Florida Car Insurance

There are a lot of drivers who spend a large portion of the year in the Sunshine State but the rest of the year in another state. Having multiple residences such as this can often lead to confusion as to what type of insurance coverage is required.

Florida car insurance laws include every car that is registered in the state. This means your license plates (or tags) are issued by the state of Florida. Your vehicle’s inspection probably gets done in the state, too. You may even have a driver’s license issued in Florida.

If, however, your car is registered in another state and you drive it to Florida when you are here for the winter or on vacation or business, Florida car insurance isn’t necessary. The insurance you purchase in your state of permanent residence covers your insurance needs for Florida.

Personal injury protection (PIP) and property damage liability (PDL) are the only types of coverage required to meet Florida car insurance requirements. Additional insurance coverage is encouraged but not required.

To meet Florida car insurance minimum standards, the personal injury protection you carry must cover at least $10,000 in value. This insurance coverage allows for as much as $10,000 of medical expenses to be paid in case of bodily injury and related expenses you incur in the event of an automobile accident.

The minimum amount of property damage liability insurance you are required to carry based upon Florida car insurance laws is also $10,000. This covers damage to someone else’s property that occurs in the event of an accident.

Damaged property includes another vehicle, building, telephone pole, or anything else that might have sustained damage. Coverage pays up to $10,000 to repair or replace such property.

It’s very important to purchase and maintain coverage that meets or exceeds the coverage required from the Florida car insurance regulations. Failure to do so could result in suspension of your driver’s license, vehicle tag, and registration. Hefty financial penalties are required to reinstatement of these driving privileges.