We understand that finding affordable car insurance is a top priority for many drivers. With the cost of living increasing every year, car insurance is becoming more expensive. In a recent study done by ValuePenguin, it was revealed that Florida is the 2nd most expensive state for car insurance. We wanted to delve deeper into the reasons why this is the case and what drivers can do to reduce their car insurance costs.
If you live in Florida, you probably noticed your insurance premiums are way higher than your out of state friends. That is 100% true, in fact, they say drivers spend about 4% of their annual income on car insurance in Florida.
Factors contributing to high car insurance costs in Florida
There are several factors that contribute to the high cost of car insurance in Florida.
#1 Uninsured drivers
One of the main reasons insurance rates are high in Florida is the amount of uninsured drivers in the state. According to a study conducted by the Insurance Research Council, approximately 26.7% of drivers in Florida are uninsured. This means that in the event of an accident, insured drivers may have to pay for their own damages.
#2 Amount of car accidents in Florida
Another factor is the high number of car accidents that occur in Florida. The state is home to some of the busiest roads and highways in the country, which increases the risk of accidents. Additionally, Florida is a no-fault state, which means that drivers are required to carry Personal Injury Protection (PIP) coverage. This coverage can be costly, which can drive up insurance premiums.
#3 Elderly drivers
Florida has a lot of elderly drivers. While not all elderly drivers are unsafe, age-related decline in vision, hearing, and reaction time can increase the likelihood of accidents.
The thought process behind the high rates may have something to do with the Florida's weather. The flooding and hurricanes in the area actually play a large role in what the insurance rates are for the area. Tampa and Miami are actually the areas with the highest rates in the state. If you want to find the lowest rate try an area like Orlando which accounts for about 3% of your income on car insurance.
#4 Personal injury claims
The amount of personal injury claims and lawsuits that are filed in the state of Florida, are extremely high. Due to the rising amount of individuals moving down to Florida there’s also a rising amount of accidents occurring.
These are just a few of the factors that may contribute to Florida's high car insurance rates.
How can I reduce my Florida car insurance costs?
While the cost of car insurance in Florida may be high, there are several steps that drivers can take to reduce their premiums. Here are some tips:
Shop Around for the Best Rates: Not all insurance companies charge the same rates, so it's important to shop around and compare quotes from multiple providers.
Raise Your Deductible: A higher deductible can lower your monthly premiums, but keep in mind that you will have to pay more out of pocket if you get into an accident.
Take Advantage of Discounts: Many insurance companies offer discounts for things like safe driving, being a student, or having multiple cars insured with them. Be sure to ask about available discounts.
Consider Bundling Your Insurance: If you have other types of insurance, such as home or renters insurance, consider bundling them with your car insurance. This can often result in lower premiums.
Drive Safely: Avoid accidents and traffic violations to keep your insurance rates low.
If you are looking for ways to reduce your rates beyond the options we listed be willing to do the research. You can also contact your insurance company and ask them about options about options such as bundling, special discounts, and more. If you've been in accident and your insurance company raised your rates, look into forgiveness programs as well.
As accident attorneys in the state of Florida, we find it extremely important to keep you informed on all things relating to your safety in a car. With insurance rates and accidents being at an all time high in our state, we want to make sure you and your loved ones are protected. So if you ever get into an accident, call us today at 866-954-MORE (6673) for your free consultation!