injury liability (BIL) coverage; collision, comprehensive and uninsured property damage coverage are recommended, but not required.
2. When buying car insurance, Florida drivers must purchase a minimum of $10,000 in PIP coverage to pay the costs associated with their own injury or death in an accident, regardless of fault.
3. Auto insurance in Florida must include at least $10,000 in PDL coverage to pay for damage to another person's property in an accident; drivers must also have at least $10,000 in coverage for their own property.
4. In Florida, car insurance must include at least $10,000 per person, up to $20,000 per accident, in BIL coverage to pay for the accident-related injuries or death of another person in a wreck.

Action Steps
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Get a Florida auto insurance quote online

If you need a Florida car insurance rate, the Internet is a good starting point. Available from all major Florida auto insurance agents and companies, an online Florida car insurance quote is a valuable research tool with which to quickly and conveniently compare premiums.

I recommend: Get comprehensive online quotes from Florida automobile insurance providers at websites such as InsWeb, Insurance.com, InsuranceUSA and InsuranceFinder, or from companies like Progressive and Esurance, which quote both their own and competitors' rates.

Solicit a Florida car insurance quote from national providers

Most major car insurance carriers offer auto insurance in Florida and all can provide you with a competitive Florida auto insurance rate.

I recommend: Among the largest and most popular Florida car insurance companies are AIG, Allstate, Chubb, Farmers, GEICO, The Hartford, Liberty Mutual and State Farm. National associations like AAA and AARP are also good sources for affordable auto insurance in Florida.

For car insurance, Florida based companies may be the answer

In the big 'FL,' auto insurance rates can vary dramatically; for some of the most affordable, consider locally based providers.

I recommend: For auto insurance in Florida, try Florida-based companies like Erwin Insurance Agency, Hugh Cotton Insurance, Kraft Insurance Agency and Pruitt Insurance. Also consider local programs, like the one offered by the Florida Automobile Joint Underwriting Association, which is designed for drivers who can't easily find auto insurance in Florida.

Use an independent agent to find Florida car insurance bargains

Buying car insurance in Florida via an independent insurance agent can expose you to new resources, practical advice and special rates.

I recommend: To find independent Florida auto insurance agents who can sell you car insurance in Florida, use the “agency locator” feature at the Florida Association of Insurance Agents or search the member directory at the Independent Insurance Agents & Brokers of America.

Choose Florida auto insurance companies that you can trust

Before doing business with Florida car insurance providers, review their records with consumers to make sure they are reliable, reputable and responsible.

I recommend: If you subscribe to Consumer Reports, you can check up on Florida car insurance companies. Another good resource is the Florida Office of Insurance Regulation, which publishes information about Florida auto insurance companies, as well as complaints against them, in the “Market Investigations” section of its website.

Tips & Tactics

Helpful advice for making the most of this Guide

• •  Consider buying more coverage than is required by state law; minimum Florida car insurance might not be enough to cover car repairs or medical bills after an accident.
• •  Penalties for drivers who don't have Florida car insurance include a three-year driver's license and license plate suspension, as well as reinstatement fees of up to $500 for those who wish to reinstate their license.
• •  If you're leasing or financing your car, dealerships might require you to have more and better Florida auto insurance than is required by state law.
• •  Higher deductibles typically mean lower premiums and more monthly savings on auto insurance in Florida.

Whether you have just moved from a different state and need to find Florida auto insurance, or simply want to switch insurance providers, you will need to do some research to find the best deals. This is especially important if you need to insure a fleet of company vehicles.

There are many ways get the most for your money when checking out car insurance in Florida. The following are just a few tips:

1. Get Florida auto insurance coverage even if you do not have a perfect driving record.
2. Obtain uninsured motorist coverage for a small amount of money.
3. Take advantage of possible discounts from Florida auto insurance agents.
   

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Obtain Florida automobile insurance without a spotless record

If you have a few blemishes on your driving record, such as accidents or moving violations, you might think you can never get auto insurance, let alone a good deal. However, when it comes to car insurance, Florida does have a good selection of companies that give a second chance to motorists with a few past mistakes years ago.

I recommend: GEICO offers accident forgiveness for those who have not had an accident in five years, meaning that the company will not increase your premium if you have an at-fault accident. Nationwide requires customers to be accident-free for the past three years to be eligible for the accident forgiveness program.

Make sure to ask about uninsured motorist coverage when requesting a Florida car insurance quote

If you are hit by a driver who does not have insurance, you will typically have to pay for any damage with your own wallet. Avoid this issue by paying the few extra dollars per month to obtain uninsured motorist coverage. The small amount of money is worth the extra peace of mind.

I recommend: Allstate offers uninsured motorist coverage, as does Progressive.

Find out discounts you qualify for before obtaining car insurance in FL

Many insurance companies in Florida offer a myriad of discounts. The most difficult part of the process is figuring out what discounts you qualify for. Depending on the insurance company, you can save money when you insure more than one vehicle or piece of property with the same company, have no accidents for many years, take a defensive driving course, possess an anti-theft device, or have a car with safety items like anti-lock brakes. Many companies even take your age into consideration when figuring out discounts.

I recommend: State Farm offers several discounts that you could be eligible for, from a multiple line discount to one that requires you simply completing a safety course. Esurance offers a similar array of discounts, including some having to do with the driver's occupation or age.

Tips & Tactics

Helpful advice for making the most of this Guide

• •  Many insurance companies in Florida combine uninsured coverage with underinsured motorist coverage. The latter protects you against those drivers who do have some insurance, but not enough to cover their accident with you. It is often cost-effective to obtain both types.

Auto insurance in Florida includes insurance for cars, trucks and other vehicles. Its primary purpose is to provide compensation for losses and liability due to accidents. Drivers in Florida must have auto insurance that consists of a minimum of $10,000 in personal injury protection, $10,000 property damage liability and $10,000 in bodily injury liability. Liability insurance generally covers claims against the policyholder and other drivers who do not live at the same address as the policyholder. Drivers who live at the same address as the policyholder usually must be specifically included on the policy.

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General damages

General damages are awarded for losses that cannot be easily measured with a dollar amount, and are commonly referred to as damages for 'pain and suffering.' Coverage for general damages is optional in Florida.

I recommend: Auto Insurance Savings provides a list of the types of auto insurance coverage in Florida, including general damages from an uninsured driver.

Auto gap insurance

Auto gap insurance in Florida covers the value of the vehicle and the balance on its loan in the event of the total loss of the vehicle. Gap insurance in Florida is especially important with leased vehicles or those that have a large outstanding balance on the loan.

I recommend: The Florida Insurance Agency provides a discussion of gap insurance in Florida with respect to leasing.

Bodily injury liability insurance

Bodily injury liability insurance protects the insured party from liability (up to the policy limit) due to the injury of a third party. Florida does not normally require this type of insurance coverage, although it may require a minimum of $10,000 per person under certain circumstances.

I recommend: Car Insurance defines bodily injury liability insurance and provides the conditions under which it is required in Florida.

Deductible

A deductible in Florida is the amount that the policyholder pays before any costs are paid by the insurer. Most types of auto insurance in Florida have a deductible, although third-party liability insurance generally does not, since a third party usually will attempt to recover any damages.

I recommend: Bauknight Insurance has a glossary of auto insurance terms, including deductible.

Additional insured

The additional insured is a party who is protected by a Florida auto insurance policy, other than the policyholder.

I recommend: The Insurance Connection of South Florida defines additional insured and other terms.

Actual cash value (ACV)

The actual cash value, or ACV, of a vehicle in Florida is calculated by subtracting its depreciation from its purchase value.

I recommend: Esurance provides the specific coverage requirements for auto insurance in Florida with respect to the ACV of the vehicle.