8+ years writing about insurance, taxes, and personal finance
Certified public accountant
Janet applies her experience in personal finance, taxes, and accounting to make complex financial topics accessible. Her byline has appeared on numerous web media.
Featured in
3+ years producing insurance and personal finance content
Main architect of the Insurify Quality Score
Courtney’s deep personal finance knowledge extends beyond insurance to credit cards, consumer lending, and banking. She thrives on creating actionable content.
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Updated November 20, 2024
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Table of contents
Situated on the Gulf Coast of Florida, Sarasota has a high risk of storm damage to vehicles and homes. Still, Sarasotans pay an overall average of $158 per month for car insurance, compared to the statewide average of $203. The city’s relatively low accident rate may contribute to its slightly lower insurance rates.
Here’s what you need to know about comparing quotes and finding affordable car insurance premiums in Sarasota.
The average cost of car insurance in Sarasota is $130 per month for liability coverage and $185 per month for full coverage.
Florida requires drivers to purchase only property damage liability and personal injury protection coverages.
State Farm is the cheapest full-coverage insurer in Sarasota — its rates start at $65 per month.
3 of the cheapest car insurance companies in Sarasota
The right car insurance company for you depends on various factors, including the type of car you drive, your driving record, and your age.[1] Before committing to any company, it’s important to compare rates from multiple insurers to find the right fit for your needs.
To help get you started, here’s a list of some of the cheapest car insurance companies in Sarasota.
Insurance Company ▲▼ | IQ Score The Insurify Quality (IQ) Score uses more than 15 criteria to objectively rate insurance companies on a one-to-ten scale. The Insurify editorial team researches insurer data to determine the final scores. ▲▼ | Full Coverage ▲▼ | Liability Only ▲▼ | Best For ▲▼ |
---|---|---|---|---|
State Farm | 9.3 | $83 | $68 | Teen drivers |
GEICO | 9.0 | $86 | $69 | Senior drivers |
Allstate | 8.9 | $145 | $117 | Coverage options |
Our editorial team spent more than 350 hours developing the Insurify Quality (IQ) Score and scoring insurance companies. The IQ Score objectively analyzes and calculates a score for insurers using more than 15 crucial criteria. The team weighted criteria by importance to the consumer — factors such as customer reviews and affordability influence the score more than availability and third-party ratings.
We rate each company on a 1 to 10 scale based on five categories: financial ratings, customer satisfaction, affordability, customer support and transparency, and availability. Insurify updates ratings once a year or as more recent information becomes available.
- Third-party financial ratings: Insurify uses data from AM Best, S&P, Moody’s, and more to compare insurance companies’ credit and ability to pay out future claims.
- Customer satisfaction: To calculate this score, Insurify analyzed more than 28,000 customer reviews across 155 car insurance companies. We also consider third-party ratings from J.D. Power, the National Association of Insurance Commissioners, and Trustpilot.
- Affordability: Our data scientists analyzed more than 90 million real-time auto insurance rates from our partners across the U.S., as well as available discounts, to calculate an affordability score.
- Customer support and transparency: This measures coverage options, ease of claims filing, and the insurer's transparency surrounding discounts, coverages, and claims process.
- Availability and reach: Insurify scores availability and reach by identifying the number of states in which insurers offer coverage and company size by market share.
Best insurer for teen drivers: State Farm
User Reviews | 4.2 |
---|---|
IQ Score The Insurify Quality (IQ) Score uses more than 15 criteria to objectively rate insurance companies on a one-to-ten scale. The Insurify editorial team researches insurer data to determine the final scores. | 9.3 /10 |
Liability Only Liability-only insurance, sometimes called minimum-coverage insurance, pays for bodily injury and property damage to others in an accident the policyholder causes. It does not pay for the insured’s own damages. | $52/mo |
Full Coverage Full-coverage car insurance generally includes liability, collision, and comprehensive coverage, and may include other optional coverages such as uninsured motorist coverage. Collision covers a policyholder’s repair or replacement costs in case of an accident. Comprehensive covers damages caused by non-accident events. The average quote displayed here reflects policies with the following coverage limits: $50,000 bodily injury liability per person; $100,000 bodily injury liability per accident; $50,00 property damage liability per accident; $1,000 collision deductible; and a $1,000 comprehensive deductible. | $65/mo |
Drivers appreciate the helpful local agents and initial service but dislike the high prices and frequent rate increases.
Drivers appreciate the helpful local agents and initial service but dislike the high prices and frequent rate increases.
Ronald
November 19, 2024
State Farm Experience: 35 Years+
David
November 19, 2024
Too expensive
Ronald
November 18, 2024
Very Expensive Auto and Home
State Farm is one of the top companies for auto insurance in Sarasota, offering competitive rates and comprehensive coverage.
Competitive pricing, with many discounts available
Personalized service from a network of local agents
Can’t buy a policy online
Generally poor ratings from many trusted review sites
Best insurer for senior drivers: GEICO
User Reviews | 4.0 |
---|---|
IQ Score The Insurify Quality (IQ) Score uses more than 15 criteria to objectively rate insurance companies on a one-to-ten scale. The Insurify editorial team researches insurer data to determine the final scores. | 9.0 /10 |
Liability Only Liability-only insurance, sometimes called minimum-coverage insurance, pays for bodily injury and property damage to others in an accident the policyholder causes. It does not pay for the insured’s own damages. | $54/mo |
Full Coverage Full-coverage car insurance generally includes liability, collision, and comprehensive coverage, and may include other optional coverages such as uninsured motorist coverage. Collision covers a policyholder’s repair or replacement costs in case of an accident. Comprehensive covers damages caused by non-accident events. The average quote displayed here reflects policies with the following coverage limits: $50,000 bodily injury liability per person; $100,000 bodily injury liability per accident; $50,00 property damage liability per accident; $1,000 collision deductible; and a $1,000 comprehensive deductible. | $67/mo |
Drivers appreciate the excellent customer service and initial low prices but dislike the frequent price increases.
Drivers appreciate the excellent customer service and initial low prices but dislike the frequent price increases.
James
November 19, 2024
Unsatisfactory Experience with Geico
Edward
November 18, 2024
Experience with Geico
Chris
November 18, 2024
Poor
Boasting some of the lowest auto premiums in the city, GEICO is best for drivers looking for coverage and affordability.
Can purchase a policy online
Highly rated mobile app
Gap insurance not available
Limited number of agents in Sarasota
Best insurer for coverage options: Allstate
User Reviews | 4.0 |
---|---|
IQ Score The Insurify Quality (IQ) Score uses more than 15 criteria to objectively rate insurance companies on a one-to-ten scale. The Insurify editorial team researches insurer data to determine the final scores. | 8.9 /10 |
Liability Only Liability-only insurance, sometimes called minimum-coverage insurance, pays for bodily injury and property damage to others in an accident the policyholder causes. It does not pay for the insured’s own damages. | $91/mo |
Full Coverage Full-coverage car insurance generally includes liability, collision, and comprehensive coverage, and may include other optional coverages such as uninsured motorist coverage. Collision covers a policyholder’s repair or replacement costs in case of an accident. Comprehensive covers damages caused by non-accident events. The average quote displayed here reflects policies with the following coverage limits: $50,000 bodily injury liability per person; $100,000 bodily injury liability per accident; $50,00 property damage liability per accident; $1,000 collision deductible; and a $1,000 comprehensive deductible. | $113/mo |
Drivers appreciate the initial pricing and overall service but dislike the frequent rate increases and misleading pricing tactics.
Drivers appreciate the initial pricing and overall service but dislike the frequent rate increases and misleading pricing tactics.
Lyudmila
November 14, 2024
No Discount for Seniors
Latonya
November 12, 2024
Not Recommended
Linda
November 12, 2024
The office in St. Petersburg, FL has significantly changed. I have been with All State, using the same office, for years. Recently, new management has taken over and the staff has become less courteous and often fail to follow through on their commitments. It's even more challenging when your call gets redirected to an office in another state.
Allstate car insurance is excellent for drivers who want coverage options tailored to their unique needs, including accident forgiveness.
Offers specialized coverage options
Various available discounts
Rates may increase significantly if you have a speeding ticket, accident, or DUI
Lower-than-average insurance shopping-satisfaction rating from J.D. Power[2]
How to get the cheapest car insurance in Sarasota
Finding affordable car insurance can be a challenge, but you can use these strategies to lower your rates:
Increase your deductible. Increasing your deductible is a straightforward way to reduce your premiums. When you increase your deductible, you shift more of the liability when filing a claim onto yourself. Just make sure you can afford the out-of-pocket costs if you ever file a claim.
Take advantage of discounts. Most insurance companies offer discounts on insurance policies for safe driving, good grades, and completing defensive driver courses. Be sure to ask about any discounts you qualify for when shopping for car insurance.
Bundle policies. Bundling auto and home policies with the same insurer often results in discounted rates. Many insurers also offer bundling discounts for auto and renters insurance.
Drive your current car for as long as possible. Driving an older vehicle can often result in lower car insurance premiums since new vehicles cost more to repair or replace if damaged or stolen.
Compare rates. Shopping around and comparing rates from the best companies is one of the easiest ways to save money on car insurance.
Cheapest liability-only car insurance in Sarasota: State Farm
Liability-only car insurance only covers damages and injuries you cause in a car accident — it doesn’t cover any damage to your vehicle. This makes it more affordable than full-coverage auto insurance, but you’ll have to pay to repair or replace your car out of pocket after an accident.
On average, Sarasota drivers pay $130 per month for minimum coverage. Here’s a list of some of the lowest liability-only rates available in Sarasota.
Insurance Company ▲▼ | Average Monthly Quote ▲▼ |
---|---|
State Farm | $52 |
GEICO | $54 |
Mile Auto | $89 |
Allstate | $91 |
Travelers | $108 |
Mercury | $119 |
Direct Auto | $125 |
Safeco | $139 |
Progressive | $142 |
Infinity | $151 |
Foremost | $162 |
GAINSCO | $174 |
Dairyland | $176 |
Bristol West | $192 |
AssuranceAmerica | $196 |
National General | $217 |
The General | $238 |
Cheapest full-coverage car insurance in Sarasota: State Farm
Full-coverage car insurance covers legal liability and any damage to your vehicle in an accident or other event. This type of coverage is typically more expensive than liability-only plans, which only cover expenses when you injure another person or damage their property.
People who drive newer, more expensive vehicles or are financing their vehicle purchases would benefit from full-coverage car insurance. On average, Sarasota drivers pay $185 per month for full coverage.
Here’s a list of the lowest full-coverage auto insurance rates in Sarasota.
Insurance Company ▲▼ | Average Monthly Quote ▲▼ |
---|---|
State Farm | $65 |
GEICO | $67 |
Allstate | $113 |
Mile Auto | $114 |
Travelers | $135 |
Safeco | $145 |
Mercury | $149 |
Progressive | $208 |
Infinity | $212 |
National General | $226 |
GAINSCO | $241 |
Direct Auto | $242 |
Foremost | $245 |
Bristol West | $276 |
Dairyland | $306 |
AssuranceAmerica | $326 |
The General | $339 |
Cheapest recent rates near Sarasota, Florida
Drivers using Insurify have found quotes as cheap as $49/mo for liability only and $72/mo for full coverage in Sarasota and other Florida cities.
*Quotes generated for Insurify users in and around Sarasota, Florida within the last 10 days. Last updated on November 20, 2024
*Quotes generated for Insurify users in and around Sarasota, Florida within the last 10 days. Last updated on November 20, 2024
Car insurance requirements in Florida
Florida is a no-fault car insurance state, meaning you must carry minimum personal injury protection (PIP) and property damage liability coverage to pay for your medical expenses and other accident-related damages, regardless of who causes an accident.
Here are the minimum coverage limits that Florida requires for drivers:[3]
Coverage ▲▼ | Minimum Requirements ▲▼ |
---|---|
Personal injury protection | $10,000 |
Property damage liability | $10,000 |
Keep in mind that Florida’s minimum requirements are quite low compared to other state requirements. Consider adding these coverages for more protection:
Comprehensive coverage
Comprehensive insurance provides coverage when theft, vandalism, falling objects, or weather events damage your vehicle.
Collision coverage
Collision insurance kicks in after an accident or when you hit a mailbox, even if you’re at fault.
Roadside assistance coverage
Roadside assistance provides coverage for towing, jumpstarts, or tire changes on the side of the road when your vehicle breaks down.
Gap coverage
Gap insurance covers the difference between your total loss settlement and what you owe on your auto loan if you finance your vehicle.
Cheapest car insurance for drivers with an incident
Incidents such as at-fault accidents, driving under the influence (DUI), speeding tickets, and other traffic violations can increase car insurance rates significantly. When you have one or more incidents on your driving record, insurance companies view you as higher risk and charge more for auto coverage.[1]
Cheapest car insurance for drivers with a speeding ticket: State Farm
Speeding tickets can be costly in more ways than one. Not only do you have to pay the ticket, but your car insurance rates will likely increase, too. On average, Sarasota drivers with speeding tickets pay $159 per month for liability insurance.
If you’ve received a speeding ticket and are looking for the cheapest car insurance in Sarasota, below is a table of some of the lowest premiums available.
Insurance Company ▲▼ | Clean Driving Record ▲▼ | With Speeding Ticket ▲▼ |
---|---|---|
State Farm | $52 | $62 |
GEICO | $54 | $65 |
Mile Auto | $89 | $108 |
Allstate | $91 | $110 |
Travelers | $108 | $132 |
Mercury | $119 | $155 |
Direct Auto | $125 | $151 |
Safeco | $139 | $170 |
Progressive | $142 | $170 |
Infinity | $151 | $189 |
Foremost | $162 | $212 |
GAINSCO | $174 | $227 |
Dairyland | $176 | $212 |
Bristol West | $192 | $233 |
AssuranceAmerica | $196 | $236 |
National General | $217 | $263 |
The General | $238 | $293 |
Cheapest car insurance for drivers with an at-fault accident: State Farm
Like a speeding ticket, an at-fault accident can increase your auto rate. The amount it increases depends on the severity of the accident and your insurance company.[4]
Sarasota drivers with at-fault accidents pay an average of $171 per month for liability coverage. The table below shows the cheapest car insurance quotes in Sarasota for drivers with an at-fault accident on their record.
Insurance Company ▲▼ | Clean Driving Record ▲▼ | With Accident ▲▼ |
---|---|---|
State Farm | $52 | $67 |
GEICO | $54 | $70 |
Mile Auto | $89 | $118 |
Allstate | $91 | $118 |
Travelers | $108 | $141 |
Mercury | $119 | $165 |
Direct Auto | $125 | $166 |
Safeco | $139 | $178 |
Progressive | $142 | $185 |
Infinity | $151 | $191 |
Foremost | $162 | $224 |
GAINSCO | $174 | $215 |
Dairyland | $176 | $226 |
Bristol West | $192 | $248 |
AssuranceAmerica | $196 | $248 |
National General | $217 | $281 |
The General | $238 | $314 |
Cheapest car insurance for drivers with a DUI: State Farm
Driving under the influence of alcohol can have serious consequences, including hefty fines and increased car insurance rates.[4] Drivers with DUIs in Sarasota pay an average of $197 per month for minimum coverage.
Here’s a table showing some of the lowest car insurance premiums available for Sarasota drivers with a DUI.
Insurance Company ▲▼ | Clean Driving Record ▲▼ | With DUI ▲▼ |
---|---|---|
State Farm | $52 | $82 |
GEICO | $54 | $85 |
Mile Auto | $89 | $141 |
Allstate | $91 | $144 |
Travelers | $108 | $171 |
Mercury | $119 | $173 |
Direct Auto | $125 | $198 |
Safeco | $139 | $203 |
Progressive | $142 | $225 |
Infinity | $151 | $239 |
Foremost | $162 | $256 |
GAINSCO | $174 | $275 |
Dairyland | $176 | $279 |
Bristol West | $192 | $304 |
AssuranceAmerica | $196 | $310 |
National General | $217 | $343 |
The General | $238 | $377 |
Cheapest car insurance for seniors: State Farm
Car insurance companies may charge seniors more for insurance due to several factors. On average, older drivers tend to be more risky than younger drivers due to their slower reaction times, decreased flexibility and vision, and a higher risk of medical emergencies.[5]
Senior drivers in Sarasota pay an average of $104 per month for liability coverage and $149 per month for full coverage. To help you get the best deal, the below table illustrates the lowest car insurance rates available to senior drivers in Sarasota.
Insurance Company ▲▼ | Liability Only ▲▼ | Full Coverage ▲▼ |
---|---|---|
State Farm | $40 | $50 |
GEICO | $42 | $53 |
Mile Auto | $66 | $85 |
Allstate | $72 | $89 |
Travelers | $83 | $104 |
Mercury | $93 | $116 |
Direct Auto | $96 | $186 |
Progressive | $101 | $148 |
Infinity | $114 | $160 |
Safeco | $117 | $122 |
Foremost | $128 | $193 |
Dairyland | $139 | $241 |
GAINSCO | $144 | $199 |
AssuranceAmerica | $146 | $243 |
Bristol West | $152 | $218 |
National General | $163 | $170 |
The General | $190 | $271 |
Cheapest car insurance for teens: GEICO
Insurance companies often consider teen drivers as high risk because they’re less-experienced drivers. As a result, they usually have to pay higher premiums for coverage.[1]
Insuring a teen driver in Sarasota costs an average of $215 per month for liability coverage and $306 per month for full coverage. Below is a table showing the cheapest car insurance quotes for teens in Sarasota, so they (and their parents) can save money on their policies without sacrificing quality.
Insurance Company ▲▼ | Liability Only ▲▼ | Full Coverage ▲▼ |
---|---|---|
GEICO | $85 | $106 |
State Farm | $88 | $110 |
Allstate | $160 | $199 |
Mile Auto | $171 | $218 |
Travelers | $193 | $241 |
Mercury | $208 | $260 |
Direct Auto | $226 | $437 |
Progressive | $246 | $360 |
Safeco | $265 | $276 |
Infinity | $268 | $376 |
Dairyland | $280 | $486 |
Foremost | $284 | $430 |
GAINSCO | $297 | $411 |
Bristol West | $319 | $459 |
AssuranceAmerica | $356 | $592 |
The General | $372 | $530 |
National General | $423 | $440 |
Sarasota car insurance quotes by credit tier
Florida allows car insurance companies to use your credit history when determining your premiums.[6]
Insurance companies view drivers with poor credit as riskier and more likely to file claims than drivers with good or excellent credit. This means people with poor credit scores usually pay higher premiums for car insurance than people with better scores.
The following table shows the average monthly quotes for each credit tier.
Rates by Credit Tier
Is car insurance more expensive in Sarasota?
Car insurance is more expensive in Sarasota than the national average due to various factors, including:
A high number of uninsured drivers: Florida has a high rate of uninsured motorists, which can drive up the cost of coverage for everyone else.
Severe weather: Florida may be the Sunshine State, but it experiences a lot of severe weather events, including hurricanes, thunderstorms, and lightning.[7] These weather events can damage vehicles, driving up the number of claims and causing insurance companies to charge more in the state.
Influx of yearly tourists: Florida experienced its highest estimate of tourists in a single quarter at the beginning of 2023.[8] This influx of drivers unfamiliar with Florida roads may contribute to more claims and higher insurance costs.
But car insurance rates vary significantly by ZIP code within Florida, depending on several factors such as population density and the average cost of car repairs in the area.[1] For example, cities with higher populations and more tourists tend to have higher rates due to the increased risk of accidents and claims.
Despite these factors, Sarasota is an affordable city for car insurance compared to cities like Riverview and Spring Hill.
More cities in Florida
To see how car insurance rates differ among some of the most popular cities in Florida, consider the table below, which shows the average monthly premium for full-coverage and liability-only policies in some other Florida cities.
City ▲▼ | Full Coverage ▲▼ | Liability Only ▲▼ |
---|---|---|
Cape Coral | $233 | $128 |
Clearwater | $240 | $164 |
Daytona Beach | $233 | $145 |
Fort Lauderdale | $310 | $202 |
Fort Myers | $223 | $136 |
Gainesville | $190 | $119 |
Jacksonville | $247 | $148 |
Jupiter | $228 | $157 |
Miami | $354 | $217 |
Orlando | $263 | $167 |
Sarasota car insurance FAQs
Check out the average cost of car insurance in Florida while you compare quotes in Sarasota to help find the best car insurance prices in your area. Below are the answers to common questions about car insurance in Sarasota to help you find the right coverage.
How much is car insurance in Sarasota?
The average cost of car insurance in Sarasota is $130 per month for liability coverage and $185 per month for full coverage.
Which company has the cheapest car insurance in Sarasota?
The cheapest car insurance companies in Sarasota include State Farm, GEICO, and Mile Auto, with liability rates starting at $52, $54, and $89 per month, respectively.
While these insurers have average rates less than the city average, the best way to find the cheapest car insurance is by comparing quotes from multiple companies to find the coverage that meets your specific needs at a price that fits your budget.
What are the best car insurance companies in Sarasota?
Some of the best car insurance companies in Sarasota include GEICO and Allstate. Not only do these companies have higher-than-average J.D. Power satisfaction ratings in Florida, but they also have lower-than-average rates and high IQ Scores.[9]
What factors affect the cost of car insurance in Sarasota?
Your credit history, age, vehicle, and gender are personal factors that affect the cost of car insurance. Local factors like accident and theft rates, the cost of car repairs, and the cost of medical care can also affect car insurance rates.[1]
How much car insurance do you need in Florida?
Florida requires $10,000 for property damage liability and $10,000 for personal injury protection.[3]
Methodology
Insurify data scientists analyzed more than 90 million quotes served to car insurance applicants in Insurify’s proprietary database to calculate the premium averages displayed on this page. These premiums are real quotes that come directly from Insurify’s 50+ partner insurance companies in all 50 states and Washington, D.C. Quote averages represent the median price for a quote across the given coverage level, driver subset, and geographic area.
Unless otherwise specified, quoted rates reflect the average cost for drivers between 20 and 70 years old with a clean driving record and average or better credit (a credit score of 600 or higher).
Liability-only premium averages correspond to policies with the following coverage limits:
- Bodily injury limits between state-minimum rates and $50,000 per person, $100,000 per accident
- Property damage limits between $10,000 and $50,000
- No additional coverage
- Comprehensive coverage with a $1,000 deductible
- Collision coverage with a $1,000 deductible
Quotes for Allstate, Farmers, GEICO, State Farm, and USAA are estimates based on Quadrant Information Services’ database of auto insurance rates.
Related articles
More cities in Florida
Sources
- III. "What determines the price of an auto insurance policy?."
- J.D. Power. "2022 U.S. Insurance Shopping Study."
- Florida Department of Highway Safety and Motor Vehicles. "Florida Insurance Requirements."
- III. "Do auto insurance premiums go up after a claim?."
- III. "Senior driving safety and insurance tips."
- Online Sunshine. "626.9741 Use of credit reports and credit scores by insurers.."
- Florida Department of Transportation. "Severe Weather Awareness."
- Visit Florida. "Florida Visitor Estimates and travel Industry Trend Indicators."
- J.D. Power. "2023 U.S. Auto Insurance Study."
Janet Berry-Johnson, CPA is a freelance writer with a background in accounting and income tax planning and preparation. She's passionate about making complicated financial topics accessible to readers. She lives in Omaha, Nebraska with her husband and son and their rescue dog, Dexter. Visit her website at www.jberryjohnson.com.
3+ years producing insurance and personal finance content
Main architect of the Insurify Quality Score
Courtney’s deep personal finance knowledge extends beyond insurance to credit cards, consumer lending, and banking. She thrives on creating actionable content.
Featured in