Orlando Harmon
Florida has specific insurance requirements for vehicles with current Florida registration. These requirements include Personal Injury Protection (PIP) and Property Damage Liability (PDL) insurance, with a minimum of $10,000 in coverage for each. Florida also mandates continuous insurance coverage, even if the vehicle is not being used. If you're involved in an accident, Florida law requires drivers to exchange insurance information, and you can request this information from the other driver. If the other driver refuses to provide insurance details, you can involve the police, who will create an official accident report, or contact a car accident lawyer for assistance. To verify insurance coverage, you can also contact the Florida Department of Motor Vehicles (DMV) or speak directly to the insurance company, provided you have the other driver's license plate number.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Vehicle registration | Must have a Florida registration, license plate, and insurance with a Florida policy |
| Minimum insurance requirements | PIP and PDL insurance with a minimum of $10,000 each. Taxis must carry BIL coverage of $125,000 per person, $250,000 per occurrence, and $50,000 for PDL |
| Continuous coverage | Required even if the vehicle is not being driven or is inoperable. Military members stationed out-of-state/country may be exempt |
| Cancelling insurance | Surrender the license plate/tag before cancelling insurance to avoid suspension and reinstatement fees |
| Failure to maintain insurance | May result in suspension of your driver's license/registration and a reinstatement fee of up to $500 |
| Bodily Injury Liability (BIL) | Pays for injury or death to others |
| Personal Injury Protection (PIP) | Covers you regardless of fault in a crash, up to policy limits |
| Property Damage Liability (PDL) | Pays for damage to other people's property |
| Insurance verification after an accident | Ask the other driver, contact the police, or speak with the Florida DMV |
| Insurance companies in Florida | GEICO, Brannon & Brannon Car Accident & Personal Injury Lawyers, Perenich, Caulfield, Avril & Noyes Personal Injury Lawyers, etc. |
| Insurance rates influenced by | Value of the car, safety features, theft rates, driving history, accident history, area of residence, etc. |
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What You'll Learn
Florida's no-fault insurance law
Florida is one of the dozen or so states that follow a "no-fault" car insurance system. This means that, in the event of a car accident, your insurance coverage pays for your medical bills and other financial losses, regardless of who caused the accident. This is known as Personal Injury Protection (PIP) coverage. PIP is not liability insurance, and it only benefits the insured. The minimum limit in Florida is $10,000 of bodily injury coverage per person, with no more than $20,000 paid per accident, and $10,000 of property damage coverage per accident. PIP coverage also applies to the policyholder's children, even when they are riding on a school bus, and protects the policyholder while they are a passenger in someone else's vehicle, or as a pedestrian or bicyclist if they are struck by a motor vehicle.
PIP coverage pays 80% of medical bills, 60% of lost wages, and 100% of replacement service costs. It also contains a $5,000 death benefit, which is paid to the executor or administrator of the deceased person's estate, or to their relatives. It is important to note that PIP claims must be made within 14 days of the accident.
Florida's no-fault system does not apply to vehicle damage claims after a car accident. A liability claim can be made against the at-fault driver for damage to a vehicle, with no limitations. Uninsured Motorist (UM) coverage protects the insured if they are not at fault in an accident with an uninsured or under-insured driver. UM limits cannot be greater than standard liability limits.
If you've been involved in a car accident in Florida, the easiest way to find out if the other driver has insurance is to simply ask. Most drivers willingly exchange insurance information after an accident. However, a registered vehicle is not proof of insurance, as an insurance policy may have expired or been cancelled. In these situations, the other driver might be reluctant to admit they were driving without insurance. Calling the police after an accident is always the best policy, as a police officer will create an official accident report. Another option for identifying whether a driver has car insurance is to speak with the Florida Department of Motor Vehicles (DMV). For this method to work, you'll need the other driver's license plate number.
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Required insurance coverage
In the state of Florida, vehicle insurance is mandatory. Before registering a vehicle with at least four wheels, you must show proof of Personal Injury Protection (PIP) and Property Damage Liability (PDL) automobile insurance. This is the minimum level of auto insurance coverage required by law.
PIP covers 80% of all necessary and reasonable medical expenses up to $10,000 resulting from a covered injury, regardless of who caused the crash. PDL coverage, on the other hand, pays for damage to another person's property caused by you or someone else driving your insured vehicle. The minimum coverage for both PIP and PDL is $10,000.
Vehicles registered as taxis have different requirements. They must carry bodily injury liability (BIL) coverage of $125,000 per person, $250,000 per occurrence, and $50,000 for PDL coverage. While BIL is not required for regular vehicles in Florida, it is recommended by experts as it protects you if someone is injured or killed due to your negligence in a car accident.
Additionally, you must maintain continuous insurance coverage throughout the registration period, even if the vehicle is not being driven or is inoperable. If you cancel your insurance, you must surrender your license plate and registration to avoid suspension and reinstatement fees. Failure to maintain the required insurance coverage may result in the suspension of your driver's license and registration, as well as a reinstatement fee of up to $500.
It is also important to note that collision and comprehensive insurance are not included in the minimum liability or PIP coverage. Collision insurance covers damage to your car in an accident, while comprehensive insurance covers incidents other than collisions, such as fire, theft, vandalism, or natural events like floods and hurricanes. These additional types of coverage may be required if your car is financed.
To verify another driver's insurance information after an accident, you can ask the driver, involve the police, or contact the Florida Department of Motor Vehicles (DMV) with the other driver's license plate number.
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Florida insurance requirements for non-residents
Florida has specific insurance requirements for non-residents who wish to operate a vehicle within the state. Non-residents must register their vehicles with a Florida license plate and obtain a Florida insurance policy if they accept employment or engage in any trade, profession, or occupation in Florida, or if they enrol their children in a Florida public school. The registration certificate, license plate, and Florida certificate of title (unless an out-of-state lien holder has it) must be obtained within 10 days of beginning employment or enrollment.
Before registering a vehicle in Florida, non-residents must show proof of Personal Injury Protection (PIP) and Property Damage Liability (PDL) automobile insurance. PIP covers 80% of all necessary and reasonable medical expenses up to $10,000 resulting from a covered injury. PDL, on the other hand, pays for the damage to other people's property. Failure to maintain the required insurance coverage may result in the suspension of the driver's license and registration, along with a reinstatement fee of up to $500.
Non-residents seeking to obtain a Florida insurance license must complete certain requirements. They must be at least 18 years old and cannot hold another active resident license in another state. Non-citizens must submit proof of work authorization, and all addresses provided must be US addresses. Additionally, applicants must be fingerprinted by IdentoGO by Idemia (formerly MorphoTrust USA).
Certain felonies may permanently bar individuals from obtaining an insurance license in Florida, while other felonies and misdemeanors require a waiting period before applying. Applicants must also provide their name, Florida license number, mailing address, telephone number, and signature. The application must be submitted electronically, and the applicant must pass a state licensing exam.
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How to check another driver's insurance
In Florida, all drivers are required to have auto insurance coverage. This includes Personal Injury Protection (PIP) and Property Damage Liability (PDL) insurance. While a registered vehicle must be insured, a driver does not have to provide you with proof of insurance. However, they do need to show proof when asked by a law enforcement officer.
- Ask the driver: In most cases, drivers will voluntarily exchange insurance information after an accident.
- Contact the police: If the other driver does not disclose their insurance information, you can contact the police. Officers will usually act as a go-between to minimize the risk of conflict and will create an official accident report. This report will include the insurance information of all drivers involved.
- Contact the DMV: If you did not receive help from the police, you can contact the Florida Department of Motor Vehicles (DMV). They should have the insurance information of all drivers on file, but you will need the other driver's license plate number.
- Speak to their insurance company: Working with the DMV and speaking directly to the other driver's insurance company can help you verify their insurance status.
- Contact a lawyer: If all else fails, a car accident attorney can advise you on how to take action over car accident damages. Most law firms offer a free consultation.
It is important to note that failure to maintain the required insurance coverage in Florida may result in the suspension of your driver's license and a requirement to pay a reinstatement fee of up to $500.
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Factors influencing insurance rates
Florida is one of the most expensive states for vehicle insurance, with rates significantly higher than the national average. There are several factors that influence these elevated insurance rates.
Location and Climate
Florida's geographic location makes it susceptible to hurricanes and natural disasters, which play a significant role in increasing insurance costs. The state's climate also means that features such as wind mitigation measures, including hurricane straps and impact-resistant roofing, can influence insurance rates.
Vehicle Type and Usage
The type of vehicle and its usage influence insurance rates. Luxury cars or vehicles with expensive parts generally have higher repair costs, impacting insurance rates. Additionally, vehicles used for daily commuting, especially in high-traffic areas, typically face higher premiums due to increased accident risks.
Age and Gender
The age and gender of the driver are also considered. Younger male drivers often face higher premiums than females in the same age group due to a higher likelihood of accidents and risky behaviours. However, as drivers age, the difference in rates between genders decreases with more conservative driving habits.
Credit Score
Credit score is a significant factor in determining insurance rates. Insurers associate higher credit scores with responsible financial behaviour and a lower risk of filing claims. Components such as payment history, debt levels, credit history length, and types of credit used influence credit scores, and consistent on-time payments can help improve scores over time.
Insurance Score and Economic Factors
Florida's insurance market is unique due to its heavy reliance on reinsurance, which is influenced by broader economic factors. Individual insurance scores, similar to credit scores, can impact premiums, with improvements leading to lower rates.
It is important to note that maintaining a good driving record and taking practical steps to reduce risk, such as installing safety features, can help lower insurance rates regardless of the above factors.
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Frequently asked questions
You can ask the other driver for their insurance information, which they are required to disclose to you. If they refuse, you can contact the police, who will ask for their insurance information and create an official accident report. You can then request a copy of the report from the Florida Department of Highway Safety and Motor Vehicles (FLHSMV).
If you know the license plate number, you can contact the Florida Department of Motor Vehicles (DMV), who should have the insurance information on file. You can also contact the insurance company directly.
If you do not have insurance in Florida, your driver's license may be suspended for up to three years, and you may be required to pay a reinstatement fee of up to $500.
The minimum insurance requirements for a vehicle in Florida are Personal Injury Protection (PIP) and Property Damage Liability (PDL) insurance. Vehicles must have a minimum of $10,000 in PIP and $10,000 in PDL.
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