Florida offers a beautiful driving experience, with its sunny skies and scenic highways. One major downside, however, is the state’s reputation for having some of the country’s worst drivers. If you’re looking for the cheapest car insurance in Florida, however, keep reading.
The Sunshine State ranked fourth (a three-way tie with Nevada and Texas) in a 2019 study of states with the worst drivers. According to financial technology company SmartAsset, Florida also has the lowest rates of insured drivers in the country at only 73.70%.
The choice not to purchase car insurance in Florida is largely due to rising costs. “On average, according to one survey, a 40-year old man with a clean driving record and good credit would pay $1,654 per year for car insurance in Florida, 25% above the national average,” according to the Study on the Affordability of Personal Auto Insurance from the U.S. National Treasury.
If you’re a Florida resident and want to find the lowest cost car insurance available, our team put together a comprehensive guide with everything you need to know about auto insurance in Florida. We also recommend some of the best, most affordable providers that stood out during our research.
To go straight to a list of providers available in your area and start getting quotes, fill out the form below.
The 6 Cheapest Car Insurance Providers in Florida
| Cheapest Florida Auto Insurance Companies | Our Rating |
|---|---|
| USAA | Cheapest for military families |
| State Farm | Cheapest all around |
| GEICO | Cheapest for families |
| Allstate | Highly rated and also affordable |
| Progressive | Best ratings and coverage plans |
| Florida Farm Bureau | Cheapest local provider |
When your state is known for having some of the most expensive car insurance, it becomes a challenge to find cheap insurance. To help you find a plan that fits your budget while still giving you the protection you need, we’ve put together a list of the best, most affordable insurance providers in Florida:
USAA: Most affordable for military families
USAA is known for some of the lowest car insurance rates in the country. The company offers coverage for about $1,000 in Florida, whether you’re 25 or 60. To qualify for membership, however, you must be a U.S. military member and currently active, enlisted, retired or honorably separated. A spouse or child of an active military member (who is also a USAA member) is also eligible to apply.
State Farm: Most affordable all around
According to U.S. News & World Report, State Farm consistently offers some of the lowest average car insurance rates in Florida, with an average cost of $1,643. State Farm is a particularly good choice for drivers who have any tickets or accidents on their record. After a ticket or accident, the premium increased only by $130–$270. Other providers raised their premiums anywhere from $1,000–$3,000.
GEICO: Most affordable for families
GEICO is another popular national insurance provider and next in line with the most affordable car insurance rates in the state. Individual plans range from $1,350 for drivers with clean driving records to nearly $2,900 for drivers who have been cited with tickets or accidents. In most cases, no matter what your driving record or average mileage, GEICO is also noted as offering the cheapest plans.
Allstate: Highly rated and also affordable
If you’re willing to pay a little more for guaranteed customer satisfaction, Allstate is worth your time. The company’s proven to have the best overall satisfaction and policy offerings. It was also the top awarded car insurance provider by customer intelligence company J.D. Power in 2019. Average car insurance policies are about $2,460–$2,840, although they can go as high as $3,500 after an accident and $5,648 for those with bad credit.
Progressive: Best ratings and coverage plans
Although not the most affordable insurance provider, Progressive has a good balance of affordability and range over coverage. Coverage plans are $2,000 and above, but worth the price if it fits into your budget. Progressive is one of the largest auto insurance providers in the U.S., and scored an A+ on credit rating agency AM Best.
Florida Farm Bureau: Most affordable local provider
The Florida Farm Bureau Group began with a group of locals who wanted to offer lower insurance rates and better member service. Now, it’s one of the most popular affordable local Florida car insurance providers and boasts an A credit rating from AM Best and an A- rating on Better Business Bureau.
Why is Florida Car Insurance So Expensive?
Florida may bask in the sun on most days of the year, but the coastal state is also vulnerable to hurricanes and storms. And when insurance companies are responsible for any damage from these environmental factors, they will naturally raise their rates.
The state has an increasing number of licensed drivers – about 17.39 million, according to the Florida Highway Safety And Motor Vehicles (FLHSMV). This translates to more congestion and a greater risk of car accidents.
A large percentage is also seniors and tourists, who may have more difficulty navigating the roads. Add this to the number of uninsured drivers, and it explains why Florida’s car insurance rates are so high.
What are the Average Car Insurance Costs in Florida?
Florida has one of the highest average car insurance costs in the country, which steadily increases every year.
In 2014, Florida ranked as the sixth most expensive state for car insurance, with an average expenditure of $1,140.84, according to the National Association of Insurance Commissioners (NAIC). The following year saw an increase to $1,185.25. In 2016, Florida became the fifth most expensive state for car insurance, with the average reaching $1,259.55. (Note, these figures only count liability insurance, not collision or comprehensive coverage.)
These days, Florida drivers pay an average of $2,059 a year – significantly greater than the nationwide average.
What are the Minimum Coverage Requirements in Florida?
Nearly every state requires its residents to meet a minimum coverage if they own or drive a car. In Florida, the required state minimums are listed below:
- $10,000 Personal Injury Protection (PIP): Florida is a no-fault state. No matter who is at fault, all drivers involved in an accident must file a claim with their own car insurance provider. In other words, each party will be covered by their own insurance up to the available coverage limit. PIP covers healthcare and medical expenses for the driver and passengers. Some policies may also cover any loss of wages if you are unable to work after the accident.
- $10,000 Personal Damage Liability (PDL): Liability insurance covers any damage you cause to other parties in accidents where you are at fault. For example, PDL can be used to repair the other party’s car or property, such as a fence or stairs. But for damages to your own property, you would need to have collision insurance or pay out of your own pocket.
Florida requires all residents to have continuous coverage even if the car is inoperable, not being used, or undergoing registration. Furthermore, residents must only purchase insurance from providers licensed to do business within the state. To get matched with providers in your area, use our tool below:
Key Considerations When Purchasing Car Insurance in Florida
If it’s your first time purchasing auto insurance in Florida or you’re moving from another state, there are a few state-specific details to keep in mind:
- Living in a no-fault state like Florida means that drivers are usually reimbursed for any damages by their own insurance provider, regardless of who is at fault. Drivers are required to have a minimum of $10,000 in PIP, which covers 80% of medical bills and 60% of any wages lost.
- Florida’s coverage requirements are relatively low and often not enough to provide adequate coverage for accidents. It’s highly recommended to get more than the state-mandated minimums, and opt for collision and comprehensive coverage, if possible.
- If you’re caught driving under the influence or committing any other road violation, you’ll likely need an FR-44 (only required of residents of Florida and Virginia). This is similar to an SR-22, and basically confirms that you have more than the minimum required amount of coverage.
An FR-44 is actually not a type of insurance. It’s a form you need to be able to drive again, and requires additional payment. Aside from the cost of filing the form (about $25), you will now need to have $100,000 in bodily injury liability (BIL) coverage per person, $300,000 in BIL per accident and $50,000 in PDL.
An SR-22 is relatively more affordable. You’ll only need $10,000 BIL per person, $20,000 in BIL per accident, and $10,000 in PDL, according to Florida law.
If you’ve received a citation, the DMV or traffic court will decide if you need either an FR-44 or SR-22.
What Factors Affect the Cost of Your Car Insurance?
Most car insurance companies in Florida consider the following factors when determining their quote:
- Location: Major cities, such as Miami and Tampa, will likely require higher insurance coverage. Areas that are more popular and congested are proven to have a higher likelihood of accidents, theft, and vandalism.
- Age: On average, younger and much older drivers (below 25 and above 70) receive higher rates for coverage. Those without a lot of driving experience can also expect to pay more for coverage during the first few years.
- Driving record: The better your driving record, the less of a risk you are to an insurance provider. On the other hand, if you’ve had a number of tickets or accidents, you’ll probably have a higher rate for insurance.
- The car you drive: The cost of your car is directly related to the cost of your car insurance. Not only do more expensive cars need more money to repair, but they are also more likely to be targets of theft. In addition, if a car has a lower safety rating or a larger body size or engine, it may result in increased insurance costs.
- Credit score: A high credit score indicates that you are financially reliable and able to pay your premiums on time. Some providers also use credit scores to determine how likely you are to file an insurance claim.
- Type of coverage: The total cost of your insurance policy depends on the types of coverage you want. Although nearly every state has coverage requirements, it’s recommended to have more than the minimum. Every additional coverage – medical payments, roadside assistance, rental reimbursement, etc. – comes with a corresponding cost.
- Personal factors: Although not as significant, other factors like gender and driving activity may affect the cost of your car insurance. Studies show that women typically receive lower quotes as compared to men or individuals who are single or divorced. Drivers who don’t drive very often or have cars with certain safety features may also be able to negotiate for lower costs.
Methodology
The Detroit Bureau collects data from every major car insurance provider to formulate rankings of the best insurers. Our in-depth rating system takes into account market share, coverage, pricing, customer satisfaction and ratings from industry experts. Each insurer is given a weighted score in four categories, as well as an overall score out of 10.0.
We recommend auto insurance companies based on these rankings, but we also encourage you to perform your own research and compare quotes to find the best coverage.
