Florida auto insurance questions, answered
What car insurance is required in Florida?
Florida law requires every registered vehicle to carry at least $10,000 of Personal Injury Protection (PIP) and $10,000 of Property Damage Liability (PDL). Florida is a no-fault state, so PIP pays your own medical expenses after a crash regardless of who caused it. Bodily injury liability is not required for most Florida drivers, but it is strongly recommended.
Do I have to list everyone who lives with me on my car insurance?
Yes. Most Florida auto insurance companies require every household member over 14 years of age to be listed on the policy — as a rated driver, as an excluded driver, or as a listed non-driver. It does not matter whether they have a driver's license or a learner's permit; if they are over 14 and live with you, they must be listed. Leaving someone off the application is material misrepresentation: the insurer can deny your claim and rescind the policy, even if you were the one driving and the unlisted person had nothing to do with the accident.
What does PIP pay for after an accident?
PIP pays 80% of necessary medical expenses, 60% of lost wages, and a $5,000 death benefit, up to your $10,000 limit. You must seek medical treatment within 14 days of the crash for PIP to apply, and an emergency medical condition determination affects how much of the limit is available.
Do I need bodily injury liability in Florida?
For most drivers, no — Florida does not require BI to register a car. But without BI, if you injure someone in an at-fault crash you are personally responsible for their medical bills and claims. Florida also requires BI after certain events, such as a DUI or causing a crash with injuries. Most agents recommend at least 25/50 limits, and 100/300 or higher if you own a home or have savings to protect.
Why is uninsured motorist coverage such a big deal in Florida?
Because roughly 1 in 5 Florida drivers has no insurance at all — among the highest uninsured rates in the United States. If one of them hits you, their policy will not pay your medical bills, because there isn't one. UM/UIM is the coverage that steps into their place, and stacked UM gives you even more protection.
What information do I need to get a quote?
Each driver's full name and date of birth, the address where the car is kept (garaging address), each vehicle's year, make, model and ideally its VIN, how each vehicle is used (commute, pleasure, business) and approximate annual miles, your current carrier and policy expiration date if you are insured now, and any tickets, accidents or claims in the last 3 to 5 years. That is exactly what the quote form below asks for.
What is the difference between comprehensive and collision?
Collision pays when your car is damaged in a crash — with another vehicle or an object. Comprehensive pays for non-crash damage: theft, fire, flood, hurricanes, vandalism, falling objects and animals. Both pay up to your car's actual cash value minus your chosen deductible, and lenders and leasing companies normally require both.
Will getting a quote hurt my credit or raise my current rates?
No. Asking for a quote does not affect your current policy, and insurance quotes use a soft credit inquiry (where credit-based insurance scoring applies) that does not lower your credit score the way a loan application can.