Insuring your vehicle in Florida is fairly similar to insuring in other American states. But of special concern is obtaining auto insurance when you live in Florida on a part-time basis. These tips will help you understand the importance of properly insuring your vehicle in Florida, protecting you from any unpleasant surprises. After a quick briefing on the Florida insurance policy the focus will shift to the insurance needs of those new to living in Florida, or those temporarily living in Florida.Auto insurance policy
Your auto insurance policy in the state of Florida has six components. Each one provides specific coverage to protect you in the event of an unforeseen loss.
1. Bodily injury liability
This section provides coverage for you should your actions cause injuries to someone else. You may end up harming another driver, your fellow passengers, or pedestrians. This coverage helps to defray the medical costs associated with the accident. Even more significant are the rising court case costs; you want to be able to protect your home and other assets should you be sued. Bodily injury liability insurance will protect you from possible financial ruin.
2. Personal Injury Protection
This section deals with the medical costs arising out of injury to you the driver. It also includes provisions for paying any lost wages during your recovery time. In the case of your death, funeral costs may be covered but beware that the normal payouts for such costs are quite low.
3. Property Damage Liability
You may cause damage to someone else's property while driving your vehicle. This coverage extends to cover the costs of damage to another vehicle, a public structure such as a lamp post or utility pole, and structures such as buildings.
4. Collision
Collision coverage includes damages caused by hitting another car, object or rollover, or potholes. In Florida, if you are found at fault in an accident, your policy will pay the costs to repair your vehicle less the deductible. If you are found not at fault, your insurance company will try to recoup their payouts from the other driver's company.
5. Comprehensive
Comprehensive coverage kicks in when you are a victim of theft or damages caused by perils including fire, vandalism, hail, windstorm and flood among others. The most common compressive claims filed are for cracked or broken windshields.
6. Uninsured and Underinsured Motorist Coverage
If you are involved in a collision with a driver who does not have insurance or does not have enough insurance this section will ensure you receive any payouts due.
Insuring your vehicle in Florida
If you are one of the many people escaping the cold by spending part or all of your winter in Florida, you will need to have your vehicle insured in Florida as well as your home state. This requirement helps protect drives as the population increases during the winter months and keeps everyone on the roads safe.
Even if you live outside of Florida, you must obtain and maintain auto insurance in Florida. Otherwise you will be forced to turn in your vehicle tag and registration. When you register your vehicle in Florida, you must submit proof of Florida insurance and original vehicle title to the local county tax collector's office.
Florida insurance requires that you arrange your policy with a company that is capable of providing information by electronic means to the Department of Highway Safety and Motor Vehicles. This way, authorities can easily determine that you are properly registered and insured in Florida. You also need to have a valid driver's license to obtain insurance in Florida, or at least take all necessary steps to get your license within 30 days of applying for insurance.
If you are not properly insured
The Florida Department of Highway Safety and Motor Vehicles has the right to suspend your license, vehicle tag and registration if you are caught driving without proof of Florida insurance. The suspension period is for three years or until you obtain your proof of Florida insurance.
Minimum insurance requirements in Florida
Your insurance policy will have to meet the following minimum limits under these coverage sections if you have a valid Florida license plate:
*$10,000 Personal Injury Protection
*$10,000 Property Damage Liability
*If you have a record of driving convictions or a previous accident, you will need to carry Bodily Injury Liability.
Arranging for auto insurance in Florida is important for all drivers, especially those spending a few weeks or few months in the state. Properly insuring and registering your vehicle will make your stay in Florida memorable for all the right reasons; not for unfortunate losses.
