Florida Auto Insurance Guide

Auto insurance is one of the largest expenses in our daily lives, but it's also a necessary one because it provides us with the protection we need in the event that we're in a serious accident - and even a simple fender-bender. When looking for auto insurance in Florida, be sure that you are well educated when it comes to auto insurance requirements in the Sunshine state. All states have their own auto insurance laws that include required auto insurance coverage; it's up to consumers to know and understand these laws before they get auto insurance.

Florida Insurance Regulations

Florida, like most other states, has very specific regulations related to auto insurance. First, all vehicles that are registered in Florida must be insured. It's just that simple. If you live in Florida for 90 days - that's total, not consecutive - within a year, you must register your vehicle in the state and get insurance.

In addition to liability coverage, Florida mandates that drivers also get personal injury protection insurance. These rules apply to all vehicles that have a registration tag - whether it's a motorcycle or a sedan.

Florida also keeps track of insurance policies and knows when a driver's insurance has lapsed. Should you decide to cancel your coverage, you quickly will receive a notice from the state requesting that you prove you have new coverage. Should you fail to reply and comply with the law, you face steep penalties including suspension of your license.

Mandatory Minimum Coverage in Florida

In the state of Florida, all drivers must have at least a minimum amount of coverage that includes: $10,000 for bodily injury to an individual, $20,000 for bodily injury per accident, and $10,000 for property damage per accident. Remember that these are minimum standards - you can (and should, according to insurance experts) get coverage far beyond this minimum legal standard.

In Florida, you also must obtain personal injury protection and uninsured motorist coverage. Florida is a "no-fault" state.

Motorcycle Coverage Requirements

In theory, you do not have to get the same amount of insurance coverage in Florida if you drive a motorcycle. But that's just in theory. Some states have provisions that allow drivers to go without insurance if they can provide proof of "financial responsibility." In fact, this means that you'll need to have thousands of dollars on hand, at every moment, in the event that you're in an accident or insurance claim-related issue. And you must post a bond with the state verifying that you have such funds.

In truth, it's generally considered much wiser to just go ahead and get the insurance coverage. Your savings might not cover you in an accident - and then you'll really be in a bind if you are liable for tens of thousands of dollars, and have no insurance protection.

Florida Auto Insurance Advice

Remember that the amount listed in your liability coverage is the maximum that your insurance company will pay in the event of a claim. If you are liable for damages or other costs in an accident, and your policy doesn't cover the entire amount, you personally will be responsible to pay any remaining amount out of your savings. Keep this in mind as you go over rates and insurance quotes - it might not be worth the short-term savings if your long-term costs could cost you thousands when you file a claim.