Car insurance rates in Florida depend greatly on what part of the state you live in. Large-scale fraud has sent rates around Miami and Tampa soaring, while ZIP codes in more rural areas see car insurance rates only half as large. You can see a map of sample car insurance rates for every city in Florida below.
Currently, Florida has the lowest car insurance requirements of any state.
To register a car you must have a Florida-based car insurance policy covering $10,000 in property damage liability and $10,000 in personal injury protection (PIP). We strongly recommended that you also purchase bodily injury liability coverage. While not required by the state, many car insurance companies require it as part of any policy they issue in Florida.
Here's why: Florida is a no-fault state. Treatment for any injuries you suffer is covered by your personal injury protection, up to its limit, regardless of who caused the accident. If bills exceed that limit, the at-fault driver is legally personally responsible unless he or she has bought bodily injury liability coverage.
What's worse, even though bodily injury liability isn't mandated by the state to register a car, Florida's Financial Responsibility Law could force you to buy it after a serious accident or traffic violation.
If you buy bodily injury liability coverage, the smallest amount you can buy is $10,000 per person (up to $20,000 per accident). Homeowners and those with substantial assets need more than that.
Florida's Department of Highway Safety and Motor Vehicles spells out some accident guidelines.
Hurricane warning: Hurricanes and tropical storms threaten Florida each year. Comprehensive coverage will repair the damage to your vehicle -- but you can't wait too long to buy it. Make sure to get the coverage in effect before a warning is issued.
No-deductible windshield repair or replacement: In an effort to get drivers to repair cracked or damaged windshields, Florida state law says that your comprehensive coverage deductible isn't applicable for damage to the windshield.
Snowbirds: If a vehicle is in Florida for more than 90 days during a 365-day period (the days do not have to be consecutive) you must purchase PIP and property damage liability limits of at least the state minimum limits. See "Car insurance for snowbirds" for more information.
Florida car insurance requirements | |
|---|---|
| Florida state law requires the following minimum car insurance coverage: | |
| Minimum bodily injury liability | $10,000 |
| Personal injury protection | $10,000 |
| *Bodily injury liability not required by state; many carriers require $10,000/$20,000 | |
| Jacksonville | Miami | Orlando |
| Pensacola | Tampa |