Is car insurance required in Florida?

Yes, Florida mandates all drivers operating motor vehicles in the state to have car insurance. Drivers in the Sunshine state must carry proof of insurance with them whenever they drive. If you get in an auto accident or are pulled over by authorities, you will have to show your proof of insurance to law enforcement.

Do you need car insurance to register a car in Florida?

Yes, Florida car insurance laws include proof of insurance as a requirement when registering a motor vehicle. All vehicles operating on the roads of the state need to have valid registration. During the registration process, you will have to present proof of identity, proof of insurance and a completed application form.

What is “basic” car insurance in Florida?

Before registering a four-wheeled vehicle in Florida, you will have to prove you have auto insurance coverage that meets at least the basic car insurance requirement in the state. This includes at least $10,000 for PIP and $10,000 for property damage liability.

Does insurance follow the car or driver in Florida?

In Florida, auto insurance follows the vehicle and not the driver. That means your coverage still applies even if you are not the one driving it during an accident. Since the state is a no-fault state, your insurance carrier may cover expenses related to damages caused by anyone driving your car and the medical expenses they may incur.

Can you get car insurance without a license in Florida?

Generally, it is possible to get car insurance without a driver’s license. However, the process may be more complicated than usual. Additionally, many auto insurance providers do not offer car insurance to people with no license. It is also important to note that Florida requires a license to drive a motor vehicle on the streets of the state.

Is Florida a no-fault state and what does this mean?

Yes, Florida is a no-fault state. That means that your personal auto insurance policy will be used to cover related expenses if you get involved in an accident regardless of who is at fault.

Is PIP coverage required in Florida?

Florida requires personal injury protection (PIP) coverage. This auto insurance coverage will pay for personal medical expenses up to the limit stated in the policy. The minimum coverage requirement in the state is $10,000, but you can get higher limits if you think this is not enough.

Does Florida require uninsured motorist insurance?

No, Florida does not require uninsured motorist insurance. However, it is still a good idea to purchase this coverage for additional protection. 20.4% of motorists in Florida are uninsured. Additionally, the minimum insurance requirements in Florida are low. Having uninsured motorist insurance may help you, especially if your medical expenses surpass your PIP limit.

Does Florida allow for diminished value compensation after an accident?

Florida is among the states that allow the filing of diminished value claims. That means drivers can recover diminished value from the driver who is at fault in an accident or their insurance carrier. The statute of limitations in Florida for filing a diminished value claim is four years.

How do car insurance requirements change after a DUI in Florida?

If you are convicted of DUI in Florida, your auto insurance rate will be more expensive. There will also be fines and penalties. Aside from these, your car insurance requirements will also change. You will need to have and maintain FR-44 insurance coverage for three years after the date of your DUI conviction in order to reinstate your driver’s license.

What is a CARCO inspection and is it required?

Florida is one of the few states that requires a CARCO inspection for certain coverages. This is an independent pre-insurance inspection to verify and document the existence of your car, its physical condition, mileage and existing options and accessories. The results of the CARCO inspection will be reported to your insurance provider.

Florida Minimum Car Insurance Requirements, Penalties and Other Auto Insurance Laws

Auto insurance provides financial protection for you and your car if you have a covered incident. All Florida drivers must maintain a policy that meets at least the state minimum requirements. If you do not meet these minimum requirements, you cannot register your vehicle in the state. These minimums include $10,000 in personal injury protection and $10,000 in property damage coverage. Drivers may want to consider increasing their coverage levels to ensure they are well protected in the event of an accident.

TABLE OF CONTENTS

Minimum Car Insurance Requirements in Florida
How Much Does Minimum Car Insurance Cost?
Penalties for Driving Without Insurance in Florida
FAQs

What Is the Minimum Car Insurance Requirement in Florida?

Each state has its own auto insurance laws that determine the minimum coverage requirements. But how much car insurance you need in Florida will also depend on your needs and circumstances. Drivers looking for the cheapest auto insurance in the state may want to consider minimum coverage.

Based on Florida car insurance laws, the minimum auto insurance coverage requirements in the state include the following:

$10,000 in personal injury protection (PIP)
$10,000 in property damage liability

While drivers with minimum coverage policies typically pay the most affordable premiums in Florida, they have the lowest level of protection. If you think these amounts are not enough, you can look for a policy with higher liability limits. For broader protection, it may be best to find a full coverage policy with comprehensive and collision insurance.

What Does This Minimum Coverage Mean?

Unlike other states, Florida car insurance requirements do not include bodily injury coverage. Instead, drivers in the state need to have at least $10,000 for personal injury protection (PIP) and $10,000 for property damage liability.

PIP refers to coverage for medical expenses due to a car accident. It covers the policyholder and the passengers during the incident. If you get the minimum requirement in Florida, your insurance carrier will pay up to $10,000 for healthcare expenses regardless of who is at fault.

On the other hand, property damage liability is insurance that covers expenses related to damages you or someone driving your insured vehicle caused to another person’s property. For a minimum coverage policy, your insurer will cover up to $10,000 of the costs.

How Much Does the Minimum Car Insurance Cost in Florida?

Various factors affect the cost of car insurance in Florida. Insurance carriers evaluate individualized factors, such as the driver’s age, ZIP code, driving history, credit score and more when calculating insurance premiums. Rates may also vary depending on the insurance provider.

MoneyGeek’s study found that the least expensive car insurance option for Florida minimum car insurance is GEICO, with an average rate of $590 per month.

Based on average rates, USAA has the cheapest rate in the state for a minimum car insurance coverage at an average of $405 per month. However, these policies are only available to current military members, veterans and their families.

These prices are only estimates based on rates for an average Florida driver and should not be used to compare insurance prices.

Car insurance costs by company in Florida are based on the state minimum coverage of $10,000 PIP and $10,000 property damage liability coverage. The driver profile for this study was a 40-year- old male resident of Florida who drives a 2010 Toyota Camry and has a good driving record and credit score.

MoneyGeek also ranked the best car insurance companies in Florida for those who want strong service and affordable rates.

What Is the Minimum Car Insurance Requirement in Florida While Leasing a Car?

Leasing companies may require you purchase additional auto insurance coverage. In most cases, a Florida minimum car insurance will not suffice. The majority of leasing companies will ask drivers to have a full coverage car insurance policy, which typically has at least 100/300/50 coverage. This means that if you plan on leasing a vehicle in the state, you will likely need $100,000 for bodily injury liability per person, $300,000 for bodily injury per accident and $100,000 for property damage per accident. However, Florida car lease insurance requirements may change depending on the company. Contact your financial leasing company to find out their minimum coverage requirement.

Figuring out how much auto insurance you should have will require you to evaluate your needs and circumstances as a driver. While Florida minimum car insurance may be enough for some drivers, MoneyGeek generally recommends at least 50/100/50 full coverage for additional protection.

Statistics show that around 20.4% of Florida drivers are uninsured motorists. That means you may not be covered if an uninsured motorist hits you without full coverage insurance.

Penalties for Driving Without Car Insurance in Florida

As a no-fault state, Florida car insurance laws state that all drivers operating a motor vehicle need to have at least the minimum coverage requirement. Failure to comply will result in penalties, fines and other consequences.

Frequently Asked Questions About Car Insurance in Florida

MoneyGeek compiled a few of the main questions people have about car insurance in Florida.

Learn More About Car Insurance

About Mark Fitzpatrick

Mark Fitzpatrick is a senior content director at MoneyGeek with over five years of experience analyzing the insurance market, conducting original research and creating content that can be personalized for every buyer. He has been quoted on insurance topics in several publications, including CNBC, NBC News and Mashable.

Mark earned a master’s degree in Economics and International Relations from Johns Hopkins University and a bachelor’s degree from Boston College. He is passionate about using his economics and insurance knowledge to bring transparency around financial topics and help others feel confident in their money moves.

sources

CARCO Group. "Pre-Insurance Inspection FAQs." Accessed June 25, 2021.
Consumer Federation of America. "Penalties for Driving Without Auto Insurance by State." Accessed June 28, 2021.
Florida Department of Highway Safety and Motor Vehicles. "Florida Insurance Requirements." Accessed June 25, 2021.
Florida Department of Highway Safety and Motor Vehicles. "FR Cases – Increased BIL/PDL Limits For DUI Cases." Accessed June 25, 2021.
Florida Department of Highway Safety and Motor Vehicles. "Motor Vehicle Registrations." Accessed June 25, 2021.
Florida Highway Safety and Motor Vehicles. "DUI Frequently Asked Questions." Accessed June 28, 2021.
Insurance Information Institute. "2020 Insurance Fact Book." Accessed June 25, 2021.
Insurance Information Institute. "Facts + Statistics: Uninsured Motorists." Accessed June 25, 2021.
Kelley Blue Book. "Penalties for Driving without Car Insurance by State." Accessed June 28, 2021.

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