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Florida’s average car insurance rates are well over $300 per month, making it the third most expensive state in the U.S. for auto insurance. A big reason for this is Florida’s no-fault auto insurance laws, but its high population, heavy traffic congestion, high rate of uninsured drivers, and several other factors also come into play.
But just because Florida has some of the highest auto insurance rates in the country doesn’t mean you’re stuck. In fact, several insurers have average rates that are less than half the statewide average, including State Farm, GEICO, and more.
In this guide, we’ll break down the cheapest car insurance companies for all types of Florida drivers, plus outline some expert advice on how to save on your monthly bill.
Key Takeaways:
- The average Florida driver pays $344 per month for auto insurance — nearly double the national average rate.
- You can find liability policies for as little as $120 per month from companies like State Farm.
- Florida has a high rate of uninsured drivers, making having adequate auto insurance coverage even more important.
In This Article:
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.
Company | Avg. Monthly Premium |
---|---|
State Farm | $142 |
GEICO | $157 |
UAIC | $292 |
Direct Auto | $330 |
MetLife | $331 |
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-aged 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.
At the end of the day, 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 (Triple-I).
“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.”
Read on to see the average rates for specific driver demographics in Florida.
Compare Rates from Florida’s Cheapest Companies
Cheapest 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.
Company | Avg. Monthly Premium |
---|---|
State Farm | $120 |
GEICO | $128 |
UAIC | $257 |
MetLife | $261 |
Direct Auto | $261 |
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.
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 the rates listed are based on someone who drives a 2016 Honda Accord and has the minimum limits for coverage in Florida.
Cheapest 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.
Company | Avg. Monthly Premium |
---|---|
State Farm | $164 |
GEICO | $185 |
UAIC | $327 |
Allied | $397 |
Direct Auto | $398 |
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.
The Best Car Insurance Companies in Florida
Unfortunately, there isn’t one company that’s the best choice for all drivers. Since each company calculates rates differently and every driver has different priorities when purchasing a policy, the best company for you might be totally different from a friend or family member.
With that in mind, it may seem like an impossible task to know where to start, but we’ve compiled a few of the best Florida insurers for some of the most common types of drivers in the Sunshine State.
State Farm: Best for budget-conscious Floridians
Average premium: $142 per month
Compare.com rating: 4.30 out of 5
Trustpilot reviews: 1.7 out of 5
BBB rating: A+
You’ve probably seen Jake from State Farm on commercials advertising great rates. You’ve probably even thought, “Is State Farm really the cheapest option?” In Florida, the answer to that question is a resounding “yes.”
With overall average rates that are far less than half the statewide average, State Farm is a great choice for Florida drivers who value price the most. In fact, the company’s average rates in Florida are nearly 10% cheaper than the next-closest competitor. It’s also the cheapest option, on average, for every age group except teens.
And you don’t have to sacrifice customer service for great rates, either. In its latest U.S. Auto Insurance Study, J.D. Power ranked State Farm above all other insurers in Florida in its Overall Customer Satisfaction Index — a whopping 12 points higher than the next-closest company, Allstate.
The Hartford: Best for Florida retirees
Average senior premium: N/A
Compare.com rating: 3.2 out of 5
Trustpilot reviews: N/A
BBB rating: A+
The Hartford may seem like a small fry compared to GEICO and State Farm, but it’s a fantastic option for Florida’s sizable senior population. Through its partnership with AARP, The Hartford offers senior drivers great rates and a unique reward program.
We don’t currently have data for The Hartford’s average rates in Florida, but the company advertises average annual savings of up to $649 for seniors who switch to its AARP Auto Insurance Program. The company punches above its weight when it comes to customer service, too — scoring above average in J.D. Power’s Overall Customer Satisfaction Index.
GEICO: Best for Florida teens
Average teen premium: $323 per month
Compare.com rating: 4.65 out of 5
Trustpilot reviews: 1.3 out of 5
BBB rating: A+
It’s no secret that teens pay some of the highest rates of any group when it comes to auto insurance. In fact, the average 18-year-old driver pays 98% more for car insurance than the national average rate.
Fortunately, teen drivers in Florida have options. GEICO’s average rate for teens is less than the overall statewide average for all drivers, making it a great choice, whether you’re a teen being added to your family policy or getting your own plan.
GEICO also offers a wide array of discounts teen drivers can take advantage of to save even more, including a good student discount and a discount for taking an approved driver safety course.
The insurance giant also scores well when it comes to customer service — ranking fourth out of all Florida insurers in J.D. Power’s Overall Customer Satisfaction Index Ranking — so Florida teens can rest assured they’re in good hands with GEICO.
The Average Cost of 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:
State | Avg. Monthly Rate | State Rank |
---|---|---|
Florida | $344 | 3rd most expensive |
Alabama | $161 | 25th cheapest |
Georgia | $240 | 7th most expensive |
National average | $186 | – |
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.
Why are car insurance rates in Florida so high?
As we mentioned above, Florida has some of the highest average car insurance rates in the country — and this is the result of several factors.
First, Florida is what’s known as a “no-fault” state. This means that if you get into an accident in Florida, you file a claim with your own insurance company to cover your injuries, regardless of who’s at fault.
Another reason is Florida’s high population density. As of the 2020 U.S. Census, Florida had the 10th-highest density of any state. Generally speaking, a higher population density means more people on the road — and more people on the road means more accidents. These accidents lead to insurance claims, which, in turn, mean increased auto insurance rates.
But perhaps the largest factor contributing to Florida’s high auto insurance rates is its number of uninsured drivers. The Insurance Research Council found that more than 20% of Florida drivers are uninsured — that’s nearly eight percentage points higher than the national average.
Combine no-fault insurance regulations, higher population densities, greater congestion, and a high percentage of uninsured drivers, and it only leads to one thing — expensive 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. Each insurance company 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.
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.
Company | Liability Only | Full Coverage |
---|---|---|
GEICO | $250 | $397 |
State Farm | $319 | $443 |
Direct Auto | $488 | $783 |
UAIC | $551 | $731 |
MetLife | $592 | $874 |
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.
Company | Liability Only | Full Coverage |
---|---|---|
State Farm | $120 | $164 |
GEICO | $128 | $185 |
UAIC | $257 | $327 |
MetLife | $261 | $401 |
Direct Auto | $261 | $398 |
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.
Company | Liability Only | Full Coverage |
---|---|---|
State Farm | $111 | $150 |
GEICO | $119 | $170 |
UAIC | $235 | $299 |
Direct Auto | $247 | $379 |
Allied | $270 | $373 |
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.
Find the Best Florida Rates, Regardless of Driving Record
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.
Company | Liability Only | Full Coverage |
---|---|---|
GEICO | $69 | $183 |
AIG | $107 | $337 |
Direct Auto | $126 | $299 |
State Farm | $126 | $240 |
Allstate | $143 | $367 |
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.
Company | Liability Only | Full Coverage |
---|---|---|
GEICO | $108 | $218 |
State Farm | $140 | $262 |
AIG | $142 | $448 |
Allstate | $143 | $367 |
Direct Auto Insurance | $158 | $362 |
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.
Company | Liability Only | Full Coverage |
---|---|---|
GEICO | $90 | $254 |
AIG | $150 | $460 |
State Farm | $153 | $283 |
Direct Auto Insurance | $168 | $388 |
Travelers | $194 | $127 |
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.
Company | Liability Only | Full Coverage |
---|---|---|
AIG | $118 | $375 |
GEICO | $125 | $322 |
Direct Auto Insurance | $131 | $314 |
State Farm | $140 | $166 |
Allstate | $181 | $483 |
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. Location factors into rates in multiple ways — two of the largest are 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.
City | Avg. Monthly Premium |
---|---|
Gainesville | $85 |
St. Augustine | $85 |
Ormond Beach | $86 |
Panama City | $86 |
Punta Gorda | $86 |
Sebring | $86 |
Tallahassee | $88 |
Lake City | $89 |
Palm Coast | $89 |
Venice | $89 |
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.
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.
How to Get Cheap 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.
Compare Rates from Florida’s Best Insurance Companies
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.
What is the best car insurance in Florida?
Because a wide array of factors affect your auto insurance rates, there isn’t one company that’s best for all drivers. That said, we’ve found that GEICO and State Farm are great choices for Florida drivers looking for cheap policies without sacrificing customer service.
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 to 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.
Sources
- Florida Highway Safety and Motor Vehicles, “Florida Insurance Requirements,” accessed November 30, 2023.
- J.D. Power “2023 U.S. Auto Insurance Study,” accessed November 30, 2023.
- Insurance Information Institute, “Facts + Statistics: Uninsured Motorists,” accessed November 30, 2023.
- United States Census Bureau, “Population Density of the 50 States, the District of Columbia, and Puerto Rico: 1910 to 2020,” accessed November 30, 2023.
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