Like nearly every other state, Florida requires drivers to meet minimum auto insurance requirements to register a vehicle in the state. However, Florida is also a no-fault state, which influences the types of coverage drivers must purchase before hitting the road.
In this article, our Guides Auto Team will take a closer look at the types and amounts of auto coverage required in the Sunshine State. We’ve also ranked the best car insurance companies to help you make an informed choice for your coverage needs.
Florida Car Insurance Requirements: The Basics
Florida is one of 12 no-fault states across the U.S. This means that, regardless of who is the at-fault driver, each driver’s insurance covers injuries or medical expenses for them and their passengers. According to the Florida Department of Highway Safety and Motor Vehicles (FLHSMV), drivers in the Sunshine State are required to purchase the following minimum amounts of car insurance coverage:
- Personal injury protection (PIP): $10,000 per accident
- Property damage liability: $10,000 per accident
While Florida’s minimum coverage limits are fairly low for both PIP and property damage liability coverage, drivers can purchase a policy with higher limits. With PIP insurance, this can be especially important because you may be liable to pay out major compensation to other parties for medical bills and other items if you cause a car accident that results in significant injuries or death.
While PIP insurance helps to cover your medical costs, keep in mind that liability insurance doesn’t pay for damage to your vehicle — only damage to another person’s property. Many drivers opt for a full-coverage policy, which includes collision and comprehensive coverage, to ensure their vehicle is fully protected from auto accident costs.
Florida Car Insurance Cost
According to cost estimates from Quadrant Information Services, the average cost of minimum-liability car insurance in Florida is $112 per month or $1,343 per year. These figures are significantly higher than the national average of $53 per month or $635 per year.
For a full-coverage car insurance policy, Florida drivers pay $246 per month or $2,947 per year on average. Again, these rates are well above the national average of $144 per month or $1,730 per year for full coverage.
Cheapest Minimum Coverage in Florida
Geico, State Farm and Travelers typically offer the cheapest minimum-liability auto insurance policies in Florida. However, Geico is the only provider to offer coverage at an estimated rate below the national average.
Cheapest Full Coverage in Florida
Geico, State Farm and Travelers also offer Florida drivers the cheapest full-coverage car insurance, which includes both collision and comprehensive coverage in addition to required coverages. The estimated cost of a full-coverage policy in the state of Florida is still higher than the national average, even from the state’s cheapest providers.
Factors That Affect Car Insurance Costs
The price you pay for car insurance depends on a range of criteria, including the following key metrics:
- Age: Drivers 30 years of age and older tend to pay lower premiums than young adults or teen drivers.
- Gender: The gender listed on your driver’s license also plays a role in setting car insurance costs. Male drivers typically pay more than female drivers.
- Marital status: Married drivers are viewed as more stable by insurance providers, so they usually pay lower rates for auto coverage.
- Credit history: Financial responsibility is another important factor in determining car insurance rates. A lower credit score results in higher insurance premiums.
- Driving history: Having a recent speeding ticket, a driving under the influence (DUI) violation or accident on your driving record will result in higher auto coverage rates.
- Location: Where you live impacts how much you pay for car insurance. Population density, frequency of claims and even climate have significant impacts on auto insurance costs.
- Vehicle type: The type of car you drive and its value affect your insurance premiums.
Florida Car Insurance Requirements: Conclusion
To meet Florida’s minimum insurance requirements, drivers in the state need to purchase PIP coverage and property damage liability insurance. Although these are the only required types of insurance, Florida drivers can benefit from adding optional coverages such as comprehensive and collision insurance to ensure they’re fully protected.
Top Auto Insurance Recommendations
To find the best Florida auto insurance provider for you, we suggest that you compare car insurance quotes from multiple insurers. Whether you shop online or speak with an insurance agent, we suggest starting your search with two of our top-ranked providers: State Farm and Geico.
State Farm: Editor’s Choice
State Farm is the largest auto insurer in the country according to the National Association of Insurance Commissioners (NAIC). Our review team names State Farm our Editor’s Choice for its combination of widespread local agents, excellent industry reputation and variety of coverage options. It offers affordable average rates for both minimum- and full-coverage policies in Florida.
State Farm offers several types of optional coverage in addition to standard insurance choices. You can choose from add-ons like rideshare insurance, uninsured motorist coverage, rental car reimbursement and trip interruption benefits. The company’s telematics program, Drive Safe & Save™, rewards safe driving with discounts of up to 30% when you renew your policy.
Keep reading: State Farm insurance review
Geico: Affordable for Most Drivers
As the second-largest auto insurer in the U.S. according to the NAIC, Geico is known for its low rates and strong customer service. The company also features high policy limits compared to its competitors.
Along with standard liability, comprehensive and collision coverage, Geico offers uninsured/underinsured motorist protection, medical payments (MedPay) coverage, 24-hour roadside assistance and rideshare insurance. The company also features mechanical breakdown insurance (MBI), which covers a range of key components and functions like an extended warranty.
Keep reading: Geico insurance review
Florida Car Insurance Requirements: FAQ
Below are frequently asked questions about Florida car insurance requirements.
Our Methodology
Because consumers rely on us to provide objective and accurate information, we created a comprehensive rating system to formulate our rankings of the best car insurance companies. We collected data on dozens of auto insurance providers to grade the companies on a wide range of ranking factors. The end result was an overall rating for each provider, with the insurers that scored the most points topping the list.
In this article, we selected companies with high overall ratings and cost ratings. The cost ratings were informed by auto insurance rate estimates generated by Quadrant Information Services and discount opportunities.
*Data accurate at time of publication.
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