subject: Florida Auto Insurance Requirements [print this page] The state of Florida ranks as the most visited tourism destination in the world. Because of the influx of people, there are strict auto insurance requirements to protect drivers, passengers, and property from loss. Short-term visitors driving rental cars must maintain personal insurance policies in another state. Foreign tourists must purchase auto insurance from the rental car company. When moving to Florida as a new resident, every driver must purchase Florida auto insurance, adhere to minimum coverage amounts, and seasonal residents must understand the restrictions.
If a driver is moving to Florida, auto insurance coverage must be maintained in the prior state of residence until insurance is purchased in Florida. The policy must be in force prior to the purchase of Florida license plates. Strict penalties are assessed for driving without insurance coverage. Any driver caught without insurance while operating a motor vehicle will have their drivers license suspended for three years and pay more than $150 in fines to reinstate the license.
Florida is a no-fault state, which means that each drivers insurance company pays the claims for each of its insured drivers in the event of an accident. Under the personal injury protection (PIP) coverage, each driver and passenger is covered up to the limit of the policy. Every driver must carry $10,000 minimum coverage in this category. Another dimension of Florida auto insurance coverage is the liability portion of the policy that must be at least $10,000 and covers bodily injury liability (BIL) and property damage liability (PDL). Liability coverage will pay for damage when other people involved in an accident are not insured. Damage to public and private property will be covered up to the policy limit.
Thousands of seasonal drivers live part of each year in Florida and the remainder of the year in northern states. Whenever a driver will live within the borders of Florida for more than 90 days during a 365-day period, auto insurance must be purchased from a company licensed to issue insurance in Florida. The 90 days do not have to be consecutive to require the driver to carry a Florida auto insurance policy. One approach to this is to carry insurance from a company that is licensed in both states of residence so the coverage can be transferred between those two states to comply with legal requirements all year.
Because so many Florida drivers are over the age of 55, the state has initiated a Mature Driver education program. The online course is offered to hone the driving skills of older drivers. Each driver can study the materials online and then answer quiz questions. When proof of course completion is presented to the insurance company, a mandatory rate discount is given for the insurance policy. Accident rates are lower, and the insurance risk is reduced for companies and individuals. When driving in Florida at any age, know the requirements and comply with the law.
by: Todd Meyers
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