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Florida Car Insurance

With more than 17 million residents, Florida is the nation's fourth most populated state behind California, Texas, and New York. Florida is also one of the nations top tourist destinations boasting spectacular beaches, legendary theme parks, and a rich cultural history. If you are currently living in Florida or are thinking of moving, take the time to be fully educated about the state's specific guidelines regarding driving and auto insurance. It is extremely important to carry the proper amount of insurance so that in the unfortunate event of an accident, you are financially covered.

Startling statistics

Each year, the Florida Department of Highway Safety and Motor Vehicles compiles a list of traffic accident data. In 2006, Florida experienced:

• 256,200 traffic accidents
• 702 crashes per day
• 3,365 fatalities
• 214,914 injuries
• 546 pedestrians killed

Of course, these facts do not even begin to figure in the overwhelmingly large financial loss that occurs each year from traffic accidents. However, many of these accidents could have been prevented if more drivers practiced defensive driving as well avoided typical mistakes like:

• Talking on the phone while driving
• Eating while driving
• Speeding
• Driving aggressively

Insurance minimums

If you are planning to drive in Florida, the state requires you to possess a minimum of:

• $10,000 worth of persona injury protection or (PIP).
• $10,000 worth of property damage liability or (PDL).

Of course, these numbers are only the minimum amount of coverage you are required to carry. Talk with multiple insurance companies to discuss the possibility of carrying higher limits on your policy due to the no-fault system in Florida. The no-fault system will help protect you in the case of an accident, but will also limit the amount which you can seek in damages. Florida insurance companies also allow drivers to purchase additional insurance to help cover medical and property damage in the event that the other driver was uninsured.

Other important factors

Other important factors that are involved in the calculation of your insurance premiums includes:

• Age (Drivers aged 15 to 19 were involved in the most amount of accidents in 2006.)
• Sex (Typically, female drivers are less aggressive on the road and enjoy lower insurance rates.)
• History (Your past driving record and accident history plays an important part in your premium calculation.)
• Type of vehicle (Variables like size, price, popularity of theft, and safety features affect premiums.)
• Location (Living in Florida's highly populated cities like Jacksonville, Miami, and Tampa costs more to insure your car.)

Tips to save money on car insurance

• After an accident occurs, drivers in Florida have the opportunity to take a defensive driving course. Upon completion of an accredited course, the driver not only enjoys a reduced traffic ticket, but also avoids having points added to their license.
• Combine all your vehicles onto the same policy. Most insurance companies offer a discounted rate to families that insure all of their vehicles together under one premium.
• Research available discounts. Auto insurance companies offer discounted rates to student drivers, safe drivers, and mature (over 55) drivers. Other discounts are available for added safety and theft prevention devices

Driving in Florida is a serious responsibility. It is up to the individual driver to maintain the proper amount of auto insurance. This is because the right amount of coverage helps protect the driver and their passengers, in addition to the other vehicle/vehicles involved in the accident. Do not assume you are covered. Take the time to understand the rules and regulations regarding insurance in Florida. Call and inquire with several companies to find the best rate to fit your specific situation.