Florida auto insurance
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Why do Florida drivers need protection?
While the Sunshine State may be a popular destination for vacationers and retirees, the traffic from all these temporary and permanent residents increases the potential for car accidents. According to the latest reports, Florida experiences an average of over 400,000 traffic crashes each year. This involves nearly 700,000 drivers, putting you at risk of being involved while driving around the state or navigating through your hometown. You can protect yourself from the financial toll from a car accident by comparing quotes for insurance discounts and purchasing the best Florida auto insurance for your situation.
What are the risks of driving in Florida?
There have been ups and downs in the driving behaviors of Floridians, with some positive changes occurring in terms of the number of Floridians protected through seatbelt usage and the total number of fatalities related to traffic accidents. Unfortunately, the news isn’t as positive concerning reckless driving and DUI incidents. While you may consider yourself a safe driver, you face risks from the other 15.5 million licensed drivers across the state.
In addition to risks coming from other motorists, unpredictable weather can impact driving conditions. Hurricane winds and torrential rainstorms have a seasonal impact on driving conditions, just as the millions who flock to the sandy beaches during spring break can create significant congestion. One report highlights US-19 from Denton Avenue to San Marco Drive as the deadliest road in Florida, but each of the state’s 275,376 miles of roads holds a potential threat. VIU by HUB can help you find comprehensive Florida auto insurance to take care of these risks.
What can you expect to pay for Florida auto insurance?
Florida Car insurance rates depend on many factors, but the average cost Floridians pay is $325 a month. This is the among the top 10 most expensive states in the United States to purchase a car insurance policy, as the national average per month is around $225 for basic coverage. It is likely that you will find yourself paying more or less than the average because of your specific vehicle, driving history and other factors. Fortunately, a cost comparison can save you money when shopping around for the best rate.
Factors affecting Florida car insurance rates
Insurers use a complex algorithm to determine your insurance premium rates, and some of the factors you cannot control. Those that you can have some influence over include:
• Type of coverage.
• Deductible and policy limits.
• Driving record.
• Credit score.
• Demographics.
• Automobile make, model, year and safety features.
Insurance companies provide you with a service for a fee, and while you need coverage, the insurer is out to make money. If an insurer perceives a driver as a risky investment, the cost of the services increases. Risky drivers include those with past accident claims, those with a lack of driving experience and those who own expensive automobiles. Living in a densely populated area presents a higher accident risk, so drivers around Tampa, Orlando, Miami and Fort Lauderdale will have higher base rates.
In addition, the general weather threats of flooding and hurricanes impact the base car insurance rates. These establish higher accident risks, even if you don’t live in or near an urban area. Basic car insurance coverage won’t address the damage done to your vehicle if you are caught in one of these incidents, which is why you need to shop around for the insurance company with the best coverage for your budget.
What kind of auto insurance is required in Florida?
For the protection of all motor vehicle owners, there are state minimum Florida car insurance coverage requirements for Florida drivers. To demonstrate your compliance with state laws, you will need to carry proof of insurance whenever you drive, as a police officer may request it during a traffic stop or you may need to present it if you get into a car accident. You must present proof when renewing your vehicle registration, and if you are using financing to purchase a car, the lender may require proof of coverage as well.
Liability Coverage
Minimum Liability Coverage is set for private passenger vehicles. Liability Coverage addresses bodily injury liability for the injuries others might experience if you are held at fault for the incident or accident.
Property Damage
Florida requires drivers to carry $10,000 per accident towards Property Damage to the property of others. When a driver is at fault for the accident, this covers the repairs to the other individual’s property up to the limits on the policy. It could also pay the legal costs if the insured gets involved in a lawsuit after the accident.
Personal Injury Protection (PIP)
The law also requires drivers to maintain a minimum of $10,000 in Personal Injury Protection for each accident. Also called PIP coverage, this applies toward medical expense payments the policyholder may incur due to an accident. It could also pay for non-medical benefits, such as funeral costs, lost wages and household expenses if the injuries impact your employment.
Because the cost of injuries and property damage can easily exceed these limits, you may want to obtain auto policy insurance quotes for more than the minimum amount of Liability Coverage.
How necessary is Florida auto insurance?
For anyone who owns a car, insurance is not an option but a legal requirement. However, not everyone may need car insurance policy coverage in Florida, especially if you live in an area where public transportation is available. The Florida Public Transportation Association provides travel options within certain counties and cities. In addition to these trolley and bus services, many cities are following Miami’s lead and offering bikeshare services as well as improving access to rideshare services like Lyft and Uber.
What other options are there for car insurance in Florida?
While Liability Coverage can assist with some of the expenses related to a car accident, it does not cover damage to your vehicle. If your budget allows, consider expanding your policy coverage by increasing your liability limits and by adding additional protection like Collision or Comprehensive Coverage.
The average minimum coverage policies in Florida cost around $2,200, but full coverage could run up to $3,200. This is nearly 35% higher than the national average. You may be able to get full coverage as low as $1,750 per year by comparing quotes and taking advantage of potential savings through multiple-policy or safe driver discounts to get affordable car insurance for your budget.
This information is intended for general informational purposes only and is not intended to constitute legal advice.