Florida Auto Insurance Quotes and
Coverage Guide
Florida Motor Vehicle Insurance
Questions & Answers
Q: Is auto insurance mandatory?
A: Yes. But that doesn't mean you will be put on
Death Row if you've
forgotten to renew your policy. Do expect a hefty
fine, however, if
Johnny Law pulls you over. It is also the law here
in Florida law that
all motor-driven vehicles with four or more wheels
must be insured by an
insurance company that is licensed to do business in
the state by the
Florida Department of Insurance. Basically, this
means you cannot get
out your crayons and manila drawing paper, and
create your own version
-- no matter how decorative -- of an insurance card
to carry in your
glove box, wallet, handbag, or stuck with a piece of
chewing gum under
your car seat.
Q: Is Florida a "No-Fault" State?
A: Florida is what is known as a “partial-no-fault
state.” The no-fault
provision applies only to bodily injury. This means
that each party in
an accident is responsible for their own medical
bills and other
injury-related costs that are incurred as a result
of the accident. But
you do retain the right to feel guilty at your own
discretion.
However, after you and/or your insurance company pay
for the damage
you've done to the other party (assuming you were
the one who caused the
accident), maybe your guilt will be assuaged
somewhat if your premiums
rise. If not, consider contacting the spiritual
guidance professional of
your choice. Your right to sue the other party for
your personal
injuries is very limited, so either have your own
medical coverage (the
smart thing) or you might think about wearing
full-body armor when you
drive.
Q: What type of insurance is required to purchase
and maintain a Florida
tag and registration?
A: Florida's minimum coverage consists of $10,000
personal injury
protection (PIP) and $10,000 property damage
liability (PDL). This
requirement is valid for as long as your vehicle is
registered in
Florida even if the vehicle is inoperative or is
being housed in another
state. So even if you're a VIP who is MIA or you're
just SOL, keep your
PIP and your PDL coverages paid up. In addition, if
you ever become
involved in a vehicle accident or are convicted of
certain offenses, you
might be required to purchase bodily injury
liability coverage (BIL) as
well, FYI.
Q: Can I maintain my current policy issued in my
previous state of
residence?
A: No. If your vehicle is registered in Florida then
you must have an
insurance policy that is issued through a Florida
agent with an
insurance company licensed to sell in Florida
(please see above
regarding use of crayons). The chances are that your
current agent can
help you transfer your policy through a Florida
agent. Don't be afraid
to ask. He/she won't get hysterical or go insane
with rage about losing
you as a customer -- really.
Q: What if I fail to keep insurance on my vehicle
that I’ve registered
in Florida?
A: You are subject to having your driver's license
suspended along with
your vehicle tag and registration for up to three
years or until proof
of Florida insurance is provided, whichever is
first. Or, if you get the
wrong traffic judge, you may be forced to choose
between public flogging
or watching "Flipper" reruns until you get your
heart right and that
insurance policy thing gets handled.
Q: I am not a resident of Florida but I visit for
several months during
the year. Do I need Florida insurance?
A: Yes. Any person who operates a vehicle in Florida
for more than 90
days during any 365-day period must have Florida
insurance. The 90 days
need not be consecutive, so there's not much way
around it unless you
know absolutely beyond the shadow of a doubt that
you're only going to
be in the Sunshine State 89 days or less. Otherwise,
cough it up, Bub.
Q: I own several vehicles but do not operate some of
them. Do I need
insurance for the inoperative ones?
A: Yes, if they are currently registered. The only
exception to this
rule is if they have no motors, no wheels, no
chassis, and can no longer
can be classified as "vehicles," but rather as
questionably tasteful
lawn ornaments.
Q: How can I own a vehicle and not need insurance?
A: Since the Florida Department of Motor Vehicles,
for some reason, just
absolutely refuses to accept a written note from
your mother that you no
longer drive, you must cancel your registration and
turn in your tag
to the Driver's License or Tag Office.
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