Driving in Florida comes with its own set of risks and legal requirements specific to the state. Here’s why every Florida driver needs to have proper car insurance in place:  

• Seasonal Weather Conditions & Floods: Florida is prone to unpredictable weather, including heavy rain, tropical storms, and hurricanes, which increase the likelihood of accidents. 
• Dense Tourism Traffic: Highways and hotspots like Miami, Orlando, or Tampa experience high traffic volumes, especially from out-of-state drivers unfamiliar with Florida roads. 
• Theft and Vandalism: Florida's major metropolitan areas, such as Miami, Tampa, and Jacksonville, see higher rates of vehicle theft and vandalism, making comprehensive insurance coverage essential for protecting your car. 
• Uninsured Drivers: Florida has one of the highest rates of uninsured drivers, creating challenges if you’re involved in an accident with someone lacking coverage. 

Florida is a no-fault state, meaning that your insurance policy must cover your medical expenses after an accident, regardless of who is at fault. The at-fault driver’s insurance will handle damage to the vehicle. Here are the state-required minimum coverages for car insurance Florida drivers must have:  

• Personal Injury Protection (PIP): Covers 80% of reasonable medical expenses, 60% lost wages and $5,000 in death benefits with a minimum required coverage limit of $10,000. PIP in Florida has a few different additional coverages options: 
  • Extended Personal Injury Protection: An additional premium. Pays 100% of reasonable medical expenses and 80% of lost wages. 
  • Personal Injury Protection Deductible: Lets you set a deductible ($0, $250, $500, or $1,000). Eligible to receive up to $10,000 in benefits after the deductible is applied. The deductible can be selected for only you (the Named Insured), you and your spouse or you and all resident relatives. 
  • Work Loss Exclusion: For a reduction in premium, this exclusion lets you decline PIP for loss of income. 
• Property Damage Liability (PD): Coverage for others’ vehicles or property when you’re at fault. Minimum $10,000. 
• Uninsured Motorist (UM) Coverage: In Florida, this only covers bodily injury. Coverage for injuries if the other party doesn't have sufficient insurance. Limits usually mirror your liability choice and cannot be more than what you set for liability. 
  • You can also choose between Stacked or Non-stacked UM Limits: 
  • Stacked Uninsured Motorist: This option adds the coverage limits for each motor vehicle on your policy to determine the total amount of coverage available to pay for all injuries.  
  • Non-stacked Uninsured Motorist: This option would limit your UM coverage to the amount selected for a motor vehicle 
  • Your coverage selections or rejections must be done so in writing.  

 If you’re the at fault driver in an accident, the standard policy above won’t pay for damage done to your vehicle. For that, you’ll need additional coverage. 

Given Florida’s unique driving conditions and risks, here are some additional coverage options to consider for enhanced protection, all of which Goosehead Insurance can help you secure:  

• Bodily Injury Liability (BI): Coverage for others’ medical costs when you’re at fault. Minimum $10,000 per person and $20,000 per accident. 
• Collision Coverage: Helps pay for damages to your vehicle caused by a covered accident based on your deductible. 
• Comprehensive Coverage: Helps pay for non-collision damages to your vehicle caused by a covered accident based on your deductible. 
• Roadside Assistance: Helps pay for the cost of towing your vehicle if it cannot be driven due to an accident or breakdown. 
• Rental Car Reimbursement: Helps pay for the cost of a rental car while your vehicle is being repaired after a covered accident. 
• Increase Liability Limits: Some drivers see the benefit of increasing their liability limits to avoid costly out-of-pocket expenses if they’re found to be at fault. 
• Medical Payments (MedPay): In addition to PIP, Florida drivers may add MedPay to their policy. Helps pay medical expenses for you and your passengers in the event of an accident. 

Some drivers may fall into more unique circumstances and may need more specific coverage options. Bring up situations such as customizations to your car or other highly unique coverage options to one of our agents. Goosehead Insurance specializes in providing our clients with customized coverage. 

The cost of car insurance for Florida residents depends on several factors, including: 

• Driving Record: Florida drivers with clean records generally enjoy lower premiums, while those with accidents, speeding tickets, or other violations typically face higher costs. 
• Location: Urban areas such as Miami or Tampa often have higher premiums due to traffic congestion, increased accidents, and higher crime rates. 
• Vehicle Type: Insuring high-end or luxury vehicles in Florida can be more expensive because of steeper repair or replacement costs. 
• Age and Experience: Younger drivers and those with less experience behind the wheel will usually face higher insurance rates. 

On average, Florida drivers meeting the state’s minimum coverage requirements might pay around $1,100 annually. However, drivers with policies that have additional coverage may pay an average of $4,100 annually.  

Trying to lower your car insurance premiums? Here are a few practical strategies for Florida drivers to save on their policies:  

• Bundle Insurance Policies: Combine your auto and home insurance policies for discounts. 
• Maintain a Clean Driving Record: Avoid accidents and traffic violations to secure better rates over time. 
• Install Safety Features: Equip your vehicle with anti-theft devices and advanced safety systems for potential discounts. 
• Complete a Defensive Driving Course: Many insurers offer lower rates for drivers who complete state-approved training. 

Goosehead Insurance is your trusted partner for navigating Florida’s car insurance market. Here’s why you can count on us to find the right policy for you:  

• Unbiased Policy Comparisons: We collaborate with multiple carriers to offer personalized policy recommendations based on your needs. 
• Expert Guidance: Our agents simplify the insurance process and ensure you understand your coverage options. 
• Hassle-Free Service: From obtaining quotes to managing claims, Goosehead Insurance takes care of every step. 
• Top-Notch Service: Goosehead is committed to giving our clients high-quality service every step of the way.