Auto Insurance in Florida

Strategies to help you cut costs on car insurance in Florida

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.

 

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.
Try: 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.
Try: 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.
Try: 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.
Try: 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.
Try: 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.

 

• 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.

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