Miami is one of the most congested cities in the U.S., and the mix seasonal tourists, unpredictable drivers, and hurricane season mean car insurance is a must have.

Here are some common risks that make car insurance essential for Miami:

• Heavy traffic: Any major city will see congestion, and Miami sees rush hour traffic on I-95 and the Palmetto Expressway to name a few locations.
• Severe flooding: From regular storms to hurricane season, there are plenty of non-collision risks in Miami.
• Theft and vandalism risks: Certain areas like Downtown Miami face higher rates of theft and vandalism.
• Tourist traffic: Drivers who visit the area may be unfamiliar with the city’s layout, increasing traffic backups and accidents.

Auto insurance policies in Miami vary by coverage level and provider, but all must meet the minimum requirements set by the state of Florida:

• $10,000 in Personal Injury Protection (PIP)
• $10,000 in Property Damage Liability (PDL)
• Uninsured/Underinsured Motorist coverage

These are the minimums required to drive legally in Florida, but Miami drivers often choose to add more protection due to higher accident rates, extreme weather, and vehicle theft.

For more information about coverage options and state requirements, visit our Florida car insurance page.

To keep yourself from paying costly out of pocket expenses for repairs or potential medical bills for yourself, additional coverage is available.

Here’s what is commonly recommended to add to an auto insurance policy:

• Bodily Injury Liability: Coverage for the other party’s medical costs when you’re at fault. Minimums of $10,000 per person and $20,000 per accident.
• Collison Coverage: Helps cover damages to your vehicle caused by a covered accident, regardless of fault.
• Comprehensive Coverage: Helps pay for non-collision damage (e.g. weather and theft) to your vehicle after a covered incident.
• Rideshare Coverage: Only applicable if you use your personal vehicle for a ride share service and when you’re on the clock. Might provide more coverage than what’s provided, and is offered for liability, collision, comprehensive, and medical payments.
• Gap Insurance: Coverage for when your vehicle is deemed a total loss and you’re still making payments. Covers the difference between what you owe and what the car is valued at.
• Rental Reimbursement: Helps cover the cost of rental while your vehicle is being repaired.
• Roadside Assistance: Helps pay for the cost of towing if your vehicle becomes undrivable.

There are more options available, but they may be more specific. These options fit average needs, and the descriptions are general in nature to give you an idea of what they cover.

Goosehead works with you to learn your needs, so you get the coverage that makes the most sense without paying for what you don’t need.

On average, Miami drivers pay some of the highest rates in Florida. For minimum coverage, the average is about $1,600 a year. Those that have more on their policies may pay up to $4,100 to $6,500 a year.

However, what you pay is based on more than just your coverage selections, deductibles, and what carrier you choose. Other factors include:

• Location: Certain ZIP codes or neighborhoods see higher risks of either storm damage or theft, which will influence premiums.
• Driving Record: Your history of violations or claims is a rating factor. Those with one or more violations tend to pay more.
• Age: Young drivers don’t have much experience, so they are at greater risks of accidents, which means they pay more.
• Type of Vehicle: New vehicles, those that are heavily modified, or luxury vehicles cost more to rebuild, and are more expensive to insure.
• Credit Score: The state of Florida uses your credit score as a rating factor.
• Mileage: The more you're on the road, the higher risk you have for accidents.

Getting the protection you need is great, but it can be costly. Luckily there are methods you can use to either lower your rates or get discounts, such as:

• Bundling: A commonly recommended method, as many carriers offer multi-policy discounts.
• Install Anti-Theft Features: Alarms are a good way to qualify you for a discount.
• Safe Driver Discounts: Taking a defensive driving course or using a telematics app can help you save.
• Annual Shopping: Goosehead can help you shop around before your policy renews to make sure you’re getting the best deal.

Goosehead gives Miami drivers exactly what they’re looking for thanks to our wide carrier network. We’re all about putting out clients’ needs first. Here’s what you get when you choose Goosehead:

• Customized policies for your driving habits, neighborhood, and budget.
• Quick and easy quoting process.
• Experts who can help you along every step of the way and answer questions you have.
• A team that’s dedicated to high-quality service, making sure you’re taken care of for the things that matter most.