Florida Teen Driver Insurance

Congratulations! You've just gotten your Florida driver's license, and you're ready to hit the road. But are you insured? Many first-time drivers are unaware of Florida's insurance requirements - and don't even know if they're covered.

Florida Auto Insurance Requirements

In the state of Florida, drivers are required to carry auto 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. It's a good idea 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.

Talk with your parents about their insurance coverage; most insurance companies will allow parents to add their children to their policy. You should NEVER assume that your parents already have added you, or that this simply happens automatically!

Saving Money on Florida Insurance

Even if your parents are footing the bill for your insurance, you'll want to look for ways to save money. Some of the most common:

• Good Student Discount: Most insurance companies offer a discount 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.
• Additional Driver Training: Taking an additional driver safety course, like the ones offered by I Drive Safely, may qualify you for lower insurance rates. Ask your insurance provider if they offer these discounts.