Being on any city road has its risk. But what do Tampa drivers face, specifically? Let’s talk about some driving considerations that happen here: 

• Heavy traffic and congestion: Like any big city, major interstates like I-4 and I-275 can get crowded with drivers.
• Frequent collisions: Increased accident chances at peak tourism times because of drivers who are not familiar with the city's layout.
• Weather risks: Being in Florida means thee are plenty of non-collision risks due to hurricanes, like flooding and fallen branches from high winds.

Baseline requirements for car insurance are set by the Florida government, which means those rules apply to Tampa. Policies that meet just the minimum are referred to as “liability only” policies. They include: 

• $10,000 in Personal Injury Protection (PIP)
• $10,000 per accident in Property Damage Liability
• Uninsured Motorist (UM) Coverage

Fault needs to be determined for accidents, and at fault drivers are responsible for the resulting damages. What's listed above is the state minimum, but many will add coverage and increase their limits in the event of more serious accidents.

We cover the legal requirements in more detail (including descriptions of these coverages) in our Florida car insurance page. 

To make sure your injuries and vehicle are covered, regardless of fault, Tampa drivers should consider the following options for their auto insurance policies: 

• Comprehensive Coverage: Helps pay for non-collision damages (weather related or theft) after a covered incident.
• Collision Coverage: Helps pay for repair costs after a covered accident, regardless of fault. Subject to your deductible.
• Gap Insurance: If your car is deemed a total loss after a covered incident, this helps cover the difference if what you owe on your vehicle is more than what it is valued at.
• Bodily Injury Liability: Coverage for others medical costs when you’re at fault. Minimum liability requirement is $10,000 but you have the option to raise this limit.
• Rental reimbursement: Helps pay for a rental vehicle while yours is being repaired.
• Rideshare Coverage: Only applicable if you use your personal vehicle for a rideshare service. This coverage may offer more than what's offered by the company. Has options for collision, comprehensive, liability, and medical payments.

This may not be a list of every option available. However, Goosehead agents work with you to learn your needs so they can find coverage that makes sense for you. These descriptions are also general in nature to give you an understanding of what they could offer.

On average, Tampa drivers pay around $1,200 annually for minimum coverage and upwards of $6,000 a year for more coverage and other factors. Premiums in Tampa are generally higher than other parts of the state. 

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

• Location: Your ZIP code or neighborhood is a rating factor, as some areas of Tampa see higher accident or theft rates, such as Downtown Tampa and Seminole Heights.
• Driving History: Those with violations or those who make frequent claims often see higher rates.
• Vehicle Type: Newer, modified, or luxury vehicles are more expensive to insure due to higher repair costs.
• Age & Experience: Younger drivers are less experienced, so they have higher rates due to the increased risk.
• Credit Score: In Florida, insurance carriers may use your credit score as a way to determine rates.

High-quality coverage doesn’t have to put a strain on your finances. Some smart ways to cut costs include: 

• Bundling: Combining your auto insurance with another policy si a great way to save.
• Safe driver options: Taking defensive driving courses, downloading a telematics app, or installing safety features help qualify for discounts.
• Maintain a clean record: Avoiding tickets or making claims over small incidents keep your rates low.
• Shop around: Goosehead makes it easy for you to shop around and find better rates while keeping a single point of contact for your insurance needs.

At Goosehead, we do the hard work for you, putting the power of choice in your hands. Here’s why drivers trust us for their insurance needs: 

• Comparisons for You: Our access to top-rated insurance carriers allows us to make all the comparisons for you, saving you time and effort
• Customized Policies: We learn your situation and needs so we can build a policy that fits your needs the best.
• Expert Advice: Our agents know the Florida area well, so they can advise you of the risks that the Tampa roads pose.
• Dedicated Service: From the quote process to binding your policy, our agents are here to answer questions at every step.