Florida Auto Insurance Requirements 2024: What You Need to Know
Florida has unique auto insurance requirements that differ from most states. Understanding what coverage you need—and what you should have—can save you money and protect you from financial disaster.
Florida's Minimum Auto Insurance Requirements
Florida requires only two types of coverage:
1. Personal Injury Protection (PIP)
Minimum required: $10,000
What it covers:
- 80% of medical expenses
- 60% of lost wages
- $5,000 death benefit
Important: Covers YOU and your passengers, regardless of fault.
2. Property Damage Liability (PDL)
Minimum required: $10,000
What it covers:
- Damage to other people's property
- Other vehicles
- Buildings, fences, etc.
Important: Does NOT cover your own vehicle.
What Florida DOESN'T Require (But You Need)
Bodily Injury Liability (BIL)
Not required unless you've had certain violations.
Why you need it anyway:
- Covers injuries to others when you're at fault
- Protects your assets from lawsuits
- $10,000 PIP won't cover serious injuries
Recommended minimum: $100,000/$300,000
Average cost: $500 - $1,200 per year
Collision Coverage
Not required but essential if:
- You have a car loan or lease
- Your car is worth more than $5,000
- You can't afford to replace your car
What it covers: Damage to YOUR vehicle in an accident
Average cost: $400 - $1,000 per year
Comprehensive Coverage
Not required but covers:
- Theft
- Vandalism
- Weather damage
- Animal strikes
- Falling objects
Average cost: $200 - $500 per year
Uninsured/Underinsured Motorist (UM/UIM)
Not required in Florida but HIGHLY recommended.
Why: 20% of Florida drivers are uninsured.
What it covers:
- Your injuries when hit by uninsured driver
- Hit-and-run accidents
- Underinsured driver accidents
Average cost: $100 - $300 per year
Average Auto Insurance Costs in Florida
Statewide average: $2,560 per year (2024)
By region:
- Miami-Dade: $3,500 - $4,500
- Broward: $3,200 - $4,000
- Palm Beach: $2,800 - $3,500
- Orlando: $2,400 - $3,200
- Tampa: $2,300 - $3,000
- Jacksonville: $2,000 - $2,800
Why so expensive?
- High uninsured driver rate
- Frequent accidents
- Insurance fraud
- Severe weather
- Litigation costs
Recommended Coverage Levels
Minimum Legal (Not Recommended)
- $10,000 PIP
- $10,000 PDL
- Total cost: $1,200 - $1,800/year
- Risk: Massive financial exposure
Basic Protection
- $10,000 PIP
- $10,000 PDL
- $100,000/$300,000 BIL
- $100,000/$300,000 UM/UIM
- Total cost: $1,800 - $2,800/year
- Better protection but still risky
Recommended Coverage
- $10,000 PIP
- $100,000 PDL
- $250,000/$500,000 BIL
- $250,000/$500,000 UM/UIM
- $500 deductible Collision
- $500 deductible Comprehensive
- Total cost: $2,500 - $4,000/year
- Solid protection for most drivers
Premium Protection
- $10,000 PIP
- $100,000 PDL
- $500,000/$1,000,000 BIL
- $500,000/$1,000,000 UM/UIM
- $250 deductible Collision
- $250 deductible Comprehensive
- Rental car coverage
- Roadside assistance
- Total cost: $3,500 - $5,500/year
- Maximum protection
How to Save on Florida Auto Insurance
1. Bundle Policies
Combine auto + home = 15-25% savings.
2. Increase Deductibles
$1,000 deductible vs $250 = 20-30% lower premiums.
3. Maintain Good Credit
Better credit = lower rates in Florida.
4. Take Defensive Driving Course
Approved course = 5-10% discount.
5. Install Anti-Theft Devices
Alarm, GPS tracker = 5-10% discount.
6. Low Mileage Discount
Drive under 7,500 miles/year = 5-15% discount.
7. Good Student Discount
Students with B average or better = 10-25% discount.
8. Multi-Car Discount
Insure multiple vehicles = 10-25% discount.
9. Pay in Full
Annual payment = 5-10% discount vs monthly.
10. Shop Around
Compare at least 3-5 quotes—rates vary 30-50%.
Florida No-Fault Insurance Explained
Florida is a "no-fault" state, meaning:
Your PIP Pays First
- Your insurance pays YOUR medical bills
- Regardless of who caused the accident
- Up to $10,000 limit
When You Can Sue
You can only sue the at-fault driver if:
- Medical bills exceed $10,000, OR
- Permanent injury, OR
- Significant scarring, OR
- Death
Why This Matters
- Limits lawsuits for minor accidents
- Speeds up medical payment
- Reduces litigation costs (in theory)
Common Florida Auto Insurance Mistakes
1. Minimum Coverage Only
Problem: $10,000 won't cover serious accident. Reality: Average accident costs $50,000+.
2. No Bodily Injury Liability
Problem: "It's not required." Reality: One serious accident = financial ruin.
3. Skipping UM/UIM Coverage
Problem: "Everyone has insurance." Reality: 20% of Florida drivers don't.
4. Not Shopping Around
Problem: Staying with same insurer for years. Reality: Rates increase annually—shop every 1-2 years.
5. Lying on Application
Problem: Listing wrong address for lower rates. Result: Denied claims, policy cancellation, fraud charges.
What to Do After an Accident in Florida
Step 1: Check for Injuries
Call 911 if anyone is hurt.
Step 2: Move to Safety
Get out of traffic if possible.
Step 3: Call Police
Required if:
- Injuries occurred
- Damage exceeds $500
- Hit and run
Step 4: Exchange Information
- Names and contact info
- Insurance details
- License plate numbers
- Photos of damage
Step 5: Report to Insurance
Call within 24 hours to start claim.
Step 6: Seek Medical Attention
See doctor within 14 days to maintain PIP coverage.
Step 7: Document Everything
- Photos of scene
- Witness statements
- Medical records
- Repair estimates
Florida SR-22 Insurance
What is SR-22?
Certificate proving you have insurance.
Who Needs It?
- DUI conviction
- Multiple traffic violations
- Driving without insurance
- At-fault accident without insurance
How Much Does It Cost?
- Filing fee: $15-25
- Insurance increase: 50-100%+
- Required for: 3 years typically
How to Get It
Your insurance company files it with the state.
Teen Driver Insurance in Florida
Average Cost
$4,000 - $8,000 per year to add teen to policy.
Ways to Save
- Good student discount (B average)
- Defensive driving course
- Add to parent's policy (cheaper than separate)
- Choose safe, older vehicle
- Limit coverage on teen's car
Graduated Driver License
Florida's GDL program:
- Learner's permit at 15
- Restricted license at 16
- Full license at 18
Electric Vehicle Insurance
Average Cost
10-20% higher than gas vehicles.
Why More Expensive?
- Higher repair costs
- Expensive battery replacement
- Limited repair shops
- Higher vehicle values
Discounts Available
- Green vehicle discount: 5-10%
- Lower fuel costs offset premium
Get Your Florida Auto Insurance Quote
Stop overpaying for car insurance. Our licensed agents will:
- Review your coverage needs
- Compare quotes from 50+ carriers
- Find all available discounts
- Ensure you meet Florida requirements
Call (407) 557-3100 or get a free quote online.
Information current as of February 2024. Insurance requirements and rates subject to change. Consult with a licensed agent for personalized advice.