Florida Car Insurance (The Only Guide You’ll Ever Need)

Endless coastlines, bustling highways, dense forests, and winding country roads.

Welcome to Florida, where motorists will find no shortage of diverse scenery in the state’s 54,000+ square miles of land and more than 120,000 miles of roads.

But when it comes to choosing the right car insurance provider, the diversity in options may begin to feel overwhelming. Knowing which provider to choose, what coverage you need, and staying up-to-date on Florida law can feel burdensome — especially if you’re not sure where to start.

The good news? You don’t have to feel like you’re driving along a dark road, and you don’t have to spend hours searching the web for answers. Thanks to this comprehensive, all-in-one guide, we have everything you need to know about driving in Florida.

Minimum coverage requirements? We have that.

The latest state laws about texting and driving? We have that.

Little-known-facts and data specific to Florida? We have that too.

Getting behind the wheel with confidence in the Sunshine State is as easy as getting in the driver’s seat of this easy-to-follow and all-inclusive guide.

You can begin by comparing rates across Florida car insurance providers right now with our FREE online tool. Just enter your zip code to start.

Now, let’s look at Florida’s car insurance coverage and rates.

Florida Car Insurance Coverage and Rates

Without a doubt, drivers are flocking to Florida — and the numbers prove it.

According to a study released in 2018 by the United States Census Bureau:

• Florida is the nation’s third most populous state with just over 21 million residents, and
• Florida had the highest level of net domestic migration — as in, people moving to Florida from around the United States.

But it doesn’t stop there.

Between 2017 and 2018, Florida ranked second in the country in numeric growth (+ 322,513 residents) and fifth in its percentage growth (1.5 percent).

Both Jacksonville and Miami were named among the nation’s fastest-growing cities between 2017 and 2018.

And with popular mainstays like Walt Disney World and Universal Studios, tourism in the Sunshine State continues to thrive, with approximately 124.7 million visitors coming to Florida in 2018 alone — a 5.3 percent increase over 2017.

With over 15 million licensed drivers, it becomes increasingly clear that knowing the ins and outs of Florida car insurance is essential.

So, without further ado, let’s take a closer look at the minimum car insurance coverage requirements in the state of Florida.

Florida Minimum Car Insurance Coverage Requirements

First thing’s first — you need to know that Florida is one of 12 (plus Puerto Rico) “no-fault” states in the country.

“No fault” means that after a car crash, your insurance pays the medical bills and other financial losses of anyone covered under the policy, regardless of whether you caused the accident.

States that have no-fault insurance laws require drivers to purchase personal injury protection, also known as PIP. This form of insurance can aid with medical expenses, lost wages, pain and suffering, and even funeral costs.

Knowing that Florida is a no-fault state requiring PIP, here are the minimum coverage requirements required of ALL Florida drivers:

To be clear, that’s $10,000 in personal injury protection (covering your own medical expenses, not vehicle damage) and $10,000 in property damage liability (damage that occurs to someone else’s vehicle or property).

That being said, there’s still more to consider in terms of coverage.

While the Florida Department of Highway Safety and Motor Vehicles confirms these minimum coverage requirements for drivers, state officials also point to the Florida Financial Responsibility Law, which addresses coverage required for drivers who cause a crash. It states:

“any person at fault in a crash resulting in bodily injury and property damage to others must have in effect at the time of the crash full liability insurance coverage.” 

The minimum coverage needed to fulfill the requirements of this law are:

• $10,000 in bodily injury liability per person, and
• $20,000 in bodily injury liability per crash

Should you find yourself in a car accident with escalating expenses, additional coverage like this will without a doubt become beneficial.

Something else to keep in mind:

• Comprehensive coverage, which covers events outside of car collisions (like vandalism or weather damage), is optional in Florida. And,
• Uninsured/underinsured motorists coverage (UM/UIM) is also optional (UM/UIM covers costs in crashes involving drivers who have no insurance or insufficient coverage). But, listen to this:

Statistics from the Insurance Information Institute reveal that Florida is ranked first in the nation in its percentage of uninsured motorists, at 26.7 percent.

Data like that makes for a very convincing case to explore coverage options beyond the minimum requirements in Florida, ensuring your financial and physical peace in mind should you end up in a collision.

Forms of Financial Responsibility

As a Florida driver, you must have “Florida Coverage” — in other words, an insurance policy issued in Florida by an insurance company licensed by the Florida Department of Financial Services.

But it’s not enough just to have car insurance. You must carry proof of your coverage in your vehicle at all times. Not doing so will result in immediate consequences:

• The suspension of your driving privilege, including your license plate and registration, for up to three years or until proof is shown.
• Once you can demonstrate proof of insurance, a reinstatement fee of at least $150 (up to $500 for subsequent violations) will be required to regain driving privileges.

Premiums as a Percentage of Income in Florida

When it comes to paying for car insurance, a common question most Florida drivers will have is, “How much?”

You may also want to know what percentage of your income will go toward your premium.

In combing through data provided by the National Association of Insurance Commissioners (NAIC), we found that the average disposable income for a Florida resident in 2014 was $38,350.00, with drivers paying 3.15 percent of their income toward their premiums.

Check out this table for more:

On one hand, that percentage represents a marked decline for Floridians from previous years – from 3.3 percent in 2013, and 3.22 percent in 2012.

However, this percentage is not only higher than Florida’s neighboring Alabama and Georgia (which both fall under 3 percent), but it’s also one of the highest in the country — surpassed only by West Virginia, Louisiana, and Michigan.

Why are Floridians paying such a high percentage of their income toward premiums? A simple internet search reveals a number of similar theories, among them: the state’s first-place ranking in uninsured drivers, its high population density, and its unpredictable weather.

Core Coverage

Here’s a look at the average cost core insurance coverage in Florida, according to the NAIC:

Additional Liability Coverage in Florida

Financial health and profitability — two important factors drivers should consider when determining how well Florida car insurance providers are performing. In looking at an insurance company’s loss ratio, one can get a better gauge of both.

A loss ratio is defined as a ratio of loss to gains – in this case, the losses an auto insurance company is paying out in claims, versus the money it’s receiving in premiums.

If an insurance company has a loss ratio that’s over 100 percent, that means the company is paying out more in claims than they are receiving in premiums.

In reviewing the most recent data from the NAIC, we can see that Florida car insurance companies have loss ratios falling under 100 percent in the following areas:

Remember, while personal injury protection (PIP) is required in the state of Florida, uninsured and underinsured motorists coverage are not. When considering that Florida has earned high rankings in the nation for car crash deaths, it is certainly prudent to explore coverage options that go beyond the state’s minimum requirements.

Which leads us to our next topic…

Add-ons, Endorsements, and Riders

If you’re looking to customize your car insurance beyond Florida’s minimum requirements, here’s what you need to know — you’ve got options.

Here’s a list of optional add-ons, endorsements, and riders you can consider:

• Guaranteed Auto Protection (GAP)
• Personal Umbrella Policy (PUP)
• Rental Reimbursement
• Emergency Roadside Assistance
• Mechanical Breakdown Insurance
• Non-Owner Car Insurance
• Modified Car Insurance Coverage
• Classic Car Insurance
• Pay-As-You-Drive or Usage-Based Insurance

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=gFiSr5a5fI4&feature=youtu.be

Rates Comparing Male vs. Female Drivers in Florida

Here’s a question – do male drivers tend to pay more than female drivers in Florida? And does marital status play a role?

The answer? Yes…and no.

Take a look:

Our data reveals that whether men do pay more than women in car insurance premiums really depends on their age.

Case in point: every single car insurance provider in our data set charges higher rates single 17-year-old and 25-year-old male drivers when compared to their female counterparts.

• The biggest gap in coverage can be seen among 17-year-olds insured by Progressive Select (with males paying well over $3,500 than females).
• The smallest gap can be seen among 25-year-olds insured by State Farm (with males paying roughly $52 more than females).

On the flip side, our data shows that when comparing married men and women at ages 35 and 60, premiums vary. In some cases, women are paying more. But in others, women are paying less.

Bottom line? It appears that premiums between male and female drivers in Florida show much less variation as they grow older, and marry.

Florida Car Insurance Rates by Zip Code

It’s a well-documented fact — Florida car insurance premiums will vary depending on what zip code you live in.

We’ve compiled zip codes and premiums from across the state in the table below:

In terms of the zip codes paying the highest premiums (33142, 33147, 33125, 33134 and 33130), our data overwhelmingly points to Miami —with the highest premiums coming in at $12,185.02 for Allstate customers.

In terms of the zip codes paying the lowest premiums (32618, 32667, 32643, 32694), our data pointed to smaller Florida towns of Gainesville, Archer, Micanopy, Newberry, High Springs, and Waldo. The insurance company charging the least amount in premiums for zip codes in this group of cities is Geico, at just over $2,900.

Florida Car Insurance Rates by City

Now, let’s take a look at Florida car insurance rates by city:

According to our data, here are the cities with the lowest average premiums:

• Waldo ($3,481.35)
• High Springs ($3,486.23)
• Archer ($3,486.59)
• Micanopy ($3,486.59)
• Newberry ($3,486.59)

And, here are the cities with the highest average premiums:

• Key Biscayne ($6,683.63)
• Homestead ($6,888.54)
• Miami ($6,963.04)
• Opa Locka ($6,972.48)
• Hialeah ($7,130.02)

In case you were wondering, the difference between the city with the lowest premium (Waldo) and the highest premium (Hileah) is over $3,600!

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Best Florida Car Insurance Companies 

We know that if you’re going to put in the time, research and energy, you want to end up with the very best car insurance provider for your vehicle! And for many, the term “best” usually factors in customer satisfaction and customer complaints.

We’re breaking down both, below:

Financial Ratings for Florida’s Top 10 Largest Companies

AM Best is a leading figure in ranking the “financial stability of insurers and the insurance industry.”

For AM Best, an “A++” rating is considered superior. Take a look at this table, and you can see that in looking at the top 10 insurance providers in Florida, three have earned the A++ distinction: Geico, State Farm, and USAA.

As seen in our table, AM Best did not provide rankings for Amtrust NGH Group, J. Whited Group (Windhaven), or InFananciality Property & Casualty Insurance Group.

However, AM Best did provide a Best-Issuer Credit Rating (ICR) for Amtrust NGH. According to AM Best, “A long–term ICR is an opinion of an entity’s ability to meet its ongoing senior financial obligations.”

In the case of Amtrust, AM Best’s long-term ICR ranking of “bbb-” represents “a good ability to meet their senior financial obligations”

Florida Companies with the Best Ratings

The JD Power 2018 US Auto Insurance Study gives Florida drivers another view of customer satisfaction among car insurance providers. But before you think customer satisfaction is just about the price, think again!

According to Robert Lajdziak, Insurance Practice Business Consultant at J.D. Power,

“Low prices may attract new customers, but it’s service that keeps them. The auto insurers that increase customer satisfaction across all facets of the customer experience make price just one part of the overall relationship.”

With that in mind, take a look at the Overall Customer Satisfaction Index Ranking for the Florida Region:

Florida Insurance Companies with the Most Complaints

Here’s the thing — knowing about customer complaints is just as important, if not more important, than compliments.

We gathered data about the state’s top 10 insurers from the state’s Division of Consumer Services, and here’s what we found:

State Farm and Windhaven showed the greatest number of complaints by far from 2015 to 2017, with Windhaven taking the top spot with 629 complaints in 2016.

On the flip side, Travelers had significantly fewer complaints than any company on our list, registering complaints in the single digits — just two in 2017, and one in 2015 and 2016.

The state has created an interactive complaint comparison tool. Click here to try it out for yourself.

Florida Car Insurance Rates by Company

According to Quadrant Data Solutions,

the average premium in the state of Florida is $4,680.46

So, how do the top car insurance providers in the state compare to the state average? Which ones are charging a higher rate, and which ones are charging lower?

See for yourself:

In terms of paying premiums that are above the state average, Allstate customers are paying the most at a rate that’s just over 37 percent higher.

On the flip side, USAA rates are significantly lower than the state average — 64.2 percent lower, to be precise — at just over $2,800.

Average Rates by Commute

How does a Florida driver’s commute affect their car insurance premiums?

It turns out that, with the exception of two companies, a longer commute is translating into higher premiums:

According to our analysis, the length of a driver’s commute doesn’t impact premium rates for Progressive or Nationwide customers. But for every other carrier on this list, drivers with a 25-mile/12,000-mile annual commute tend to pay more in premiums — with the highest overall rates going to Allstate customers.

Florida Coverage Level Rates by Company

It should come as no surprise that the amount of coverage a Florida driver purchases for his or her car will have an impact on the overall premium:

In comparing rates across companies, Allstate shows the biggest jump from low to high coverage, at almost $3,000. The smallest difference is in USAA coverages, with roughly a $700 difference between its low and high coverage options.

Florida Car Insurance Rates by Credit History

Without a doubt, your credit history can play a significant role in what amount you end up paying in car insurance premiums.

According to Experian’s 2017 State of Credit Survey:

• The average Vantage Credit Score in the United States was 675
• The average number of credit cards was 3.1
• The average credit card balance was $6,534

So, how did Florida compare with the rest of the nation?

• With an average Vantage Credit Score of 668
• An average 3.19 credit cards, and
• An average credit card balance of $6,388.

We took a look at what some of the state’s top insurers were charging drivers with poor, fair and bad credit:

According to these numbers, Florida drivers insured with Allstate can expect to pay the highest rates at over $10,400. This $5,700 more than what USAA customers with poor credit ratings are paying.

Our data also shows USAA customers with good credit are paying the least in premiums, at $1,645.31.

Florida Car Insurance Rates by Driving Record

Anyone who’s had any type of driving infraction — whether that be a speeding ticket or a crash — knows that it can greatly alter your premium. Simply put — “the better your record, the lower your premium.” But the question for Florida drivers is, by how much?

With just a few exceptions, one can see a steady uptick in rates as you move across the table, from left to right.

Drivers insured with Liberty Mutual and Allstate will pay the highest rates for a DUI, both exceeding $7,200 and $8,500, respectively. On the flip side, motorists who have had one DUI and are insured with State Farm and USAA will pay the lowest rates, both at roughly $4,000.

Florida’s 10 Largest Car Insurance Companies

Here’s a look at the top insurers in Florida according to market share:

Read more: State Farm Car Insurance Guide [Data + Expert Review]

Number of Insurers in Florida

Finally, here’s a comparison between the number of domestic and foreign insurers in the state:

• Domestic = 114
• Foreign = 953

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Florida State Laws

Let’s face it — not having an understanding of Florida state law for drivers can lead to unnecessary headaches and avoidable circumstances.

Fortunately, we’ve put in the research to ensure that you have a good, working knowledge of Florida’s day-to-day laws in topics like insurance fraud, high-risk insurance, the state’s statute of limitations, and more.

Car Insurance Laws

How car insurance laws are regulated varies from state to state.

As you’ve learned, Florida is unique in that it’s a no-fault state. But in what other ways does car insurance the Sunshine state differ from other parts of the country?

How State Laws for Insurance are Determined

In the state of Florida, the Office of Insurance Regulation is responsible for regulating and enforcing statutes related to insurance. Headed by an Insurance Commissioner, the office is also in charge of monitoring all statewide industry markets.

High-Risk Insurance

Drivers who have had certain violations — like DUIs, claims, or traffic violations — may be considered high-risk by car insurance providers, and have difficulty purchasing coverage.

Florida drivers who have difficulty purchasing insurance have the option of seeking out “High Risk Market” or “Market of Last Resort” coverage through the Florida Automobile Joint Underwriting Association.

To learn more about the plan, make payments or receive contact information, click this link.

Windshield Coverage

Florida drivers with comprehensive car insurance have no deductible (in other words, no charge to you) for windshields. According to state statute, insurance companies do not have to use Original Equipment Manufacturer (OEM) car parts, but the replacement parts must be “of same fit, quality and performance”

Automobile Insurance Fraud in Florida

Insurance fraud is a serious matter in Florida, and lawmakers have established state statute to define fraud and address its consequences.

The state’s Bureau of Insurance Fraud investigates alleged acts of insurance fraud within the following categories:

• Organized schemes to defraud the public and insurers,
• Insolvency of insurance companies due to internal fraud,
• Criminal activity by unauthorized entities illegally doing business in Florida, and
• Viatical related fraud.

The Bureau of Insurance Fraud is headquartered in Tallahassee, and is located at:
200 East Gaines Street
Tallahassee, FL 32399-0324
850-413-3115

The Bureau additionally has six regions located throughout the state of Florida. For a listing of these regions, and to report fraud, visit this site.

Statute of Limitations

The statute of limitations is the maximum amount of time one can decide to initiate legal action following a specific incident. In terms of car accidents, the statute of limitations comes into play in terms of personal injury and property damage, and vary from state to state. That being said, in the state of Florida:

The statute of limitations is four years, for both personal injury and property damage.

Vehicle Licensing Laws in Florida

Whether you’re a teenager just learning to drive, or a seasoned motorist with years of experience, all Florida drivers must adhere to a specific set of licensing laws.

It’s important to know the ins and outs of what it takes to apply for, and maintain your license.

Keep reading for a look at what’s required of Floridians before they hit the road.

REAL ID

Like many states across the country, Florida adheres to the driver license specifications set out by the federal REAL ID Act.

In short, the REAL ID calls for a minimum set of security standards in state-issued licenses. Drivers who don’t carry licenses adhering to the act will not be able to gain access to federal facilities, or get through most airport security checkpoints.

With the REAL ID Act, drivers must provide specific documentation establishing their identity — such as their birth certificate, social security card, and proof of residential address. Florida drivers can refer to this Florida Highway Safety and Motor Vehicles site to learn what documents are acceptable.

Building upon these standards, the Florida Department of Highway Safety and Motor Vehicles began issuing new Florida driver licenses and ID cards in August 2017. The new cards showcase a number of enhanced security features, including the placement of photos in multiple locations, ultraviolet ink, and more. To see more examples, click here.

Penalties for Driving Without Insurance

Remember,

You must carry proof of your coverage in your vehicle at all times — no exceptions. Not doing so will result in immediate consequences:

• The suspension of your driving privilege, including your license plate and registration, for up to three years or until proof is shown.
• Once you can demonstrate proof of insurance, a reinstatement fee of at least $150 (up to $500 for subsequent violations) will be required to regain driving privileges.

Teen Driver Laws in Florida

Earning a license is a significant milestone for any teenage driver, and the state of Florida has specific laws that all teens and their parents must follow.

Here’s what Florida law dictates for teens obtaining a learner’s license, and a driver license:

Earning a Florida Learner’s License

• Teens must be at least 15
• If under 18, must have a signed or notarized Parental Consent form
• Must possess proof of completing the Traffic Law and Substance Abuse (TLSAE) course
• Pass a vision and hearing test
• Pass a Class E Knowledge Exam
• Must provide documents establishing proof of identity, social security and residential address.
• Drivers can only drive during daylight hours for the first three months, and until 10 p.m. afterward.

Earning a Florida Driver License

• Teens must be at least 16 years old
• They must hold learner’s license for at least one year OR reach age 18 (whichever comes first)
• A parent, legal guardian or responsible adult over 21 years old must complete the Certification of Minor Driving Experience Form, certifying 50 hours of driving experience (including 10 at night)
• Drivers cannot have any moving violation convictions for one year from learner’s license date of issuance
• Must pass Class E Driving Skills Test (the vehicle used for the driving test must have a valid registration, proof of insurance, and pass a basic vehicle inspection)
• Must provide documents establishing proof of identity, social security and residential address.

For teens who have earned a license, it’s important to note that:

• 16-year-olds cannot drive between 11 p.m. and 6 a.m.
• 17-year-olds cannot drive between 1 a.m. and 5.am.

To see a full list of rules and exceptions, visit this site.

Renewal Procedures for Older Drivers in Florida

Older drivers in the United States are “keeping their licenses longer, and driving more miles than ever”

The state of Florida, which is widely known for its elderly population, has a specific set of requirements for driver license renewal for its older drivers:

• A Florida Class E license must be renewed every eight years for drivers 79-years-old and younger.
• Once drivers turn 80, licenses must be renewed every six years.
• Drivers who are over 80 but not eligible to renew must pass a vision test at a Florida driver license service center.

For more specific rules and regulations, visit this site.

New Residents

New Florida residents have 30 days to obtain a new license upon establishing residency in the state.

Depending on the license you’re seeking, you may be required to take the following tests at one of the state’s driver license centers:

• Hearing
• Vision
• Knowledge Exam
• Driving

The standard, Original Class E license costs $48. Click here to see a full list of licenses and associated fees, and click here to learn more about general license information.

License renewal procedures

Florida drivers are required to renew their licenses every eight years. Renewal can take place online however, some circumstances (such as becoming REAL ID compliant) will require in-person renewal at a driver license service center.

– Rules of the Road

We think you’d agree, knowing Florida’s “rules of the road” — like car seat and seat belt laws, or Keep Right and Move Over Laws — is important!

And let’s face it, it’s not just about keeping to the letter of the law. It’s also about your safety, and your peace of mind as a driver.

We’ve taken some time to spell out everything you need to know here:

Fault vs. No-Fault

Remember,  Florida is a “no-fault” state. This means that after a car crash, your insurance pays the medical bills and other financial losses of anyone covered under the policy, regardless of whether you caused the accident.

States that have no-fault insurance laws require drivers to purchase personal injury protection, also known as PIP.

Seat Belt and Car Seat Laws in Florida

Here’s what you need to know about seat belt and car seat laws in Florida:

Seat Belt Laws

• The driver and all front seat passengers must wear seat belts. It is illegal to operate a vehicle if the front-seat occupants are not wearing seat belts.
• Not doing so can result in a fine of $30 (first offense — additional fees may apply)

Car Seat Laws

• Children ages 5 and younger must be in a child safety seat. Adult seat belts are not permissible
• Not doing so can result in a fine of $60 (first offense — additional fees may apply)

Finally, riding in pickup truck beds is not allowed for anyone under 18, with some exceptions.

Keep Right and Move Over Laws in Florida

According to the state’s “Move Over Law”, Florida drivers who encounter stopped law enforcement, emergency, utility service vehicles, sanitation, tow trucks, or wreckers while on the road are expected to:

• Slow down 20 mph less than the posted speed limit (or to 5 mph if the posted speed limit is 20 mph or less) and,
• Vacate the lane closest to the stationary vehicle (if it’s possible).

In the state of Florida, the “Keep Right” law asks that drivers yield and move right if they are blocking traffic in the left lane, or to let faster traffic pass.

Speed Limit Laws in Florida

Below are the maximum speed limits on Florida roads:

Ridesharing in Florida

As rideshare services like Uber and Lyft continue to gain popularity, more and more drivers are getting behind the wheel as a source of income.

Read more: How old do you have to be to drive for Uber?

However, it’s important to note that traditional car insurance doesn’t always cover the needs of ridesharing drivers, since they’re using their car for business use, and not personal use.

In the state of Florida, drivers have a few rideshare insurance options: State Farm, Foremost (a subsidiary of Farmers), Prime Insurance, Progressive, Infinity, USAA, and Geico.

Automation on the Road

Could driver-less cars become a reality in the state of Florida?

One needs to look no further than the Florida Department of Transportation for a resounding “yes!”

That’s because FDOT leads the Florida Automated Vehicles (FAV) Program, with the goal of deploying autonomous vehicles throughout the state.

According to program officials, the use of autonomous vehicles, as well as connected vehicle technology, “can improve safety and efficiency of our transportation system in Florida since over 90% of traffic crashes are due to human error.” They go on to say that

Automated vehicle technologies hold unprecedented opportunities in helping to reduce congestion and improve safety.

Safety Laws

Distracted driving and driving under the influence are both serious issues that continue to impact drivers every day.

Educating yourself about each topic will help aid in ensuring your safety, as well as the safety of many others, on the road.

DUI Laws in Florida

According to the Foundation for Advancing Alcohol Responsibility, 839 alcohol-impaired driving deaths occurred in the state of Florida in 2017.

The foundation also reports that the state had an alcohol-impaired driving fatality rate of four per 100,000 population, which was higher than the national average of 3.4 per 100,000.

Driving under the influence carries serious repercussions under Florida state law. See the table below for a breakdown:

Distracted Driving Laws

When it comes to distracted driving, the statistics tell a sobering story — in 2017, 3,166 people were killed in distracted-driving crashes.

As a result, more and more states are moving to make using a cell phone while driving illegal, including Florida.

Florida drivers need to know that as of July 1, 2019 it is illegal to text and drive, and it is now seen as a primary offense.

State officials say that in most circumstances, Florida Highway Patrol Troopers will issue warnings through December 31, 2019. Exceptions would apply in extremely dangerous driving situations.

In terms of citations and fines:

• A first offense carries a base fine of $30
• A second offense within five years carries a base fine of $60, and three points on your license
• Any offense violating the law in a school or work zone carries a base fine of $60, with three points on your license.

It is important to note that the use of headsets is permitted if sound is provided in one ear, freeing the driver to hear with the other.

Florida Can’t-Miss Facts

From the most-stolen vehicle to road fatalities — we’re taking an in-depth look at some of the safety trends that matter the most to Florida drivers

Vehicle Theft in Florida

Six billion dollars.

That’s the amount of money the Insurance Information Institute estimates was lost to motor vehicle theft in 2017, with an estimated 237.4 cars stolen per 100,000 people.

This naturally begs the question — what Florida cities have the highest number of car thefts? And, what cars are being targeted most frequently by thieves?

Statistics from the FBI reveal that in 2016, the Florida city with the highest number of vehicle thefts was Jacksonville, with 3,027 thefts. Following Jacksonville were Miami (1,966), Orlando (1,240) and Tallahassee (1,099).

Below, we’ve compiled data of the top 10 most stolen vehicles in Florida:

Road Fatalities in Florida

We’re nearing the end of our comprehensive guide to car insurance in Florida, and we want to address some important, statewide trends dealing with road fatalities:

Florida Fatalities by Weather Condition

Florida Fatalities (All Crashes) by County

Florida Traffic Fatalities by Road Type

Florida Fatalities by Person Type

Florida Fatalities by Crash Type

Five-Year Trend For The Top 10 Counties in Florida

Florida Fatalities Involving Speeding by County

Florida Fatalities in Crashes Involving an Alcohol-Impaired Driver (BAC = .08+) by County

Teen Drinking and Driving in Florida

Statistics show that Florida’s rate of under-21 alcohol-impaired driving fatalities per 100,000 population in 2016 was 1.6. This figure was higher than the national average  1.2 per 100,000 population.

Below, we’ve compiled data highlighting DUI arrests among teens in Florida:

EMS Response Time in Florida

Finally, here’s a look at average response time for Emergency Vehicles in Florida:

Transportation in Florida

Guess what?

We’ve nearly come to the end of the road of our comprehensive guide to car insurance in Florida.

Now, we want to explore some of the statistics that shape the average Florida driver — and that includes car ownership, commute time, commuter transportation, and road congestion.

Keep reading to learn where Floridians fall among these trends:

Car Ownership

How many cars does the average Florida driver own?

According to Data USA, 44 percent of all Florida drivers owned two cars in 2017, followed by  22.7 percent who owned one car.

The table below compares car ownership in Florida (illustrated in orange) to national averages:

Commute Time

Here’s another interesting fact about Florida drivers: their average commute time is 26.1 minutes, which is slightly higher than the national average of 25.5 minutes.

This figure surpasses the average commute time of neighboring Alabama residents (23.8 minutes) but is lower than that of drivers living in Georgia, who average 27.1 minutes.

But for some Florida drivers, those numbers are minuscule. Data shows an estimated 2.33 percent of Florida’s workforce (roughly 205,000 households) experience “super commutes” of over 90 minutes.

Commuter Transportation

Finally, an overwhelming majority of Floridians tend to drive by themselves.

Roughly 7.44 million households, or 79 percent of Florida drivers, choose to drive alone, versus just 9 percent who carpool.

Top Florida Cities for Traffic Congestion

We get it — bumper-to-bumper traffic can take a toll on any driver. But for some Florida cities, traffic congestion is far more widespread.

The INRIX 2018 Global Traffic Scorecard is a tool used to analyze congestion and other trends in more than 200 cities and 38 countries. We checked, and you guessed it — we found four Florida cities on the list:

Not surprisingly, Florida’s most populous city of Miami takes the top spot among the state’s most congested cities, with drivers losing an estimated 105 hours, and an estimated $1,470. Wrapping up the list are Tampa, Orlando, and Jacksonville.

We’ve officially made it to the end of our comprehensive guide to car insurance in Florida.

But with this guide’s end, you can now begin to make informed decisions regarding your coverage, your safety, and your money.

You can start your journey by getting a FREE quote, comparing car insurance providers. Getting started is as easy as plugging in your zip code HERE.

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