Auto Insurance Quote Florida: Who Else Needs Savings Advice?

Auto Insurance Quote Florida – The Basics

As a Florida motorist, you would no doubt be looking for quality car insurance at a reasonable price.  Fortunately, you have plenty of choice…but the choices are so plentiful that you may not be looking forward to the selection process.   I’ll try to simplify things for you, ok?

The “Sunshine State” has a population of around 20 million and that number is increasing by more than 10% per year.  And as that happens, roads become more congested and accidents increase. Urban congestion also means more auto theft.  The bottom line is that auto insurance rates continue to go up year after year.

But all is not lost…you still minimize the cost of your auto coverage if you shop around and do the right things.

Auto Insurance Quote Florida  –  No-Fault Explained

FL is a no-fault state. This means that motorists must have car insurance for their own protection, while placing limitations on their ability to sue the other driver in the event of an accident. Among other things, no-fault is designed to reduce the cost of insurance to the consumer by streamlining the tangled legal process.

Simply put, under no-fault your insurance will pay for your damages regardless of who is at fault.

Even if the accident is not your fault (you get rear-ended, for example) your insurance company is responsible for your expenses.  And the same applies to any other driver involved in the accident…everyone must approach his own car insurance company to claim for his/her damages.

Auto Insurance Quote Florida – State Minimums

To get behind the wheel of a motor vehicle in the state of Florida you must have at least $10,000 of Personal Injury Protection (PIP) and $10,000 of Property Damage.  This basic coverage is often referred to as a PIP/PD.

Insuring to those values makes you legal, but it certainly doesn’t provide adequate protection in case of a serious accident.

I recommend $100,000/$100,000 as a bare minimum.  The increased coverage isn’t that expensive and could save you a bundle.  Remember, you will be personally responsible of any injuries or damages that you or your passengers incur above the limits of your coverage.

Auto Insurance Quote Florida – Other Important Coverage

PIP and PD only takes car of your medical expenses and any property you may damage.  What about bodily injury to others and damages to your vehicle?

To provide for other perils, the following coverages should be considered.

  • Collision – Covers your car for collision damages.
  • Comprehensive – Insures your vehicle for theft, as well as damages caused by fire, vandalism, nature and animal impact.
  • Bodily injury – Covers injuries to other parties in an accident for which you are deemed responsible.
  • Gap insurance – Covers the difference between the loan amount on your car and the amount recoverable through your collision policy.

Auto Insurance Quote Florida – Comparison Shop & Save

The most effective way to save money is to comparison shop.  I suggest you use a comparison shopping website like Quote Wizard or 2Insure4Less…and there are several more available.  These services are free and require you to complete a form with info about you, your vehicle and driving record.  You do that one time and 3-4 quotes are emailed to you.  You compare those quotes to your current policy and choose the one that best serves you and your circumstances.

Auto Insurance Quote Florida – Other Savings Suggestions

1. A higher deductible on your collision and comprehensive coverage will reduce your premium.  What out of pocket amount are you prepared to absorb for each accident or fender bender?  Consider that in setting your deductible.

2. If you are driving an older, depreciated vehicle, think about dropping collision and comprehensive coverage.

3. If you are a senior citizen and haven’t taken a mature driver course, consider it.  Florida law mandates that seniors taking this course be given lower rates (with any automobile insurance company) for the next 3 years!

4. Another way to save money is to add safety features to your automobile. Most companies offer lower rates for automatic seat belts, air bags, anti-lock brakes and, most importantly, anti-theft devices (alarms).

5. Last but not least, insurance companies give huge discounts for clean driving records.  If this applies to you, make sure it is covered in the quotes you are reviewing.