The best car insurance in Florida

The average cost of a full coverage car insurance policy in Florida is $2,914 per year. However, rates vary greatly from one city to the next — the average cost of car insurance in Miami is $4,222, while drivers in Titusville pay an average of $2,476 a year.

Rates in Florida may be higher than in most other U.S. states, but savvy drivers can still find cheap car insurance. The key is to get quotes from several companies. Policygenius can help you compare quotes from top car insurance companies to find the coverage that’s right for you.

Cheapest car insurance companies in Florida

Insurance costs vary based on where you live, your age, your driving history, and the kind of car you drive. Every insurance company has its own formula for setting rates, so you can get very different rates from two companies for the same coverage. The table below shows the five cheapest car insurance companies in Florida and their J.D. Power scores.

Cheapest car insurance companies by age in Florida

How old you are also plays a part in how much you’ll pay for car insurance. Younger drivers pay significantly more than older drivers. The longer you’ve been driving, the more experience you have on the road, while younger drivers may be more likely to take risks or make mistakes behind the wheel.

In Florida however, a single company has the lowest rate no matter your age.

Choosing the right car insurance company in Florida

Choosing the right car insurance company may seem like a daunting task, but it’s easier than you might think. There are some key factors to consider when shopping:

• Cost: You don’t want to overpay for car insurance. Get quotes from multiple companies so you can compare.

• Coverage: Choose a policy with coverage that protects you, but there’s no need to go overboard.

• Customer Service: The service you get when you buy your policy is the service you’ll get when you file a claim. If buying the policy was a hassle, then filing a claim won’t be any better.

Policygenius can help you compare quotes and see which coverage is included so you can make an informed decision about the policy you purchase.

Car insurance rates for drivers with driving violations in Florida

Your driving history can have a positive or negative impact on how much you pay for car insurance, depending on your record. Speeding tickets will increase your rates, and accidents will increase them even more, especially if you’re determined to be at fault. The more violations you have on your driving record, the more you’ll pay for car insurance.

Do your best to keep a clean record and you’ll save money on coverage. The table below shows the average annual car insurance rates for drivers with a variety of violations for both GEICO and State Farm.

Cheapest car insurance for drivers with bad credit in Florida

You might be surprised to learn that insurance companies consider your credit score when determining your car insurance rates. The following table shows the five cheapest car insurance companies in Florida for drivers with bad credit.

Car insurance costs in Florida cities

Car insurance costs vary greatly from one city to the next depending on a number of factors, like crime rates and previous claims. As you might imagine, rates are higher in cities than in more rural areas. Lots of cars on narrow streets leads to more fender benders, which means higher car insurance rates. The list below shows the average annual car insurance costs for the 10 biggest cities in Florida based on population size.

• Jacksonville: $1,736

• Miami: $4,222

• Tampa: $3,824

• St. Petersburg: $1,868

• Orlando: $1,636

• Hialeah: $4,239

• Tallahassee: $2,483

• Fort Lauderdale: $3,654

• Port St. Lucie: $2,738

• Pembroke Pines: $3.528

Buying car insurance in Florida

The state of Florida requires car insurance to register a vehicle, but it has very low minimums. Every registered vehicle must have:

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

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

Proof of insurance must be provided at the time of registration and coverage must be maintained even if the vehicle is not being driven or is inoperable. Additionally, the policy must be from a carrier licensed in Florida. If you move to Florida from another state, speak with your agent about having that policy transferred.

Driving without the required insurance can result in a suspension of your driving privileges and your license plate for up to three years. It may be reinstated, but it will require the payment of a $500 fee.

Florida is a no-fault state. This means that no one driver is named as being at fault for an accident. It also means that you cannot expect the other driver’s insurance to pay your claim. Every claim you file needs to be filed with your own carrier who will pay you for the claim.

This makes it especially important to have enough coverage in the event of an accident. Make sure you’re comfortable with any deductibles you choose and that the full amount of the coverage you select will cover any necessary repairs or medical bills incurred.

How to get cheap car insurance in Florida

• Drive safely: Avoid accidents and moving violations, including speeding tickets, to keep your rates low

• Watch your credit: Good credit will help you get a good deal on car insurance while bad credit can raise your rates

• Shop around: Compare rates from multiple insurance companies to see which offers the best rates

• Choose coverage carefully: Look at your coverage options, including deductibles, and choose the best coverage for your needs.

Methodology

Policygenius has analyzed car insurance rates provided by Quadrant Information Services for every ZIP code in all 50 states plus Washington, D.C. For full coverage policies, the following coverage limits were used:

• Bodily injury liability: 50/100

• Property damage liability: $50,000

• Uninsured/underinsured motorist: 50/100

• Comprehensive: $500 deductible

• Collision: $500 deductible

In some cases, additional coverages were added where required by state or insurer.

Rates for overall average rate, rates by ZIP code, and cheapest companies determined using averages for single drivers ages 30, 35, and 45. Our sample vehicle was a 2017 Toyota Camry LE driven 10,000 miles/year.

Rates for driving violations and “Poor” credit determined using average rates for a single male 30-year-old driver with a credit score under 578.

Some carriers may be represented by affiliates or subsidiaries. Rates provided are a sample of costs. Your actual quotes may differ.