Snowbird auto insurance should be on your checklist when packing up to enjoy warmer weather during the winter season. That’s because snowbirds who head to Florida (or other sunny states) each year must make specific insurance arrangements to stay compliant and avoid costly surprises if they file a claim.
Anyone who brings a vehicle to Florida for more than 90 days in a calendar year — even if those days aren’t consecutive — must register the car in Florida and meet the state’s insurance requirements.
Why you can’t rely on your home-state insurance
You might be tempted to register the car only in your home state to save money. However, this strategy can backfire. If you’re pulled over in Florida without proper registration and in-state insurance, you could receive a ticket or worse.
In some cases, your driver’s license could be suspended for up to three years. And if you file a claim, your insurer may deny it due to misrepresentation about where your vehicle is primarily garaged.
Florida’s car insurance requirements for snowbirds
If you register your vehicle in Florida, you’re required to carry at least:
- $10,000 in personal injury protection (PIP)
- $10,000 in property damage liability (PDL)
You can carry a deductible of up to $1,000 for PIP and $500 for PDL, depending on your policy. These are Florida’s minimum requirements, but most experts recommend buying more than the minimum, especially if you carry higher limits in your home state.
David Thompson, a licensed insurance agent and instructor with the Florida Association of Insurance Agents, recommends that drivers match the same coverage and limits they have at home so they’ll be better protected if something goes wrong.
Florida’s limits are extremely low and only provide coverage for the other guy. Our editors recommend purchasing full coverage with liability limits of at least 100/300/100 with comprehensive and collision coverage.
Do you need Florida car insurance if you’re just visiting?
Yes, if your vehicle will be in Florida for more than 90 days out of the year. Even if your permanent address is in another state, insurers can still deny claims if the vehicle is primarily garaged in Florida and is not properly insured for that location.
If you’re only staying in Florida for less than 90 days, you can usually keep your car registered and insured in your home state. Just make sure to check local requirements for wherever you’re going — some states may have different thresholds.
Can you use your home-state driver’s license?
Yes. If you’re a U.S. citizen, you don’t need a Florida driver’s license to register a car or buy insurance in Florida. However, you do need to purchase insurance from a Florida-licensed agent, even if your insurer operates nationally.
Many major companies like State Farm, Allstate, Progressive and GEICO are licensed in Florida and can coordinate with your home-state agent.
How snowbirds can save money on seasonal car insurance
There are a few ways snowbirds can lower their car insurance costs:
Cancel Florida coverage during the off-season (with caution)
You can surrender your Florida license plate and vehicle registration when you head back home, then cancel your policy and reinstate it the following year. This works only if:
- Your car is fully paid off
- No one drives the car while you’re away
- You accept that the car won’t be covered if damaged (e.g., by theft, fire, or hurricanes)
ImportantFlorida’s hurricane season overlaps with snowbird off-season. If you drop your comprehensive coverage, your insurer won’t cover flood or storm damage that occurs while you’re away.
Ask about seasonal rating programs
Some insurers offer seasonal car insurance policies that recognize your driving patterns between two states. These programs can adjust your premiums automatically based on where your vehicle is being used.
Consider usage-based insurance
Some companies offer pay-per-mile or telematics-based policies, which may offer savings if you drive less during the year. These may be ideal for snowbirds who limit their vehicle use while in Florida.
FAQs about snowbird car insurance
Do snowbirds need to register their cars in Florida?
Yes, if the car is in Florida for more than 90 days a year—even if the days are non-consecutive.
Can I use my home-state driver’s license in Florida?
Yes, U.S. citizens can keep their driver’s license from their home state.
Will my home-state insurance cover me in Florida?
Not if your vehicle is garaged in Florida. You may be considered misrepresenting your garaging location, which could void claims.
Can I pause my Florida insurance when I leave?
Yes, but only if you also surrender your Florida plates and registration. Your vehicle won’t be covered during this time unless stored with comprehensive coverage.
Resources & Methodology
Sources
Shiner Law Group. “Understanding Florida’s Insurance Laws and How They Pertain to Snowbirds.” Accessed December 2024.
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