Direct Auto Insurance is proud to offer auto insurance in Florida. At Direct, our service extends to those who may not be accepted by other auto insurance companies in Florida. We offer affordable auto insurance quotes in Florida, regardless of past credit scores or driving history, flexible auto insurance coverage plans to fit your needs, and easy access to agents in your neighborhood, online or over the phone. Below is some information and answers to common questions about Florida Auto Insurance:
How do I find the cheapest car insurance in Florida?
Florida car insurance rates can vary depending on your driving record, the type of vehicle you drive, and of course, the amount of coverage you choose. The search for cheap auto insurance quotes in Florida should start by deciding how much coverage you are required to maintain.
Florida Car Insurance Requirements
Florida’s state laws require that any person who has a valid Florida tag (even if the vehicle is in another state or inoperative) maintain at least the following minimum coverage:
- Personal Injury Protection (PIP): $10,000 per occurrence
- Property Damage Liability (PDL): $10,000 per occurrence
Bodily Injury Liability (BIL) coverage
If you are responsible for an auto accident that causes bodily injury and you cannot cover those damages, you will be required to have Bodily Injury Liability insurance in addition to PIP and PDL coverage. In this circumstance you are required to have the following coverage:
- Bodily Injury Liability (BIL): $10,000 per person/$20,000 per occurrence
Bodily Injury Liability coverage is also required if you get convicted for DUI. In this case, the minimum auto insurance required in Florida is:
- Bodily Injury Liability (BIL): $100,000 per person/$300,000 per occurrence
- Personal Injury Protection (PIP): $10,000 per occurrence
- Property Damage Liability (PDL): $50,000 per occurrence
What happens if I don’t have the minimum coverage?
You are required to keep PIP and PDL in force for as long as your car is registered and licensed in Florida. If you don’t keep the required minimum coverage, the Department of Highway Safety and Motor Vehicles is authorized to suspend your driving privileges, including your vehicle license plate and registration, for up to three years or until proof of Florida auto insurance is provided. To get your privileges reinstated will cost you at least $150.00, so it pays to get insured and stay insured.
Coverage Definitions
Personal Injury Protection (“PIP”), also known as Florida No Fault Insurance, covers you and those insured on your policy for certain damages caused by an auto accident regardless of who is at fault. In addition to you, PIP also covers your relatives who live with you, the passengers in your car who do not have and are not required to have their own PIP coverage, and pedestrians in some circumstances. PIP benefits will vary by policy and insurance company, but in general this coverage will also apply to reasonable and necessary medical expenses, work loss, and funeral benefits.
Property Damage Liability covers the damages that you or those insured on your policy cause to another person’s property while operating your vehicle. This covers damage to a third party's property such as vehicles, poles, fences, etc. The “limit” is the maximum amount your insurance company will pay for property damage.
Bodily Injury Liability covers the damages involved with physical injuries or death that you or those insured on your policy cause someone else as a result of an auto accident. Bodily Injury Liability coverage can also be used to pay for legal defense costs in the event you are sued by the injured party of an accident. The “limit” is the maximum amount your insurance company will pay for bodily injury damages.
Need More Information?
If you still have questions, would like to learn about other auto insurance options like Uninsured Motorist Coverage, or if you would like to get an affordable auto insurance quote, then contact Direct Auto Insurance: online, over the phone (1-877-GO-DIRECT), or at one of our office locations.
Other Resources
Florida Office of Insurance Regulation (http://www.floir.com/)
Florida Department of Highway Safety and Motor Vehicles (http://www.flhsmv.gov/)
Official State of Florida website (http://www.myflorida.com/)
Florida Department of Transportation (http://www.dot.state.fl.us/)
Florida – Direct Auto Insurance Locations