Everything You Need to Know About Florida Car Insurance

Once you’ve got that driver license in hand, it can be hard to think about anything besides hitting the road on your own. But before you can start cruising the streets while listening to your favorite tunes, you need to make sure you’re covered – with insurance, that is. Read on to find out everything you need to know about Florida car insurance.

Getting the Right Amount of Auto Insurance

In the state of Florida, drivers are required to carry a minimum amount of car insurance in order to drive legally. The minimum coverage in the state is:

$10,000 Personal Injury Protection (PIP)
$10,000 Property Damage Liability (PDL)

It’s important to note that these are the mandatory minimums, but it’s usually smart to opt for more insurance than this. How much more you choose to pay for depends on certain factors, such as:

How new your vehicle is: Older cars typically don’t need as much coverage as newer ones.
Your driving habits: If you’ll only be driving your car a short distance to school, for example, you probably don’t need to worry as much as someone with a long daily commute on dangerous roads.

Tips for Buying Car Insurance in Florida

There are things you can do to keep your insurance rate as low as possible. Follow these tips so you aren’t paying too much to keep your car insured.

Compare quotes from different companies: Just like you didn’t pick only one car to consider when car shopping, you don’t want to settle on one insurance company without looking around first. Call or go online to get quotes on rates from several companies before choosing which insurance provider to go with.
Ask about discounts: During the quote process, the insurance agent should ask questions to find out if you qualify for discounts. Don’t be afraid to ask questions about discounts you believe you qualify for.
Do some research on the company: Various resources, like the National Association of Insurance Commissioners’ Consumer Information Source, can tell you a lot about an insurance company, and are worth looking into before selecting an insurance provider.

What Kinds of Discounts Are There?

There are all kinds of discounts you can take advantage of to reduce your rate, such as the ones listed below. Just be sure to check with your insurance company to see if they offer these discounts and if you are eligible for them:

Good Student Discount: This is awarded to student drivers with good grades, typically a “B” average. Students with good grades are viewed as more responsible, and therefore as less of a risk on the road.
Multi-Car Discount: If your parents have added you to their auto insurance policy, they can save money for insuring multiple cars with the same insurance company.
Safe Driving Discount: If you go a certain amount of time (generally 1 or 3 years) without getting any traffic tickets or being involved in any car accidents, most insurance companies will give you a discount of 10% or more.

Good luck on your search! Just remember that the most important thing is being safe when you’re on the road.