Why Is Car Insurance So Expensive in Florida?


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Key Takeaways

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Florida has the fourth-highest average car insurance cost in the U.S. Rates have increased by 25% over the past six years. The average cost of minimum coverage is $1,013 per year, while full coverage averages $2,206.

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Factors that cause high auto insurance rates in Florida include extreme weather risks, expensive health care costs and average driver profile.

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Travelers, Nationwide and State Farm are the best affordable car insurance providers in Florida.

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Factors Why Car Insurance in Florida Is Expensive

Florida’s high insurance costs are driven by busy roads, extra insurance requirements, expensive health care, high-risk drivers, uninsured drivers and severe weather risks.

If you’ve noticed higher premiums recently, you’re not alone. Car insurance rates have risen across the U.S., and Florida is following the same trend. Here are the main reasons car insurance rates are so high in the state.

Traffic and Busy Roadways in Florida

Research shows that around 79.8 million people visited Florida in 2020. With its ports, beaches and top amusement parks, it’s no surprise Florida ranks as the third-busiest state in the U.S.

More visitors lead to busier highways, which raises auto insurance rates in the state. From an insurance company’s perspective, the closer drivers are to other vehicles, the higher the chance of accidents.

Florida's No-Fault Insurance System

Florida is a no-fault insurance state, meaning your own insurance will cover the costs if you're in an accident with an uninsured driver.

Like most states, car insurance is required in Florida. To drive, you must have a policy that meets the state’s minimum coverage requirements:

  • $10,000 property damage liability per accident
  • $10,000 personal injury protection per person

Florida as a High-Risk State

If you're charged with a DUI, multiple at-fault accidents or another serious violation, many states require you to buy an SR-22. These policies typically cost much more than standard coverage. However, in Florida, drivers with a DUI must file an FR-44 instead. This filing requires higher coverage limits of 100/300/50, plus $10,000 in personal injury protection (PIP).

The higher rates linked to this filing may contribute to Florida’s expensive car insurance costs. See the table below for the average insurance cost based on driving violations:

At-Fault Accident$1,53140%
DUI$1,40728%
Ticket$1,25114%

High Number of Uninsured Drivers in Florida

Although Florida law requires drivers to carry insurance, about 20% of drivers are uninsured, much higher than the national average of 12.6%. This makes Florida one of the states with the highest rates of uninsured motorists, increasing the risk of accidents with uninsured drivers.

While uninsured motorist (UM) coverage isn't required in Florida, it's highly recommended. UM coverage helps protect you financially if you're in an accident with an uninsured or underinsured driver. Although it raises your premiums, it provides crucial protection against potential expenses from accidents with uninsured motorists.

Florida's Severe Weather Risks

Extreme weather is a common cause of auto insurance claims, especially for drivers with comprehensive coverage. In Florida, weather hazards like tornadoes and hurricanes can cause severe damage, sometimes resulting in a total loss. In such cases, insurance companies must pay large claims. The frequency of these events plays a major role in why car insurance in Florida is so expensive.

High Vehicle Theft Rate in Florida

Vehicle theft is a key factor in Florida's high car insurance premiums. Insurance companies view areas with higher theft rates as higher risk, which results in higher premiums for drivers in those areas.

The most stolen vehicles in Florida are:

  • Ford pickup (full size) – 2006 model
  • Honda Accord – 2021 model
  • Nissan Altima – 2015 model
  • Chevrolet pickup (full size) – 2021 model
  • Toyota Camry – 2021 model

High Number of Young and Senior Drivers in Florida

Florida’s large young adult and senior populations contribute to higher insurance costs. According to Census data, people aged 18 to 24 and seniors comprise 17.7% of the state’s population, 1.5% higher than the national average.

Age is a key factor in determining car insurance rates. On average, young students and seniors pay more than the typical driver for coverage.

Florida's Expensive Health Care Costs

When you're in an accident, insurance providers use premiums paid by consumers to cover your expenses. This includes medical costs for injuries to the drivers, passengers, or — in tort states — treatments needed by the other party.

The U.S. spent $4.9 trillion on health care in 2023, per Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services. While health care costs are high nationwide, Florida residents pay more than average. According to the Commonwealth Fund, Florida is one of five states where residents spend 14% or more of their income on health care. To cover these high medical costs, insurance companies charge higher premiums.

Average Cost of Car Insurance in Florida

The average driver in Florida currently pays about $2,206 per year or $184 per month for full coverage car insurance. Over the past six years, auto insurance rates in Florida have steadily risen. According to MoneyGeek’s rankings, the state has moved from being the 43rd most-affordable state for coverage to the 46th. Since 2015, rates have increased by an average of $379.

Full Coverage$2,206$1,29670%
State Minimum Liability Only$1,013$59570%

How to Lower Car Insurance Rates in Florida

Since affordable car insurance in Florida is rare, it's helpful to know ways to reduce your premium. MoneyGeek outlines several steps you can take to make insurance more affordable.

  1. 1

    Shop around for quotes

    One of the best ways to find the lowest rates is to compare quotes from at least three providers. While insurers consider similar factors when setting premiums, each calculates rates differently. Provide the same information for each quote to find the insurance company that offers the best rates for your needs.

  2. 2

    Bundle your policies

    Insurance companies often offer more than just car insurance. For example, bundling your auto and homeowners insurance with the same provider can result in much lower rates than buying separate policies from different insurers.

  3. 3

    Take advantage of discounts

    Every insurance company offers various discount programs. Some focus on safety, like discounts for having anti-theft devices or a clean driving record. Others offer discounts if you switch from another provider. However, not all discounts are available in every state or with all insurers. Contact each provider directly to find out which savings you qualify for.

  4. 4

    Use an insurance comparison tool

    Use a car insurance comparison tool to get multiple quotes fast. Such a tool lets you compare rates side by side without visiting different websites. However, it may not show all options for your policy. Still, it's an efficient way to narrow down your choices and save time and effort when looking for estimates.

  5. 5

    Increase your deductible

    Your deductible affects your auto insurance rates. It’s the amount you pay out of pocket before your insurer covers your expenses. A higher deductible usually leads to a lower premium, but it also means you’ll pay more out of pocket after an accident.

  6. 6

    Consider pay-per-mile insurance

    Car insurance policies typically use factors like your age, driving history and location to determine your premium. Pay-per-mile insurance also considers these factors but is mainly usage-based, meaning your rates depend on how many miles you drive. This type of insurance is a cost-effective option if you don't drive often.

Cheapest Car Insurance in Florida

Travelers is Florida's cheapest car insurance company for minimum and full coverage policies. Below, we’ve highlighted the most affordable car insurance options to help you compare options and save money.

Minimum CoverageTravelers$55
Full CoverageTravelers$113
Drivers With Bad CreditNationwide$109
Drivers With a DUIState Farm$66
Drivers With an AccidentState Farm$71
Drivers With a Speeding TicketState Farm$66

Why Is Auto Insurance Expensive in Florida: Bottom Line

The average annual car insurance cost in Florida is $2,206, making it the fourth-highest in the country. Several factors contribute to these high rates, including weather risks, traffic density, health care costs, driver profiles and additional insurance requirements. In this article, we explore how each of these factors affects car insurance rates and discuss ways for Florida drivers to find more affordable options.

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Why Is Florida Car Insurance Expensive: FAQ

Below, MoneyGeek answered some frequently asked questions about Florida car insurance rates to help you understand the different factors causing high premiums in the state:

Is car insurance expensive in Florida?

What makes Florida car insurance expensive?

Can you find affordable car insurance in Florida?

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Car Insurance Rates in Florida: Our Review Methodology

Sample Driver Profile

We used a sample driver profile to determine average car insurance rates in Florida:

  • 40-year-old male
  • 2012 Toyota Camry LE
  • Clean driving record
  • 12,000 miles driven annually

We modified this driver profile by age, vehicle, credit score and driving record to determine averages for different driver profiles and needs.

Coverage Levels and Deductibles

Unless otherwise noted, average rates on this page are for a full coverage policy with comprehensive and collision coverage, a $1,000 deductible for each and the following liability limits (100/300/100):

  • $100,000 in bodily injury liability per person
  • $300,000 in bodily injury liability per accident
  • $100,000 in property damage liability per accident

When minimum coverage is specified, we used the following minimum liability-only limits as mandated by Florida:

  • $10,000 for property damage liability per accident.
  • $10,000 personal injury protection (PIP) per person

Learn more about MoneyGeek's car insurance methodology.

Florida Car Insurance Costs: Related Pages

About Mark Fitzpatrick


Mark Fitzpatrick headshot

Mark Fitzpatrick, a Licensed Property and Casualty Insurance Producer, is MoneyGeek's resident Personal Finance Expert. With over five years of experience analyzing the insurance market, he conducts original research and creates tailored content for all types of buyers. His insights have been featured in publications like CNBC, NBC News and Mashable.

Fitzpatrick holds a master’s degree in economics and international relations from Johns Hopkins University and a bachelor’s degree from Boston College. He's also a five-time Jeopardy champion!

Passionate about economics and insurance, he aims to promote transparency in financial topics and empower others to make confident money decisions.


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