What you would like to grasp concerning automobile insurance in FL

What you would like to grasp concerning automobile insurance in FL

Currently, FL has rock bottom automobile insurance necessities of any state.

To register a automobile you want to have a Florida-based automobile insurance policy covering $10,000 in property harm liability and $10,000 in personal injury protection (PIP). we tend to powerfully suggested that you simply additionally purchase bodily injury liability coverage. whereas not needed by the state, several automobile insurance firms need it as a part of any policy they issue in FL.

Here's why: Florida is a no-fault state. Treatment for any injuries you suffer is covered by your personal injury protection, up to its limit, regardless of who caused the accident. If bills exceed that limit, the at-fault driver is legally personally responsible unless he or she has bought bodily injury liability coverage.

What's worse, even though bodily injury liability isn't mandated by the state to register a car, the Florida Financial Responsibility Law could force you to buy it after a serious accident or traffic violation.

If you buy bodily injury liability coverage, the smallest amount you can buy is $10,000 per person (up to $20,000 per accident). Homeowners and those with substantial assets need more than that.

Hurricane warning
Hurricanes and tropical storms threaten Florida each year. Comprehensive coverage will repair the damage to your vehicle -- but you can't wait too long to buy it. Make sure to get the coverage in effect before a storm warning is issued.


No-deductible windshield repair or replacement
In an effort to get drivers to repair cracked or damaged windshields, Florida state law says that your comprehensive coverage deductible isn't applicable for damage to the windshield.

Snowbirds
If a vehicle is in Florida for more than 90 days during a 365-day period (the days do not have to be consecutive) you must purchase PIP and property damage liability limits of at least the state minimum limits. See "Car insurance for snowbirds" for more information.

Uninsured motorist penalties for Florida
You may have to pay a $30 fine and your registration and license may be suspended and your plates confiscated. You may also be required to file an SR-22 form. If your license and registration are suspended, you will have to pay a $150 reinstatement fee upon renewal.

Seat Belt Law
If you're a driver or passenger and are ticketed for a seat belt violation, you will not get a point on your record; however, if the ticket is for a child restraint offense, it comes with three points. The fine is $30 for adults and $60 for children, plus administrative and court costs.

Expired Registration
Registrations issued in your name expire at midnight on the day of your birth date, except for mobile homes and commercial vehicles. The fine for a tag that is expired for less than six months is around $100 and a tag expired six months or more can come with jail time up to 60 days and/or a fine of up to $500.

Insurance Fraud
Florida is notorious for car insurance fraud. It has more questionable claims than any other state, with con men frequently taking advantage of its no-fault insurance law, which requires all drivers to carry $10,000 in personal injury protection coverage for injuries suffered in a car crash.