Getting the Lowest Insurance Quotes in Florida

Florida drivers understand that they pay some of the highest auto insurance rates in the nation. In this economy, many motorists want to find an affordable car insurer so they can get a break on their car insurance rates.

In this article, you'll learn about car insurance companies that provide the cheapest rates in the Sunshine State. You'll also get tips that will help cut costs and help you save money on your premiums.

How Much Are Average Car Insurance Rates in Florida?

The Sunshine State is one of the nation's most expensive regions for car insurance. The National Association of Insurance Commissioners ranked Florida fourth in the nation for the highest car insurance rates.

The average price of Florida car insurance premiums is $1,674 per year for full coverage. It is $565 for minimum coverage nationwide. On average, motorists pay $1,101 annually for minimum coverage auto insurance and $2,364 for a full coverage policy.

How much is car insurance in Florida per month? It is an average of $91.75 for minimum policies and $197 per month for full coverage.

What Car Insurance Coverage Do I Need in Florida?

Florida is a no-fault state. An average driver in the Sunshine State drivers must file their accident claims with their own car insurers. Their insurance policy must cover their losses, regardless of fault.

Before Florida drivers can register vehicles, they must prove they carry Personal Injury Protection (PIP) and Property Damage Liability (PDL) automobile insurance. The state has established insurance requirements to protect passengers and drivers on its highways. The state's minimum coverage is 10/20/10:

• $10,000 Personal Injury Protection (PIP) per accident

• $10,000 Property Damage Liability (PDL) per accident

PIP is a car insurance option that covers medical expenses, lost wages, and other damages. In Florida, The $10,000 Personal Injury Protection PIP pays 80 percent of medically necessary expenses up to $10,000 for a covered injury per accident, regardless of who caused the accident. The $10,000 Property Damage Liability pays for damage to another person's vehicles caused by you or another person driving your insured vehicle.

Florida's minimum insurance does not require bodily injury liability, uninsured motorist coverage, collision, and comprehensive insurance.

You must maintain insurance throughout your vehicle's registration period, or the state may suspend your driving privileges and plates for up to three years. It offers no provisions for a temporary or hardship driver's license because of insurance-related suspensions.

Although Florida's minimum insurance can help mitigate accident-related medical costs and damages, it may not be enough to cover everything. If you don't have enough coverage, you may have to pay these expenses out-of-pocket. Purchasing the right policy will help to protect yourself and your assets.

What Is Considered Full-Coverage Auto Insurance In Florida?

Florida is a no-fault state. Its minimum insurance requirements include personal injury protection and property damage liability. A financing company may require you to get full coverage insurance for your vehicle. These include:

• Comprehensive – This coverage pays to replace or repair your vehicle if it's stolen or damaged in an incident that's not collision-related. Insurers sometimes call this "other than collision" coverage. It typically pays for damages from fire, vandalism, falling objects (like a tree or hail).

• Collision - This insurance repairs or replaces your vehicle when a crash damages it. This coverage also pays for accidents with objects like fences or trees.

• Uninsured motorist/underinsured motorist property damage – This insurance pays for your vehicle when an uninsured motorist crashes into you.

After you've paid off your vehicle, you can drop both comprehensive and collision coverages.

Additional Legal Requirements for Florida Car Owners

Florida's Highway Safety and Motor Vehicle Department has several laws that state residents must follow. These include:

• Car owners must have continuous coverage even if the owner is not driving the vehicle or the automobile is inoperable. If this is the case, surrender your license plate and tag before canceling your insurance plan.

• Drivers in Florida must get coverage from a licensed Florida insurance company that sells policies. You can also qualify for a self-insurance certificate issued by FLHSMV. If you are new to the state, you may ask your agent to transfer your current insurance to a Florida policy.

• Individuals must maintain their car insurance in Florida continuously throughout the registration period, regardless of the vehicle's location. Military members who are stationed out of state or the nation may be exempt from this regulation. For more information, visit FLHSMV Military Page.Why 

• Florida Statutes section 324.171 outlines the financial requirements for self-insurance. The state no longer allows the use of surety bonds for this purpose.

Why Car Insurance in Florida so Expensive?

Premiums are higher than the national average for Florida auto insurance rates. Premiums are more expensive because of the state's high population and inclement weather. An average driver pays $2,364 for full coverage and $1,101 for minimum car insurance in Florida.

The state has a high number of uninsured drivers that contribute to these risks. According to the Insurance Information Institute, the state has one of the nation's highest uninsured driver rates.In 2018, the Insurance Research Council (IRC) conducted a study that found Florida ranked second on their list of least-affordable states for car insurance. Its affordability index was 2.44 percent from 2011 to 2015, compared to 1.59 countrywide.

The agency found it was only second to Louisiana as far as cost. Florida's personal injury protection (PIP) claims were 1.89 claims per 100 insured vehicles. It was 50 percent higher than the nationwide average.

They also found that Florida's verbal no-fault threshold was not effective at reducing the number of tort claims in the state because the frequency of car accidents was higher than the national average of other states.

How Do Florida Insurance Companies Calculate Auto Insurance Rates?

Your driving record and personal factors (age, credit score, marital status) also determine your Florida car insurance rates. According to the Insurance Information Institute, the amount you'll pay on your premiums depends on several factors. They include:

• Your Driving Record – Your premiums will be lower when you have a clean driving record. You will pay more money when you have a traffic violation.

• How Much Do You Use Your Car – You'll have a higher chance of an at-fault accident the more you commute for work. When you only use your vehicle for pleasure use, you'll pay lower premiums.

• Location – Your zip code will determine the cost of your premiums. Urban residents pay higher Florida auto insurance fees than people in small towns and rural areas. Additionally, where you park your car will affect your rates. Safety features on your vehicle can lower your rates.

• Age – Mature, older drivers have fewer accidents than younger, inexperienced ones. Insurers usually charge teenagers and young adults 25 and younger higher premiums.

• Gender – This factor won't significantly affect your Florida car insurance rates unless you're a teen driver. On average, women usually get into fewer accidents than men. They also have fewer driving-under-the-influence accidents. Most women pay slightly less than men for car insurance in Florida, although only by a few dollars.

• Your Car's Model – Another factor that affects your rates is the mode you drive. It will depend on its safety record, the cost of repairs, and whether it's a target of thieves. If an automobile has quality, safety equipment, it may qualify for discounts.

• Your Credit Score – Car insurance companies in Florida use a credit-based insurance score as a statistical tool to predict whether you'll file a future claim. Insurers charge higher rates when drivers have bad credit scores. Individuals with better credit scores receive lower premiums.

• Your Auto Insurance Coverage – Florida's minimum auto insurance coverage, your deductible, and other policy limits will determine how much you pay.

The Insurance Information Institute says that insurers don't use a driver's race or religion to set premium rates.

The Average Cost for Car Insurance in Florida by Category

The National Association of Insurance Commissioners (NAIC) released a study that included average expenditure, or total written premium for liability coverage and other categories. The car year was equal to 365 of insured coverage for a single vehicle. It doesn't rank average expenditures and doesn't endorse any conclusions for the data.

According to NAIC, the average cost for insurance for each coverage areas in the following categories

• Liability insurance: $1,009.94
• Collision coverage: $361.79
• Comprehensive insurance: $149.26

In a second study, another company found the average premium rates for the following coverages.

COVERAGE LEVELS

• $100/$300/$100K Bodily Injury/Property Damage - Liability Only
  Average Premium: $1,414

• 100K/$300K/$100K Bodily Injury/Property Damage - $1,000 Comprehensive/Collision Deductible
  Premium: $1,963

• $100K/$300K/$100K Bodily Injury/Property Damage - $500 Comprehensive/Collision Deductible
  Premium: $1,210

• State Minimum - Liability Only
  Premium: $822

• State Minimum - $1,000 Comprehensive and Collision Deductible
  Premium: $1,369

• State Minimum - $500 Comprehensive/Collision Deductible
  Premium: $1,512

What Are the Best Car Insurance Companies in Florida?

J.D. Power is a research firm that conducts analytical studies, gathers consumer insights and advisory services. For the past 21 years, the business has released its U.S. Auto Insurance Satisfaction Study, a survey based on responses from 40,123 car insurance customers.

The business rated Floridian's top insurance choices in its survey. They based overall customer satisfaction rates on a 1,000 point scale. The regional average score for Florida was 836.

Insurer J.D. Power Auto Insurance Satisfaction Score

Allstate	851
Automobile Club Group	839
Liberty Mutual	837
State Farm	826
The Hartford	826
Auto-Owners Insurance	821
Metlife	821
Travelers	810
Safeco	780
USAA	889

J.D. Power's Auto Insurance Satisfaction survey did not rank USAA; however, it awarded the company 889 out of 1000 points. This score was higher than any other insurance company in this category.

In this survey, the number one spot went to Allstate. This insurer sells a wide variety of standard car insurance in Florida. It also provides technology-driven customer service. Additionally, the company has several apps and other tools for its members and nonmembers. It also shows them ways they can save on their car insurance.

Find Affordable Car Insurance in Florida

Who Has the Best Auto Insurance Rates in Florida?

Quadrant Information Services reported the average rates for full premium coverage in the state of Florida. Here is a snapshot of a few Florida insurers that provide the best car insurance for drivers.

USAA

One of the best car insurance companies in Florida is USAA. This financial services company provides the cheapest car insurance rates in Florida for military families, their dependents, and veterans. The company also gives competitive rates on banking and investments. This insurer has the highest rankings for customer service and affordability; however, its biggest drawback is its exclusivity to service members.

Allstate

State residents have high customer satisfaction rates with Allstate, even though its prices were higher than other insurance companies in Florida (at $2,441). It tops the list of one of the best auto car insurance companies within the Sunshine State. Allstate-insured drivers can save money using their discounts, including their Safe Driving Club, Responsible Payer Discount, and Anti-Theft Discount. Policyholders could also get bonuses when they went six months without an accident.

Geico

Another company that topped the list of best car insurance companies in Florida was Geico. It earned an 846/1000 in J.D. Power's survey. Geico had high rates of customer satisfaction and was one of the most affordable insurance companies after USAA.

Unlike its competitors, Geico's policies and premiums were available to the average driver across the state. If you want to learn more about this insurer's rates, you can use SmartFinancial's comparison search engine to see the coverage Geico provides to its customers.

State Farm

State Farm is another company that topped the list for best car insurance companies in the state. The insurer provides affordable car insurance for Florida residents. It also sells cheap car insurance to drivers with poor credit scores or individuals that have one at-fault accident on their records. Although they didn't offer the cheapest premiums, State Farm's average rates were affordable for the average driver. They are also known for their excellent customer service following an accident.

MetLife

MetLife also made the list for one of the best car insurance companies in Florida. This insurance company has flexible choices for drivers in Florida. Metlife gives policyholders options to customize their policy. Their auto insurance policy coverages include Roadside Assistance, Towing and Labor Coverage, Legal Defense Costs and Major Parts Replacement.

Who Has the Cheapest Car Insurance in Florida?

According to Quadrant Information Services, the company that provides the cheapest coverage is USAA; however, it limits its policies to military members, veterans, and their families.

If you belong to these groups, you may qualify for their policies. Otherwise, you can consider Geico for affordability. It is the second-cheapest insurance company, and its policies are available for everyone.

Which County in Florida has the Least Expensive Car Insurance?

Quadrant Information Systems conducted a 2017 study that found Alachua County had the cheapest auto insurance in Florida. Within the county, Waldo had the lowest premiums.

The small town has a population of 1,015. Alachua, Gainesville, Earlton, and Newberry were other cities within the county that had cheapest car insurance rates. On average, these municipalities had rates that were 24 percent below the state's average rates.

Other Florida counties that have the low auto insurance rates include:

• Alachua
• Walton
• Bay 
• Marion 
• Leon

Which 27 Florida Cities Have the Least Expensive Car Insurance Rates?

Are you a Florida driver seeking a break on your auto insurance premiums? The following cities have the lowest rates within the state.

1	Gainesville	$805
2	Panama City	$841
3	Ocala	$878
4	Tallahassee	$887
5	Melbourne	$948
6	Pensacola	$968
7	Naples	$985
8	Sarasota	$1,023
9	Cape Coral	$1,025
10	Lakeland	$1,028
11	Fort Myers	$1,028
12	Port Saint Lucie	$1,028
13	Bradenton	$1,080
14	Jacksonville	$1,082
15	Spring Hill	$1,142
16	Kissimmee	$1,155
17	Orlando	$1,174
18	Clearwater	$1,203
19	Saint Petersburg	$1,452
20	Hollywood	$1,421
21	Boca Raton	$1,452
22	West Palm Beach	$1,472
23	Fort Lauderdale	$1,499
24	Homestead	$1,516
25	Tampa	$1,533
26	Boynton Beach	$1,537
27	Miami	$1,659

The cities listed above show that auto insurance premiums can vary depending on your city or zip code.

Who Has the Cheapest Minimum Car Insurance Coverage in Florida?

According to one study, the average cost for minimum insurance in the state is $2,361. Are you a driver in Florida who needs the cheapest car insurance premium? There are several insurers you should consider. The insurance company with the second-lowest rates for minimum auto insurance was State Farm. Allstate had the highest premiums for minimum coverage compared to its competitors.

Who Has the Cheapest Full-Coverage Auto Insurance Rates in Florida?

In Florida, the average price for full coverage auto insurance is $2,364. This amounts to $197 per month. Most drivers found the cheapest car insurance rates by comparing rates with different companies. State Farm also offered one of the cheapest car insurance options in the state because of its bundling discounts. 

How Do Traffic Violations Affect Your Rates in Florida?

A traffic violation occurs when drivers break laws that a state uses to regulate streets and highways. In Florida, there are two types of traffic violations: moving and non-moving.

A moving violation takes place when a person doesn't follow the traffic rules while operating a vehicle.

Non-moving violations occur when a driver has a traffic offense with a stationary vehicle. Parking violations and paperwork vehicles are the most common non-moving violation. Ten traffic violations can affect your car insurance in Florida. They include:

• Speeding
• Reckless Driving
• DUI
• Running a Red Light
• Failure to Yield/Stop
• Improper Passing
• Illegal U-Turn
• Wrong-Way
• Fleeing from Police
• Failure to Use a Child Restraint

Let's see how traffic violations raise car insurance rates.

Cheapest Car Insurance Rates for Florida Drivers Involved in One Accident

If you've had a single-car accident may significantly increase your rates. The average auto insurance premium cost was $4,549 for Florida drivers with one accident, or $379 per month.

Some insurance companies see it as a bad sign when you have a collision, even if you weren't at fault. How much your rates will rise will also depend on other factors, including your zip code, driving record, and age.

Teens and young adults see their rates increase the most after an accident because the insurance companies will view them as riskier.

Even though most auto insurance companies will raise your rates following an accident, the amount can vary depending on the insurer that you select. Your rate increase can swing between $200 and $900. As you become a more experienced driver, your premium rates decrease after a few years.

Geico and State Farm provide the lowest rates for drivers that have a single traffic violation on their record. These insurers were the only businesses that provided drivers with $200 lower premiums for drivers that had a single accident on their records.

One insurance study found that Geico provided the cheapest rates for individuals that had a single-car accident. Their premiums were 54 percent cheaper than Florida's statewide average for similar driving profiles. State Farm had the second-lowest rates that were 51 percent lower than average premiums.

If you're a driver in Florida, you can also avoid premium increases if you switch your provider. You can use SmartFinancial's search engine to get auto insurance quotes in Florida and compare rates.

Here are other sample premium rates from other national insurance companies for drivers with single accidents on their records.

	Average Annual Premium for Full Coverage Before Accident	Average Annual Premium for Full Coverage After an Accident
Allstate	$1,920	$2,366
American Family	$1,827	$2,033
AAA	$2,007	$2,883
Erie Insurance	$1,207	$1,428
Farmers Insurance	$1,207	$1,428
Nationwide	$1,475	$2,258
Travelers	$1,428	$1,962
USAA	$1,252	$1,754

Who Has the Cheapest Rates for Florida Drivers with Speeding Tickets?

Have you recently gotten a speeding ticket? It is another traffic violation that can bump up your auto insurance rates in Florida. These infractions can cause insurance premiums to rise about $385 per year, which is the least costly of all traffic violations.

Two insurance companies had the cheapest rates in this category: USAA and State Farm. They provided the lowest rates for individuals who had a violation for driving 16-20 MPH over the speed limit. State Farm had rates that were 48 percent than the state's average. It also beats other insurance companies that typically had lower rates.

Here are additional six-month car premiums for Florida drivers with a speeding ticket.

What Is the Cheapest Auto Insurance for Drivers with a DUI Conviction?

Florida law defines Driving Under the Influence as operating a vehicle while impaired by alcoholic beverages, chemical substances, or controlled substances. Law enforcement proves this by using tests that show the driver had an .08 blood alcohol content or breath alcohol level or higher.

Under 316.193 of the Florida Statutes, drivers convicted of DUIs may pay hefty fines, have their license suspended, vehicle impounded or face jail time.

State Farm provides the cheapest car insurance rates for individuals that have a DUI. Other insurers increased their rates by 27 percent after a single violation. State Farm only increased these rates by nine percent or $171 annually.

Allstate

• Premium without Violation: $944
• Premium with a Speeding Ticket: $1,161

Farmers

• Premium without Violation: $762
• Premium with a Speeding Ticket: $976

Liberty Mutual

• Premium without Violation: $823
• Premium with a Speeding Ticket: 1,007

Nationwide

• Premium without Violation: $673
• Premium with a Speeding Ticket: $864

USAA

• Premium without Violation: $474
• Premium with a Speeding Ticket: $876

DUI: Florida's SR-22 and FR-44 Policies

A driver who is under the influence may injure another person while operating a vehicle. If law enforcement finds you to be under the influence, the state will ask you to get additional insurance and higher coverage limits under their Florida Responsibility Law.

Florida may require you to purchase an SR-22 or FR-44 filing as proof of coverage. Your insurer will send Florida's DMV your SR-22 or FR-44 filing as proof that you have state-required liability insurance.

Cheapest Insurance Companies for SR-22 Requirements in Florida

SR-22 isn't separate auto insurance; it is a Florida car insurance policy with an SR-22 endorsement attached. You'll need to have this attached to reinstate your license. This coverage is higher than a standard policy.

It shows that you have a car insurance policy with the following coverage limits:

• $10,000 of bodily injury coverage per person in an accident
• $20,000 of bodily injury coverage per accident
• $10,000 of property damage coverage per accident

In Florida, most individuals with convictions may have to keep this policy in place for three years before they may buy insurance without this endorsement. Most drivers with SR-22 Requirements saw their premiums increase by 53 percent.

Companies that provided the most affordable premiums for SR-22 Insurance in Florida were:

• State Farm
• Geico
• Allstate

You can use SmartFinancial's search engine as a tool to help you get the cheapest car insurance quotes in Florida.

Cheapest Insurance Companies for FR-44 Requirements in Florida

An FR-44 is an auto insurance policy with an endorsement in the Sunshine State. It is a certificate that shows a driver is financially responsible to the state of Florida.

It also proves that you are carrying the state's mandatory insurance coverage. These policies are only mandatory when a court has convicted you of driving while intoxicated. The state calls FR-44 "DUI Insurance" because this coverage shows that you are a high-risk driver.

Under these policies, Florida requires drivers to carry the following liability limits for their vehicles.

• $100,000 of bodily injury liability coverage per person injured in an accident

• $300,000 of bodily injury liability coverage per accident

• $50,000 of property damage liability coverage per accident

How much FR-44 insurance will you need? It will depend on your situation. It differs from FR-44 insurance. These filings, however, usually last for three years after your conviction with no lapses in car insurance in Florida. Insurers who provided the cheapest FR-44

Insurance were State Farm, Geico, and Allstate. SmartFinancial can help you to find Florida car insurance for drivers

Cheapest Non-Owner SR-22 and FR-44 Policies in Florida

Even if you don't have a car registered in your name, you will still need to get an SR-22 or FR-44 to reinstate your Florida license.

If you don't own a vehicle, you can apply for a non-owner Florida car insurance policy. It is similar to a standard owner's policy. This coverage offers car insurance for drivers who don't have a car. Under Florida state law, this insurance doesn't require PIP, only liability insurance.

Cheapest Insurance Company with a Reckless Driving Citation

Reckless driving is a major moving traffic violation in most states. The Sunshine State defines it under section 316.192 of the 2020 Florida Statutes. Under the law, a reckless driver is any person who drives a vehicle in a willful, wanton disregard for the safety of individuals or property. It includes tailgating and failure to use turn signals. Other examples include a failure to yield, drunk or distracted driving.

USAA had the cheapest rates for drivers who had a reckless driving citation. Other companies that scored well in this category were State Farm and Geico. Here are some selected six-month car insurance premiums from select insurers.

Allstate 

• Premium without Violation: $944
• Premium with Reckless Driving Violation: $1,767

Farmers

• Premium without Violation: $762
• Premium with Reckless Driving Violation: $1,432

Liberty Mutual

• Premium without Violation: $823
• Premium with Reckless Driving Violation: $1,275

Nationwide

• Premium without Violation: $673
• Premium with Reckless Driving Violation: $1,481

State Farm

• Premium without Violation: $656
• Premium with Reckless Driving Violation: $656

USAA 

• Premium without Violation: $475
• Premium with Reckless Driving Violation: $681

How to Save Money on Car Insurance Rates After a Traffic Violation or DUI

As your car ages, the level of coverage you'll need changes, as well. You may no longer need the same insurance coverage for your vehicle when it was new.

If you want to save money, take a few minutes to comparison shop online. Tools like SmartFinancial's insurance comparison search engine can simplify the car insurance process for you. This search engine can help you find the cheapest car insurance quotes in Florida.

Find Affordable Car Insurance in Florida

What Is the Average Auto Insurance Premium for a Single or Married Person?

If you're a Florida driver, your marital status can affect your rates. Car insurance companies view married drivers as safer and more responsible than their non-married counterparts. Additionally, couples are more likely to share their driving duties. On average, married drivers pay less money than their premiums.

In Florida, married motorists saved $81 annually on their auto insurance policies, which surpassed the national average of $76.

• Single: $1,803.59
• Married Motorists: $1,722.90
• Divorced: $1,803.59
• Widowed: $1,762.38

Florida has the fifth most expensive rates in the country for divorced drivers. If you need to find more affordable premiums, some tools can help you find cheaper rates, like SmartFinancial's insurance search engine.

How Much Is Auto Insurance Cost Based on Your Gender?

Your gender doesn't have a tremendous impact on the costs as big of an effect as the driver's location or age. Car insurance companies, however, use it as a factor in determining your rates. In Florida, women pay almost 13 percent more than men on their car insurance premiums.

Here are auto insurance rates based on men versus women in the state of Florida.

• Gender: Male
• Average Yearly Cost: $1,803.59
• Gender: Female
• Average Yearly Cost: $1,837.69

What Are Average Monthly Auto Insurance Rates by Age in Florida?

Age is one factor that insurers use to calculate your auto insurance in Florida. What is the average premium for the Sunshine State based on your gender?

Car insurance companies consider factors like your age when calculating your auto insurance rates.

Here are the average premium rates for drivers based on their age range in Florida.

• 16 years: $5,983.52
• 17 years: $5,604.02
• 18 years: $4,855.11
• 19 years: $3,805.73
• 20-29 years: $2,366.51
• 30-39 years: $1,793.60
• 40-49 years: $1,755.86
• 50-59 years: $1,640.71
• 60-69 years: $1,672.37
• 70-79 years: $2,028.20

Insurers usually charge higher rates to teen drivers because they present a higher risk on the road. This age group is less experienced on the road and less responsible.

How Do I Get Affordable Health Insurance in the State of Florida?

Your Personal Injury Protection insurance may not cover all of your medical bills. Another issue that drivers should consider when purchasing car insurance is their healthcare coverage.

Although minimum auto insurance in Florida includes Personal Injury Protection coverage, it may not be enough to cover medical and rehabilitation costs if you have a serious accident. For instance, if you endure catastrophic injury (brain or spinal), your medical expenses could exceed your policy's limits. If you don't have health insurance, you could pay for these bills out of pocket.

The Affordable Healthcare Act is one avenue you can consider. It's great for individuals who are self-employed or those who don't have employer insurance. These Healthcare Insurance Marketplace plans meet governmental requirements.

• Short-term health insurance is another option. It is temporary medical insurance that is better for healthy or younger participants who don't need long-term healthcare.

• Hospital and Doctor Insurance – This insurance covers medical services like doctor's visits, urgent care or surgical procedures.

• Accident and Critical Illness Insurance – It pays for unexpected incidents that may cause critical illness, hospitalization, dismemberment or accidental deaths.

• Florida Dental and Vision Plans – These cover trips to the eye doctor (ophthalmologist) and dentist.

Drivers in Florida can find the cheapest car insurance coverage by using an insurance comparison tool like SmartFinancial. These tools can help you find affordable auto insurance quotes in Florida.

How Can I Lower My Car Insurance in Florida?

Whenever possible, ask if your insurer has these cost-saving measures to lower insurance rates.

How can you get more affordable car insurance rates?

Florida car insurance companies provide cheaper rates to people who have a clean driving history and a great credit score. They also grant lower rates to individuals that fall into specific demographic categories. Drivers with bad credit receive higher rates. If you're a driver with poor credit, you can use a search engine like SmartFinancial to get cheap car insurance quotes.

• Use accident-free and good-driver discounts - Have you been accident-free for three to five years? You may qualify for this discount offered by Allstate, Geico and State Farm. They automatically apply it to your account.

• Ask about safe driver discounts – Companies like Geico and Allstate provide discounts for good driving habits. They usually discount premiums by 10 percent for safe, on-the-road behavior.

• Consider low Mileage and Usage Savings – An average person drives 12,000 miles a year. If you drive 7,500 miles or less, you may qualify for a low-mileage discount.

• Find out about driver status discounts - Insurers based these savings on driver's personal characteristics, not just their on-the-road habits. They include Good Student, Student Away, Military, Professional and Senior.

• Apply for policy insurance discounts (Homeowner Bundling, Early Signing, Paid in Full, Electronic Billing and Loyalty) – The insurer offers savings based on the person's policy. These discounts are sometimes applied automatically. Other times, you can request them from the insurance company.

These can help you to lower your rates and save money. Florida car insurance companies with the most discounts include:

• American Family
• Liberty Mutual
• GEICO
• Travelers
• State Farm
• Farmers
• Allstate
• Nationwide
• USAA

Additional Tips to Get Cheaper Rates on Car Insurance

There are several things you can do to get the cheapest possible coverage on your auto insurance.

1. Compare rates from different companies – Although some insurers may appear to have affordable premiums, it may not be the cheapest car insurance option for you. Take a few moments to compare rates from different competitors to get the best price. Using comparison tools, like SmartFinancial's insurance search engine, can help you look at car insurance quotes. You'll get a list of premiums, costs and coverages from the cheapest car insurance companies.

2. Consider regional insurers – Companies like State Farm, Allstate, and others control a large part of the auto insurance industry. Local insurers provide better customer service and the cheapest car insurance rates to customers.

3. Consider Pay Per Mile Insurance – Insurers refer to this coverage as low-mileage insurance, or pay-as-you-go car insurance. It offers full coverage – comprehensive and collision coverage – but it charges your insurance by the mile. You will pay less insurance the fewer miles you drive.

4. Drop comprehensive and collision coverage – If you have an older vehicle, you can skip this coverage. Collision pays for repairs when you get into a crash with another object. Comprehensive reimburses you to fix your car when it's involved in a non-collision event (falling hail, fire, and other damage).

5. Repair bad credit scores – Insurers charge Florida drivers with bad credit and lower FICO scores (579 or lower) with higher car insurance rates. There are several ways that drivers with poor credit can improve their insurance premiums. First, pay your bills on time and reduce your debt to lower your car insurance rates.

6. Check insurance prices for new cars – Another way to save money on insurance costs is to check how much it will cost to insure your vehicle before you purchase it.

7. Increase your deductible – You can save money if you buy comprehensive and collision coverage by raising your deductible.

Searching for affordable rates starts with using the right tools. An insurance comparison search engine, like Smart Financial, can help you find affordable coverage that fits your budget. Enter your zip code and complete a few questions to get started.

* Rates change daily. We used our in-house reporting as well as sources that include: 

• https://www.caranddriver.com/car-insurance/a31269432/how-much-is-car-insurance-in-florida/
• https://www.gainesville.com/news/20170723/alachua-county-ranks-cheapest-in-florida-for-car-insurance-study-finds
• https://www.flhsmv.gov/insurance/self-insurance/
• https://www.carinsurance.org/florida/