Liability Insurance in Florida: What It Covers and Why It’s Required
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Each state has minimum car insurance requirements that drivers must meet to drive legally. Florida has lower minimum limits than many other states due to its no-fault insurance laws. However, minimum car insurance can still be expensive across the state, especially in heavily populated areas.
Discover more about liability insurance in Florida to understand what and how much coverage you need, as well as tips for finding the best policy for you at the best rates.
Introduction to Florida’s Minimum Liability Insurance Requirements
Florida is a no-fault car insurance state. This means each driver’s insurance company pays for their expenses after an accident, regardless of who is at fault. Because of this policy, Florida’s car insurance requirements differ slightly from at-fault states.
While some liability insurance coverage is required in Florida, its minimum requirements are lower than many other states and don’t include the same types of coverage. Personal-use vehicles are only required to have:
- $10,000 of property damage liability coverage per accident
- $10,000 of personal injury protection (PIP)
However, vehicles that are registered as taxis must meet the following limits:
- $125,000 bodily injury liability for one person in an accident
- $250,000 bodily injury liability for two or more people in an accident
- $50,000 property damage liability per accident
What Does Florida’s Minimum Liability Insurance Cover?
Florida only requires property damage liability for personal-use vehicles. Property damage liability covers damages to other people’s property after an accident. For example, it might pay for repairs to their cars, mailboxes, and homes.
While PIP coverage is not a type of liability insurance, it is required by law. PIP covers your own medical expenses after an accident. It may also cover other injury-related expenses, such as lost income or funeral expenses.
Why Liability Insurance Is Essential for Florida Drivers
State law requires Florida liability insurance, but that’s not the only reason you should have it. A liability policy can protect your finances and assets in many situations.
Even in no-fault states, you’re still responsible for covering the costs of property damage after an accident. If you are sued for accident-related property damage, your liability insurance can cover at least some of the expenses. If you didn’t have insurance, you would be responsible for paying all expenses out of pocket.
Optional Coverage Levels Beyond Florida’s Minimum Requirements
Many drivers benefit from purchasing other insurance products that are not legally required. Bodily injury liability insurance may be a good option in case you are found liable for serious injuries to other people. This can be especially useful for out-of-state travel where you might be found at fault for an accident.
If you finance your vehicle, your lender may also require you to carry other types of insurance, such as collision coverage or comprehensive coverage. Collision coverage covers damages to your vehicle after an accident, regardless of who is at fault. Comprehensive coverage pays for damages for non-accident instances like falling objects, vandalism, or fire.
These types of coverage can prevent you from paying for damages out of pocket. An at-fault driver’s liability insurance might cover some damages. However, your damages could easily exceed the $10,000 minimum for liability car insurance in Florida. You may consider purchasing types of coverage above and beyond the state’s minimum requirements for extra protection.
Penalties for Driving Without Insurance in Florida
You can face multiple consequences if you’re caught driving without valid proof of insurance in Florida.
You may pay fines up to $500 for your first offense or up to $1,000 for subsequent offenses. Your driver’s license, license plates, and car registration can also be suspended for up to three years. You will also be subject to reinstatement fees for your suspended items, which can range from $150 to $500.
After too many offenses, you may be required to purchase an SR-22 insurance policy, which allows for better tracking of coverage. These policies can be more expensive and may indicate to companies that you are a high-risk driver.
Tips for Finding Affordable Liability Insurance in Florida
Unfortunately, Florida is known for having expensive car insurance. Many factors can affect your rates, such as your location, vehicle information, and driving record. If you live in an area with higher crime, more accidents, or higher populations, you’ll likely pay more for insurance.
One of the best ways to find cheap liability car insurance in Florida is to comparison shop. Compare options from multiple insurance companies to find which provider offers you the best rates for your unique driver profile.
Staying Compliant With Florida’s Liability Insurance Requirements
You must be able to present proof of insurance from a Florida-licensed insurance company at any time during your registration period. Your insurance policy must meet or exceed Florida’s minimum insurance requirements. If you plan to cancel your coverage, you must hand in your license plates and registration, even if you do not plan to drive your car.
Get the Right Coverage Today — Compare Car Insurance Quotes Now
The cost of auto insurance in Florida changes every day. Your rates might vary based on your ZIP code, vehicle features, or driving record. And the number of insurance options might be overwhelming when shopping for coverage. Save time by using EverQuote, a free online quote comparison tool that allows you to compare custom policy options quickly and easily.