Florida Car Insurance: Everything You Need to Know

Key Takeaways

• All drivers in Florida are required to carry state minimum levels of liability insurance in order to drive legally.
• Average car insurance rates in Florida are relatively high compared to other states due to a combination of factors such as high traffic volume and vehicle theft rates.
• There are a number of car insurance companies in Florida that offer affordable rates for drivers. Some top providers include GEICO, State Farm, and Progressive, but they aren’t always the cheapest option for all drivers.

Are you a Florida driver looking for the best car insurance rates? If so, you’ve come to the right place. In this guide, we’ll discuss all the essential information you need to know about car insurance in Florida, including average rates, required coverages, and tips for finding cheap car insurance.

In This Article:

• Cheapest Rates for Different Types of FL Drivers
• Cheapest Florida State Minimum Rates
• Cheapest Full Coverage Rates
• Cheapest FL Cities for Car Insurance
• Florida Car Insurance Discounts
• Best Car Insurance Companies in Florida
• Florida Car Insurance Laws and Penalties
• Frequently Asked Questions

What Car Insurance Coverage is Required In Florida?

If you own a vehicle in Florida, you are required to have at least bodily injury liability coverage of $20,000 per person and $40,000 per accident, as well as $10,000 in property damage liability coverage. You must also have $10,000 in personal injury protection (PIP) coverage and $5,000 in property damage liability (PDL) coverage.

Florida is also a “no-fault” state, which means that your own car insurance covers you in the event of an accident, regardless of who is at fault. That makes it even more important that you carry adequate coverage in case of an accident.

Other Types of Car Insurance Coverage In Florida

Beyond the required car insurance coverages listed above, there are many other types of car insurance that you may wish to consider in Florida, such as comprehensive coverage, collision coverage, uninsured/underinsured motorist protection, and rental car reimbursement. These coverages can offer extra protection in the event of an accident or other incident.

So if you’re a Florida driver looking for cheap car insurance, be sure to research your options thoroughly and shop around to get the best rates possible. With the right coverage in place, you can rest easy knowing that you’re protected on the road.

What is the Average Cost of Car Insurance In Florida?

The average auto insurance policy in Florida runs just a hair above $300/month — $3,616 per year. That ranks among some of the cheapest rates in the country (the Insurance Information Institute ranks Florida as the 5th cheapest state in the U.S.), but that doesn’t mean all Floridians pay the same rates.

Some drivers will end up paying a lot more than that (teens, for example, might pay more than double), while others, like those with clean records, may be charged much less. But no matter how much you pay, chances are, you’re leaving money on the table each month. Keep reading if you want to find out ways to save on your car insurance in Florida, and if you want to jump right into comparing the best quotes on the market, just enter your ZIP below.

Factors That Can Impact Your Car Insurance Rates In Florida

Many different factors can impact your car insurance rates in Florida. Some of these factors are within your control, while others are not. If you want to save money on your car insurance, it is important to be aware of all the factors affecting your rates. We’ve broken down several of the most important factors below.

The Cheapest Rates for Florida Teens

Finding affordable car insurance for teenage drivers in Florida is easier than you might think. Unlike some states, many auto insurers are willing to take a chance on young drivers. We’ve listed six companies that will give you more affordable insurance as a teen.

First on the list is Assurance America. They provide the cheapest car insurance premiums for teenage drivers in Florida, with monthly liability insurance costing $173 per month. Next on the list, from most affordable to most expensive, are Gainsco ($196/mo.), Direct Auto ($204/mo.), Infinity ($236/mo.), Esurance ($280/mo.), and Answer Financial ($286/mo.).

These are pretty affordable auto rates for teens; however, additional discounts may be available for your young driver. Ask auto insurers if your teen qualifies for one or more of the following discount programs:

Good Student Discount. For teenagers who are in high school or college and are earning top grades. To earn this discount, most auto insurers require the teen driver to maintain an average grade of B or higher.

Telematics Teenage Driver Discount. This program encourages safe driving habits by monitoring your behavior behind the wheel via an app that’s installed in your vehicle. The app factors in how many miles you drive and the hours you’re on the road. It also considers your driving style, such as hard and frequent braking and driving at high speeds.

Teenager Safe Driving Course Discount. Many auto insurers reward discounts to inexperienced, teenage drivers who take driver education courses to understand the road rules better. Some courses can be taken online and will include interactive lessons with 3D animation and video.

Best Rates for Florida’s Young Drivers Under 25

When drivers turn 25, they can expect to see a sharp reduction in their auto insurance premiums. However, young drivers between the ages of 18 – 24 will still pay higher than average rates for auto insurance. But there is hope; we’ve found seven of the cheapest insurance companies in Florida for young drivers.

At only $127 monthly, Dairyland takes the top spot as the cheapest auto insurance for young Florida drivers. They are followed closely by Assurance America at $139/mo. You then see a $30 jump in insurance rates with Infinity at $168/mo, followed by Direct Auto ($170/mo) and Gainsco ($172/mo). There’s then another larger rate increase with Answer Financial at $215/mo and Esurance at $227/mo.

If you compare the rates for young drivers with teen drivers, you see a decrease in monthly rates. The most affordable rate for young drivers ($127/mo) is over $45 cheaper than it is for teen drivers ($173/mo). You see this trend reflected in all the average monthly rates for young drivers. With young drivers, only 2 of the 7 options listed are above the $200 mark, while teen drivers only have 2 out of 6 options under $200. The most expensive insurer on the list is $14 away from $300 a month!

But your search for the cheapest car insurance in Florida can be just a few quotes away. Shop around to find the best options based on your specific insurance needs. Be sure to ask for all available discounts and compare apples to apples when considering your auto insurance cost.

Cheap Car Insurance for Texas Retirees

Are you a retired Florida driver? If the answer is “yes,” you’re in luck. While rates often increase slightly as you hit 65+ it doesn’t mean you have to settle for unaffordable rates. This is important because once you’re no longer working you need to save where you can.

Take a look at four of the cheapest auto insurance premiums for retired drivers in Florida.

Auto insurance companies like Infinity and Direct Auto, provide the cheapest insurance premiums at $100 per month. Our list also includes Esurance ($132/mo) and Liberty Mutual ($180/mo.).

While the rates we’ve provided are cost-effective, there may be additional savings to be had. Take time to shop around for additional insurance quotes. With a difference of $80/mo between insurers, it’s no surprise that retirees are looking for ways to save money.  Disclose your past or current affiliations with banks, credit unions, professional organizations, sororities and fraternities, community groups, non-profit organizations, as well as companies you’ve worked for. Finding the cheapest car insurance in Florida may be a lot easier than you think.

The Best Rates for Married Drivers in Florida

Being a married driver in Florida will usually get you cheaper auto insurance. That’s because married drivers are seen as less risky to insurance providers. Below, we’ve identified eight of the most affordable auto premiums for married drivers in Florida.

As you can see, Assurance America offers a liability policy that’s easy on your wallet at just $81/mo. They’re followed by Infinity ($95/mo), Gainsco ($100/mo), Acceptance ($115/mo), Esurance ($156/mo), Answer Financial ($164/mo), and Liberty Mutual ($210/mo).

Cheapest Car Insurance for Single Floridians

Being single has its benefits, but not necessarily when it comes to finding the cheapest car insurance rates in Florida. Married couples tend to fare better in this area but rest assured, we’ve researched some of the top companies to find affordable premiums for single drivers.

Take a look at nine of the cheapest auto insurance premiums we found for single drivers in Florida.

Dairyland offers the most affordable auto insurance at just $91/mo.  Assurance America offers a similar rate of $99/mo. Infinity ($113/mo), Direct Auto ($121/mo), and Gainsco ($126/mo) offer similar rates as well. You start to see rates increase with Acceptance at $144/mo, Mercury at $154/mo, Travelers at $158/mo, and Safeco at $158/mo.

Compared with married drivers, single drivers are paying more on average for car insurance. While the cheapest option for married drivers is $81/mo, the cheapest insurer for single drivers sees them paying a monthly premium of $91/mo. While a $10 difference may seem small, it’s still worth shopping around to see if you can find cheaper rates.

The Most Affordable Rates for Men vs. Women in Florida

Top 5 Cheapest Companies for Male Drivers

Surprisingly, male drivers can expect to fork over a little less than women in Florida when paying auto insurance premiums. Although men are generally viewed as a higher risk group than women, we found men have lower premiums at all but one of the 5 most affordable car insurance companies listed below.

Top 5 Cheapest Companies for Female Drivers in Florida

See for yourself – we found the same five auto insurers offering the cheapest car insurance to men and women in Florida. Dairyland, Assurance America, Infinity, and Direct Auto were the most affordable for both genders. However, Gainsco was the sole insurer offering slightly cheaper rates for women ($119/mo) than men ($129/mo).

These Companies Have the Best Rates After an At-Fault Accident or Ticket

Cheap Rates for Drivers with a Ticket on their Record

Having one ticket on your record may feel like the start of higher premiums, but it doesn’t have to be the case. Depending on the infraction and the insurance provider, the impact on your premiums may be insignificant.

To be on the safe side, immediately take a driver safety course to offset any negative points you may receive due to the traffic ticket. Check out the companies we found with the cheapest rates for drivers with an infraction on their record.

Rates start at just $96/mo with Dairyland followed by Assurance America at $102/mo. You then see a rate increase with Infinity at $121/mo, Gainsco at $124/mo and Direct Auto at $133/mo.

Cheapest Quotes for People with Multiple Tickets

Most of us have been ticketed at least once for driving over the speed limit, failing to yield, or even making an illegal u-turn. But suppose you’ve received tickets for multiple violations, especially in a short period. In that case, chances are you’ll be forking over more each month in insurance premiums.

Below, we’ve created a list of five of the most affordable auto insurers offering coverage to drivers with multiple tickets on their driving record.

You can see a significant difference in rates when you have one ticket vs. multiple tickets. The most affordable rate is $125/mo with Infinity. Rates then continue to increase with Assurance America ($143/mo), Direct Auto ($155/mo), and Gainsco ($163/mo). Auto insurance rates top off at $174/mo with Acceptance.

Drivers who choose Gainsco as their insurer will see a stark increase in rates when they go from one ticket to multiple tickets. While a driver with a single ticket will pay $124/mo, a driver with multiple tickets will need to hand over a hefty $163/mo. This difference of nearly $40 means that you could pay over $450 more for car insurance  in a year!

Since your driving record is one of the factors used by insurance companies to determine your insurance premium, drivers with tickets can save in other areas. Consider bundling your home and car insurance or taking a state approved driving course to save money.

The Best Rates for Florida Drivers After an Accident

Whether you’re at fault or not, being involved in an automobile accident can be scary and stressful.

First things first, contact your insurance company to not only report the accident but to find out if they forgive first-time offenders. If they do, your insurance rates will not go up. If not, you’re likely to experience a rise in your insurance rates.

Either way, take this opportunity to do some research to find the cheapest car insurance for drivers with an accident on their record. In the meantime, check out five companies that we found offer the most affordable rates.

Assurance America offers an average liability coverage rate of $125/mo. Direct Auto rounds out the list at $176/mo, so you see a $50/mo difference between the least and most expensive options available.

While we found these rates based on our research, be sure to compare rates on your own which is the best way to ensure you secure the most affordable rate for you.

Cheapest Rates for Floridians with Multiple Accidents on Their Records

Finding affordable car insurance when you have multiple accidents on your driving record may be difficult but it’s not impossible. Our research uncovered five insurance companies that are willing to take a bet on you while keeping your insurance rates more reasonable.

Acceptance Insurance offers an average rate of $168/mo for auto insurance if you have multiple accidents on your record. You see rates climb significantly higher with Infinity at $182/mo. Gainsco ($198/mo) and Direct Auto ($212/mo) offer similar rates before you see another steep climb to $242/mo with Esurance.

To avoid overpaying for car insurance in Florida, shop around for car insurance often. Although it’ll take a few years for the accidents to drop off your record, you can still enjoy affordable car insurance while you wait.

The Cheapest Companies for State Minimum Insurance in Florida

Before you register a vehicle in Florida, you must show proof that you’ve obtained the state’s minimum liability coverage.

In Florida, you need at least $10,000 in Personal Injury Protection (PIP). PIP covers 80 percent of all necessary and reasonable medical expenses resulting from an injury. You’ll also be required to have at least $10,000 in Property Damage Liability (PDL). As the name implies, PDL coverage pays for damage to another person’s property due to an accident caused by you or someone else driving your vehicle.

We’ve identified nine companies that offer the cheapest rates for Florida’s minimum coverage requirements.

Dairyland is hands down the most affordable option at only $75 per month. Followed closely by Infinity ($86/mo.), Assurance America ($87/mo.), Direct Auto ($98/mo.), Gainsco ($101/mo.), Acceptance ($120/mo.), Answer Financial ($151/mo.), Esurance ($158/mo.), and Liberty Mutual ($165/mo.).

These options are just a starting point, but it’s always a great idea to do some comparison shopping to find the most budget-friendly auto insurance for you.

The Cheapest Full Coverage Car Insurance in Florida

There’s no question that full coverage car insurance provides peace of mind. Full coverage auto insurance includes two things that liability-only policies do not, collision and comprehensive coverage. Collision insurance coverage pays a portion of the cost to repair your vehicle if you’re involved in an accident while comprehensive insurance coverage pays for damage to your car caused by incidents “other than collisions,” like natural disasters, fire, vandalism, theft, broken windshields, or fallen objects such as trees.

Below, we’ve listed seven of the cheapest companies providing full coverage car insurance in Florida. Although full coverage car insurance is not required to register a vehicle in Florida, it is a great way to provide physical protection for your car.

Take a look at Assurance America. A full-coverage policy will set you back $145 every month. Coming in at $151 per month is Infinity, followed by Direct Auto ($154/mo), Gainsco ($161/mo), Esurance ($208/mo), Answer Financial ($222/mo), and we have Acceptance with the highest rates at $227 monthly.

When looking at the rates for state minimum and full coverage insurance, you see that drivers who choose state minimum coverage pay less overall. For example, choosing state minimum coverage with Assurance America will have you paying $87/mo in liability insurance. However, you will pay $145/mo for full coverage. That $58 difference is certainly nothing to sneeze at. Over the course of a year, you’ll pay almost $700 more in car insurance!

Top 5 Tips to Find Cheap Car Insurance in Florida

No matter your current situation, it’s possible for all drivers to find cheap car insurance in Florida. Here are a few things you can implement to get the most bang for your buck when it comes to auto insurance.

1. Consider changing zip codes. Did you know that your zip code has a direct impact on how much you pay for car insurance? If you live in a busy, urban zip code with lots of traffic, you’ll pay much more in car insurance than someone who lives in a less congested city area with data that reports less accidents, break ins and vehicle thefts.
2. Compare quotes often. Shop around for car insurance regularly. Although some car insurers reward drivers for long standing relationships, you might end up paying more by sticking with the same company. Check to see what other insurers are offering and if there’s a better deal out there for you.
3. Re-examine coverage limits. All drivers in Florida need to have the state minimum liability insurance. However, if your car is older or paid off, you might choose to drop collision and comprehensive insurance to get a cheaper monthly rate.
4. Ask your insurance agent about discounts. Insurance companies in Florida have several discounts available to drivers. Ask your insurance agent which discounts you qualify for to enjoy additional savings.
5. Maintain continuous coverage. Drivers who maintain continuous coverage in Florida typically have cheaper car insurance. Avoid lapses in car insurance by opting for non-owners car insurance if you don’t have a car.

Florida Car Insurance Discounts that Will Lower Your Monthly Bill

Saving money on your car in Florida insurance can add up and knowing which discounts are available to you may not always be obvious. But we’re pulling back the veil and revealing how you can put a dent in your auto insurance premiums.

• Vehicle Equipment Discounts. Auto insurers reward drivers who own vehicles equipped with modern safety features like airbags, anti-lock brakes, anti-theft systems, and daytime running lamps.
• Customer Loyalty Discounts. Insurers are always looking for ways to provide additional services to their customers for added savings. Multi-vehicle discounts are perfect if you plan to insure more than one vehicle under the same policy. Multi-policy discounts will save you money when you bundle your homeowner and auto policies together.
• Employer Affiliation Discounts. Current or former military members, federal government employees, first responders, and front-line workers can receive an additional discount on your auto insurance premium.
• Driver Affiliation Discounts. Are you a member of an alumni association, college or university, fraternity, sorority, recreational, business or professional organization? If you answered yes, ask your auto insurer if you qualify for additional discounts based on your affiliation.
• Accident-Free Driving Discounts. Your good driving history can lead to cheaper auto insurance. If you’ve been accident-free for at least five years, you may qualify for even more savings on your insurance.
• Driver Education Discounts. Did you know that brushing up on your driving skills can save you money? Taking a defensive driving course or driver’s education course may earn a discount on your auto policy.

Florida Vehicle Registration Fees and Other Costs

If you’re in the market for a new or used car, you’ll need to budget for more than just the vehicle’s sticker price. You’ll be on the hook for basic DMV fees like title, license plate, and registration no matter where and how you purchase your new car, truck, or SUV, as well as buying a new car insurance policy for your car.

But some buyers will also be responsible for additional fees such as sales tax, documentation fees, personal property tax, emissions and inspection fees, hybrid and electric vehicle fees, lien recording fees, and a slew of other costs.

Check out Compare.com’s comprehensive vehicle costs breakdown to make sure you account for all the added costs you might be on the hook for when buying a car in Florida.

Compare Florida Auto Insurance Rates by City

We analyzed thousands of car insurance quotes in over 100 Florida cities to help give you an idea of what you might pay.

Check out the table below to find average rates in cities all across The Sunshine State:

Click on the name of each city in the table above to find detailed breakdowns of all the factors that go into calculating your monthly premium. Here, you’ll find the information you need on how factors like your driving record, age, gender, vehicle make and model, and more will affect how much you pay for car insurance in each locality.

And if you want to jump right in and see how much you’ll pay, simply enter your ZIP code below and find your best rate in minutes!

Florida Car Insurance FAQs

What car insurance is required in Florida?

To register a vehicle in Florida, you must show proof of the following insurance:

• Personal Injury Protection (PIP). Covers 80% of all necessary and reasonable medical expenses up to $10,000 resulting from a covered injury, no matter who caused the crash.
• Property Damage Liability (PDL). Coverage pays for damage to another person’s property caused by you or someone else driving your insured vehicle.

How much is car insurance in Florida?

Based on the amount of coverage you need and other factors like age, gender and credit score, the cost of car insurance in the Sunshine State can vary widely. However, for most drivers the average cost of car insurance in Florida is $135/mo.

What happens if you drive without insurance in Florida?

If you’re caught driving without insurance in Florida, it could lead to suspension of your driver’s license, license plate, and registration for up to 3 years. You may also incur fines, penalties, and reinstate fees of up to $500. Florida determines your costs based on the number of times you’re caught driving without insurance.

Does Florida require full coverage car insurance?

No, you are not required to have full coverage car insurance. However, all registered vehicles registered in Florida must obtain their minimum liability coverage requirements.

Who has the cheapest car insurance in Florida?

For drivers looking to insure their car with the state minimum requirements, Dairyland offers the cheapest car insurance with a monthly rate of $75. For drivers wanting to have full coverage, Assurance America offers the cheapest rate at $145/mo.

Who is cheaper than GEICO in Florida?

While GEICO is known as the cheapest insurance company in Florida, companies like Dairyland, Gainsco, Assurance America, Direct Auto and Infinity may offer more affordable premiums.

Methodology

All data referenced in this article comes from a combination of proprietary data — which is aggregated from millions of real customer quotes through Compare.com — and additional data gathered in collaboration with Quadrant.