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7+ years writing insurance and personal finance content
Contributor to top media, including USA Today
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Licensed auto and home insurance agent
4+ years experience in insurance and personal finance editing
NPN: 20564519
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Updated
Before you can legally drive in the Sunshine State, you’ll need to purchase a car insurance policy that at least meets Florida’s minimum-coverage requirements.
If an officer catches you driving without the required coverage, the Florida Department of Highway Safety and Motor Vehicles (FLHSMV) may suspend your driving privileges for up to three years and require you to pay a reinstatement fee.[1]
Fortunately, getting car insurance in Florida is relatively straightforward. Here’s how to find the right coverage for your needs.
Florida requires drivers to carry at least $10,000 in property damage liability coverage and $10,000 in personal injury protection (PIP).
Although minimum coverage meets Florida’s legal requirements, a full-coverage policy may provide better financial protection.
Florida operates under a no-fault insurance system, which means your insurer pays certain injury-related expenses after an accident regardless of fault.[2]
Drivers in Florida must carry a minimum amount of car insurance coverage to legally drive on public roads. Florida’s minimum requirements include:
Property damage liability (PDL): You’ll need a minimum of $10,000 in property damage liability coverage, which helps pay to repair or replace another driver’s vehicle or property after an accident you cause.
Personal injury protection (PIP): You’ll need at least $10,000 in PIP coverage, which generally covers 80% of necessary medical expenses up to $10,000. This coverage applies whether or not you caused the car accident.
If you drive without Florida’s minimum car insurance coverage, the state might suspend your driver’s license for up to three years and charge a reinstatement fee of up to $500.
Remember, Florida operates as a no-fault state, which means you’ll rely on your PIP coverage regardless of who caused the auto accident.
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Before you start comparing car insurance quotes in Florida, it’s helpful to gather some key documents and information. The details below can speed up the application process and help you get more accurate quotes.
Here’s what you’ll need:
Driver’s license
Vehicle information, including the make, model, year, and vehicle identification number (VIN)
Driving history, including any recent accidents or traffic violations
Current insurance policy details
Vehicle safety features and anti-theft features
An estimate of how many miles you drive each year
Payment information
While you can gather this information as you shop for auto coverage, having it on hand ahead of time can simplify the process.
If you want to avoid overpaying for car insurance, it’s critical to shop around. That’s because insurance companies use different methods to calculate rates. Comparing quotes is the best way to determine which insurer can offer you the most affordable coverage.
Generally, the easiest way to compare multiple car insurance quotes is through an online comparison platform, like Insurify. But you can also compare quotes with the help of a Florida insurance agent or by contacting insurers for quotes directly.
Regardless of how you compare quotes, don’t focus solely on price. Coverage limits, customer reviews, and insurer’s financial ratings are all important considerations when choosing the best insurance company for your needs.
Make sure you look at all potential savings opportunities, including multi-policy or safe driving discounts, to lower your policy costs.
You’ll need at least a minimum-coverage policy to legally drive in Florida, which typically includes only the state’s required coverages: PIP and PDL. But minimum coverage may not be enough financial protection after a serious accident. After all, replacing or making significant repairs to a vehicle can get expensive quickly — especially after a major incident.
For more robust financial protection, many drivers choose to buy full-coverage policies. Full coverage typically includes liability, collision, and comprehensive coverage. After an accident or covered incident, this type of policy can help you pay for repairs to your vehicle. Lenders also typically require it if you lease or finance your vehicle.
For example, in this hurricane-prone state, drivers might find comprehensive coverage especially valuable. If a hurricane damages your vehicle, comprehensive coverage may help pay to repair or replace it.
Other factors to consider include:
Driving habits: If you drive infrequently, you might seek out a pay-per-mile policy to limit your costs.
Risk of uninsured motorists: Uninsured motorist coverage can help protect you if you’re in an accident with a driver who doesn’t have insurance. Florida ranks relatively high for both uninsured and underinsured motorists, according to the Insurance Research Council.[3]
Vehicle value: If your vehicle is worth less than a few thousand dollars, it might not make financial sense to purchase a full-coverage policy. But if replacing your vehicle out of pocket would be difficult, the additional coverage could still be worth it.
Deductible amount: Choosing a higher deductible can lower your monthly premiums, but you’ll pay more out of pocket if you need to file a claim.
Insurify partners with 120+ top insurers for real-time quotes
After comparing quotes and determining how much coverage you need, it’s time to purchase a car insurance policy. Choose the best company for your needs and budget. During this process, you’ll typically choose an effective date for your coverage, whether it’s immediately or on a future date.
Next, read the fine print to understand the policy’s terms and conditions before moving forward. Review your coverage limits, deductibles, exclusions, and endorsements to make sure you understand what the policy does and doesn’t cover.
To activate your policy, you’ll typically need to make your first payment before the coverage effective date. Once the insurer processes your payment, your coverage can begin.
Lastly, don’t forget to save a copy of your proof of insurance and keep it in a safe place. Florida law requires drivers to show proof of insurance when registering a vehicle, during a traffic stop, or after an accident.
If you have more questions about Florida car insurance, the answers below may help.
Progressive offers the cheapest car insurance to Florida drivers, with an average liability rate of $78 per month, according to Insurify data.
Start by evaluating coverage levels to decide which policy best fits your situation, needs, and budget. When you’re ready, the easiest way to compare car insurance quotes is through an online comparison tool. Don’t forget to look for discounts from insurers before committing to a policy.
You can often find cheaper car insurance in Florida by comparing quotes across multiple companies, raising your deductible, seeking out discounts, and opting for a minimum-coverage policy if it provides enough protection for your situation.
State Farm, GEICO, Allstate, and Progressive are among the best auto insurance companies for Florida drivers, based on Insurify data. The best car insurance company for you depends on what you value most — whether that be cheaper rates, discount availability, coverage options, or high customer satisfaction.
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7+ years writing insurance and personal finance content
Contributor to top media, including USA Today
Featured in
Licensed auto and home insurance agent
4+ years experience in insurance and personal finance editing
NPN: 20564519
Featured in
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