The Cheapest Auto Insurance in Florida in 2023

Finding the cheapest car insurance in Florida means finding the coverage that’s best for you at a rate you can afford. If you have room in your budget, it’s often wise to carry liability coverage above state minimum requirements, as well as comprehensive and collision coverage, for greater protection, advises Mark Friedlander, director of corporate communications for the Insurance Information Institute (III).

“Regardless of where you live, we recommend all U.S. drivers carry liability coverage levels of at least 100/300/100 ($100,000 in bodily injury liability per person, $300,000 per accident, and $100,000 in property damage liability coverage) to ensure they have adequate financial protection from at-fault accidents,” Friedlander says. “Additionally, we suggest carrying uninsured/underinsured motorist coverage in high-risk states like Florida, where more than 20% of the drivers are uninsured.”

Key Takeaways:

• Florida has a high rate of uninsured drivers, making adequate auto insurance coverage even more important.
• FR-44 — not SR-22 — insurance is required for some high-risk drivers in Florida.
• Population can directly affect auto rates in Florida. For example, similarly sized cities Venice and Punta Gorda have similar rates.

Florida’s Cheapest Car Insurance Companies

Florida’s average auto insurance rates are $344 per month, though you can still find ways to save by shopping around. Below are the five most affordable companies for Florida drivers, based on average rates.

State Farm has the cheapest monthly premium overall, but that may not be the case for all drivers.

For example, although State Farm has the best rates, on average, for middle-age and retirement-age drivers, GEICO tends to have the cheapest rates for teens and drivers who’ve had speeding tickets or at-fault accidents. AIG has the lowest average rates for drivers with DUIs.

Read on to see the average rates for specific driver demographics in Florida.

How We Chose the Cheapest Companies in Florida

Our team analyzed thousands of rates from dozens of the top insurance companies in Florida. Using that data, we listed the five cheapest options for Florida drivers based on several key factors, such as age, coverage level, driving history, and more.

All of the rates listed are based on someone who drives a 2016 Honda Accord and has the minimum limits for coverage in Florida.

The Average Cost for Florida Car Insurance

The average monthly cost for car insurance in Florida is $344, making it the third-most expensive state for auto insurance in the county. The rest of the United States pays an average of $186 per month.

See the table below to see how Florida stacks up to other areas:

Although neighboring states Georgia and Alabama have similar climates and topographies, one reason rates may be higher in the Sunshine State is that Florida has a larger population and is a popular destination for travelers — both of which cause a significant increase in automobile traffic (and collisions) across the state.

Cheapest Car Insurance Rates for State-Minimum Insurance: State Farm

Your policy rate is directly related to the amount of coverage you have. Liability-only coverage tends to have some of the lowest rates because these policies often include the state’s minimum-coverage requirements. The policyholder would then be financially responsible for all other damages or injuries not covered by this minimal policy.

State Farm has the cheapest average rates for state minimum liability coverage in Florida, with average rates coming in at just $120 per month. GEICO follows closely behind, with $128-per-month average rates.

Cheapest Car Insurance Rates for Full-Coverage Insurance: State Farm

“Full-coverage” policies usually include comprehensive and collision insurance. These coverages provide added protection for damages or injuries to you and your property; however, they typically raise rates, as well.

State Farm and GEICO have the lowest full-coverage rates — even lower than UAIC, Allied, and Direct Auto’s rates for liability only. Factors that might make them cheaper could include their wide arrays of discounts or insuring drivers with solid driving records or credit-based insurance scores.

Cheapest Auto Insurance Rates by Age

Age is one of the most influential factors for car insurance rates. Young drivers — especially teenagers — tend to be involved in more accidents than drivers older than 20, which is why their rates are often the highest. Adults older than 65 may see their rates rise due to cognitive and physical impairments that increase the likelihood of accidents.

You’ll see that car insurance rates for teens, retirement-age adults, and Florida adults over 40 vary substantially from company to company.

Cheapest car insurance for Florida teens: GEICO

Teenagers are the most expensive drivers to insure because they have four times the crash rates than drivers 20 and older. A lack of driving experience, distracted driving, overconfidence, and peer pressure can contribute to crashes. Rates typically begin to drop for younger drivers after they reach 25 years of age.

The following list of the cheapest companies for Florida teens is sorted by liability-only rates, lowest to highest, based on rates for 18-year-old drivers.

GEICO and State Farm tend to offer the lowest rates for teen drivers. Both insurers also offer discounts applicable to young drivers, like good student discounts, which can lead to more affordable rates.

Cheapest car insurance company for Floridians in their 40s: State Farm

Middle-aged drivers tend to have some of the lowest average rates of any age group. This rate stabilization is influenced by a long history of driving experience, coupled with statistics that include having a lower crash rate than older and younger drivers, according to the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS).

The following table features the cheapest companies in Florida based on average rates for 40-year-old drivers.

State Farm and GEICO continue to offer the cheapest rates for liability-only and full-coverage policies for all age groups, including middle-age drivers. Both insurers have rates significantly lower than UAIC, MetLife, and Direct Auto, according to Compare.com data.

Cheapest car insurance for Florida retirees: State Farm

As drivers approach retirement age, they might receive some of the cheapest rates possible. Rates may continue to drop as they enjoy their retirement due to infrequent driving. However, it’s important to note that not all rates will be significantly low. Due to visual, physical, and cognitive impairments, older drivers are still at a higher risk of accidents, which can cause rate increases.

The data in the following table is based on average rates for 65-year-old drivers.

State Farm and GEICO offer the lowest liability-only and full-coverage policies, on average, for 65-year-olds.

Compare Florida Auto Insurance Rates by Driving Record

Your driving record can be one of the most important factors insurers use when determining your rates. Mistakes that display risky driving behavior or an increase in claim potential — such as at-fault accidents, tickets, or DUIs — can increase your rates. The following sections show how different incidents  affect your premiums.

Cheapest car insurance for good drivers in Florida: GEICO

People with clean driving records will likely receive the best rates in Florida, since good drivers appear less risky to insurers. A good driver is usually considered someone with no accidents or traffic tickets on their record.

Keep in mind that even drivers with clean records can have higher rates due to a number of factors outside of their control, such as an increase in overall crashes or motor vehicle thefts in the state.

The table below shows rates for good drivers with no tickets or accidents on their record.

GEICO offers the lowest rates for good drivers in Florida. Its full-coverage policies offer the greatest comparative savings.

Cheapest car insurance in Florida after a ticket: GEICO

Speeding is considered a risky behavior in the eyes of an insurer. Even if it doesn’t cause an accident, you’ll likely receive a rate increase from a single speeding ticket. Speeding has consistently been a significant contributing factor in motor vehicle fatalities for decades, according to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA).

Rates may vary depending on the severity of your ticket, but, as one example, the average cost of full-coverage insurance from GEICO increases by 18% after a single speeding ticket.

The rates in the table below are based on drivers with one speeding ticket.

GEICO tends to have the cheapest average car insurance rates after receiving a single speeding ticket.

Cheapest car insurance in Florida after an at-fault accident: GEICO

Most drivers know that an at-fault accident can increase your rate, but you might not know that claims such as these can stay on your record for three years.

Rates may vary depending on the accident and damage you cause, but, as one example, the average cost of full-coverage insurance from GEICO increases by 37% after a single collision.

The following rates are based on Florida drivers with one at-fault accident on their record.

GEICO offers the lowest average rates for drivers with liability-only insurance who cause an accident, while Travelers offers the best rates for full-coverage.

Cheapest car insurance in Florida after a DUI: AIG

A DUI can cause your rates to increase substantially. Our data shows a 74% rate increase when comparing GEICO’s average full-coverage rates for blemish-free drivers to those with a DUI.

Along with fines ranging from $500 to over $4,000 and potential jail time, you can have your driver’s license suspended for at least 180 days if you’re convicted of a DUI in Florida.

Your insurance company may drop you from your policy or choose not to renew it. You’ll also be required to secure insurance through a company that’ll file an FR-44 (certificate of financial responsibility required for DUI drivers) on your behalf.

The following table displays the cheapest car insurance companies in Florida, based on average rates for drivers with a DUI.

AIG offers the cheapest liability-only rates for drivers with a DUI, while State Farm offers substantially lower full-coverage rates than the other insurers listed.

The Cheapest Cities for Car Insurance in Florida

Car insurance rates can vary by location — even by neighboring ZIP codes. There are multiple ways location factors into rates; one of the largest being the state’s minimum insurance requirements and its rate of uninsured drivers.

Data by the U.S. Treasury suggests that states with mandatory PIP coverage and higher rates of uninsured motorists, like Florida, have some of the highest auto insurance rates.

Your neighbors’ driving habits can also impact your rates. Even in the cheapest cities for car insurance in Florida, your rate can increase based on the number of drivers and accidents in your area.

The data listed above shows only a small difference between the cheapest cities in Florida. If population is a factor, then it makes sense that Venice (around 27,000 population, according to U.S. Census data) is slightly more expensive than nearby Punta Gorda (20,000).

It should also be noted that Gainesville is the city listed with the highest population, at around 145,000. Larger cities like Tampa (398,000), Jacksonville (971,000), and Miami (449,000) have much higher average rates, according to Compare.com data.

Factors That Determine the Cost of Car Insurance in Florida

Insurers use a variety of methods and algorithms to calculate auto insurance rates, but regardless of how exactly they interpret this data, it’s important to know what they’re looking at and why.

As we referenced in the tables above, several factors can individually influence your premium. These factors can have an even more significant effect when combined.

• Driving record: This includes your previous claims, accidents, traffic violations, and insurance coverage.
• Credit-based insurance score: This utilizes your credit score and history to determine your overall risk.
• Age, gender, marital status: Younger and senior adults, as well as single adults, tend to pay more on average.
• Type of vehicle: New, expensive, and larger vehicles can cost more to repair or cause more damage.
• Location: This includes the number of registered vehicles, uninsured drives, and crash rates.
• Coverage limits: Drivers who purchase more than the minimum required coverage typically pay more.
• Deductible: Generally, the higher your deductible, the lower your premium, and vice versa.

5 Ways to Get Cheaper Car Insurance in Florida

Use these tips to lower your car insurance rates in Florida:

• Reduce optional insurance on older vehicles: The Insurance Information Institute suggests lowering optional insurance coverage if your vehicle is worth less than 10 times your premium. Retaining only the minimally required coverage can keep your rate as low as possible.
• Ask about discounts: Most insurers offer discounts for policyholders based on things like driving habits, affinity memberships, payment methods, vehicle safety features, and more. Some don’t advertise all of their discounts, so ask your agent if there are any you qualify for.
• Improve your credit: Improving your credit score could improve your credit-based insurance score, which might lower your rate during renewal periods.
• Raise your deductible: Raising your deductible puts more financial responsibility on you in the event of an accident. In most cases, a higher deductible leads to lower premiums.
• Shop around and compare rates often: The industry is highly competitive, and insurers are constantly adjusting their rates, discounts, and incentives.

The Best Car Insurance Discounts in Florida

Discounts offer multiple ways for you to lower your auto premiums. Some discounts are immediate, while others are earned over time. Many drivers don’t realize they’re eligible for discounts from their insurer simply because the insurer doesn’t advertise them.

These seven discounts could help you save money on your Florida car insurance:

• Multi-car: Provides discounts for two or more auto policies written for a single policyholder.
• Multi-policy: Similar to multi-car, discounts are available for policyholders who bundle car insurance with another insurance product, like boat, homeowners, or RV insurance.
• Defensive driving: Available for some teens and seniors, this discount rewards higher-risk drivers for the completion of an eligible defensive driving course.
• Telematics: Many insurers offer telematics devices that track your driving habits and lower your rate based on lack of accidents, speeding, or other risky behaviors.
• Electronic correspondence: Discounts applied for applying, renewing, or receiving electronic statements.
• Good student: Discounts for the policyholder’s students who maintain a certain GPA in high school or college.
• Accident-free: Discounts for remaining accident-free for a set period of time.

Compare.com’s Top Five Car Insurance Companies in Florida for 2023

As you shop for the auto policy that fits your coverage needs and budget, consider these companies rated as some of the best car insurance companies in Florida.

The Hartford

As an underwriter for AARP, The Hartford could be a good choice for older drivers in Florida. It has positive customer reviews and multiple coverage options. However, it’s not one of the cheapest options, according to Compare.com data.

Pros

• Great customer service
• Extensive coverage options available
• Specialized products available, like classic car insurance

Cons

• Rates more expensive for non-AARP members
• Not one of the cheapest insurers in Florida

GEICO

GEICO is a national insurer with some of the lowest rates in Florida, particularly for teen drivers. It has a high A.M. Best score, giving it a solid financial rating, though the benefits from its DriveEasy app may not be worth the risk of raising your rates.

Pros

• A.M. Best financial strength rating of A++ (Superior)
• Cheapest rates for drivers with accidents or tickets
• Mobile app offers digital ID cards, claims filing, and more

Cons

• Gap insurance not available
• DriveEasy telematics app could increase rates for certain driving habits

State Farm

State Farm has the lowest rates available in Florida for both liability-only and full-coverage policies, according to Compare.com data. Drivers could save even more by qualifying for one of its many discounts.

Pros

• Wide selection of available discounts for multiple-driver distinctions
• Diverse range of insurance products

Cons

• Comparatively low customer satisfaction ratings
• Gap insurance not available

Progressive

Progressive’s Name Your Price Tool can make shopping for car insurance easier initially, though the insurer has the lowest rating of companies listed in the J.D. Power 2023 U.S Auto Insurance Study.

Pros

• Convenient mobile app
• Strong financial strength rating

Cons

• Below-average J.D. Power rating in Florida
• High rates compared to other insurers in Florida

Dairyland

Dairyland is a nationwide insurer offering both personal auto and motorcycle insurance. Great reviews make it a solid choice for drivers who desire exceptional customer service — though bundling opportunities are limited.

Pros

• No fees for SR-22/FR-44 filings
• High customer ratings via Trustpilot

Cons

• Higher-than-average number of NAIC complaints
• Only offers auto insurance

Florida Auto Insurance Requirements

According to the Florida Department of Highway Safety and Motor Vehicles, state law requires drivers of all registered vehicles to have the following minimum insurance coverage:

• $10,000 of personal injury protection (PIP) coverage
• $10,000 of property damage liability coverage

This insurance must be maintained from the start of the vehicle registration until you surrender the vehicle’s license plate. This coverage is always required, no matter if you don’t drive or if the vehicle is inoperable.

No-fault insurance in Florida

Florida is a no-fault state, which means you’ll file a claim with your insurance company after an accident, no matter who was at fault. Drivers in no-fault states are required to purchase personal injury protection coverage.

In a collision, both drivers would file claims with their insurers. The insurance companies would then pay for its policyholder’s medical bills, lost wages, or funeral expenses. And, because you’re filing a claim, your insurer could raise your rates unless you were found not at fault.

Personal Injury Protection (PIP) in Florida

Personal injury protection insurance — or PIP — is an insurance product that covers medical expenses in the event you’re involved in an accident, no matter if you’re at fault or not.

PIP insurance is required in “no-fault” states like Florida. These states require you to file a claim when you’re involved in an accident (which may increase your rates). PIP insurance can cover medical expenses — similar to health insurance — as well as lost wages due to injury and funeral expenses.

Penalties for Driving Without Auto Insurance in Florida

Florida drivers are required to maintain at least the minimum required insurance throughout their registration period, even if they don’t drive for that period or if their car is inoperable. A lapse of coverage — even when canceling your insurance right before surrendering your license plate — can trigger non-compliance.

Non-compliance can result in the immediate suspension of your driver’s license and registration for up to three years. You’ll have to pay a fee of up to $500 for reinstatement. A second offense could result in more fees, and driving on a suspended license can result in further fees or even jail time.

SR-22 Auto Insurance in Florida

SR-22 insurance isn’t a type of insurance coverage, like comprehensive or collision. Rather, it’s a certificate filed to prove you hold the state-required liability insurance.

In Florida, an SR-22 ensures you have bodily injury liability and property damage liability coverage in line with the reinstatement requirements of the Florida financial responsibility law.

Florida replaced its SR-22 form with an FR-44 form to uphold higher liability limit requirements. Drivers convicted of a DUI will need to file an FR-44 to reinstate their license and registration and will need to maintain the FR-44 insurance requirement for three years.

Florida Auto Insurance FAQs

Whether it’s your first time getting car insurance or you’ve recently moved to Florida, it’s good to know the basics of the state’s auto insurance requirements. Here are answers to the most commonly asked questions about Florida car insurance.

Who is the cheapest auto insurance company in Florida?

The cheapest auto insurance company in Florida overall is State Farm. According to our data, it offers the lowest average rates for drivers across a number of categories. But rates vary quite a bit depending on your personal insurance profile, so it’s important to shop around and compare quotes to find the company that’s cheapest for you.

How much is car insurance in Florida monthly?

The average monthly premium for car insurance in Florida is $344, according to Compare.com data. However, car insurance rates in Florida can range from $85 to $874, depending on your location, age, and driving record.

Which city has the cheapest car insurance in Florida?

Gainesville and St. Augustine have the cheapest average monthly auto premiums in Florida. Both cities have an average monthly auto insurance premium of $85, according to Compare.com data.

How much car insurance is required in Florida?

Florida requires all drivers maintain PIP and PDL insurance at a minimum of $10,000 each. This insurance must be met even if your vehicle is inoperable and up until after the license plate or registration tag is surrendered.

What happens if you get caught driving without insurance in Florida?

Penalties for getting caught driving without a license in Florida include a suspension of your driver’s license and license plate for up to three years, as well as a reinstatement fee of $500.

Methodology

Data scientists at Compare.com analyzed more than 50 million real-time auto insurance rates from more than 75 partner insurance providers in order to compile the quotes and statistics seen in this article. Compare.com’s auto insurance data includes coverage analysis and details on drivers’ vehicles, driving records, insurance histories, and demographic information. All of the quotes listed in this article have been gathered from a combination of real Compare.com quotes and external insurance rate data gathered in collaboration with Quadrant Information Services. Compare.com uses these observations to provide drivers with insight into how auto insurance companies determine their premiums.