Florida Auto Insurance

The state of Florida has the third highest number of licensed driver's in the U.S. Only Texas and California have more licensed drivers. With more than 12.9 million licensed drivers on the road and 23 percent currently driving without insurance, auto insurance is a must. All Florida motorists must carry minimum liability coverage or risk fees and license suspension.

Although Florida has more drivers on the roads than most states and more uninsured motorists than most others, the state requires some of the nations lowest minimum coverage amounts. In order to operate a vehicle in Florida, you must carry $10,000 bodily injury for one person, $20,000 bodily injury to two or more people and $10,000 property damage liability (10/20/10). The insurance policy must be issued through a Florida agent or an insurance company licensed to sell auto insurance in the state.

The minimum coverage amounts in Florida will keep you from racking up fines or license suspension, but it doesn't really protect you and your family in the unfortunate event of a serious car accident. For this reason, most auto insurance companies and state insurance departments recommend carrying higher amounts than the minimum requirements, plus uninsured/underinsured motorist coverage (UM/UIM). The minimum recommended amount of UM/UIM is $50,000.

If you get caught driving without auto insurance in the state of Florida, the Department of Highway Safety and Motor Vehicles will suspend your driving privileges for up to three years or until proof of Florida auto insurance is provided. Your vehicle tag and registration will be suspended and you will also have to pay a penalty to reinstate your license. The fee is usually around $150, but for multiple offenses, you could end up paying $500. In addition to paying the fees, you must show proof of Florida auto insurance in the form of an insurance card or binder.

To obtain Florida auto insurance, you should contact a Florida insurance agent or broker to begin shopping and comparing. Shopping and comparing is the best way to make sure you get the best rates as Florida auto insurance is quite high. According to autoinsurancetips.com, Floridians pay the 5th highest rates for auto insurance in the nation. As of 2006, the average auto insurance premium in Florida was $1,069. This is $252 higher than the 2006 national average of $817.