Why are Florida Car Insurance Rates so High?
8 Tips for Getting the Best Value
Florida’s sunny skies and white sand beaches are famous, but one thing this state is not known for is affordable car insurance.
Why is car insurance so costly in the Sunshine State? Well, a large proportion of uninsured, high-risk drivers, along with a high rate of auto collisions are to blame. Living in an area with increased rates of crime and vehicle theft is also a factor.
While you won’t find rates as low as residents of other states, there are things you can do to keep your car insurance manageable, and to prevent it from increasing. You may already know some of these things, but applying them is what matters when it comes to reducing your rates and keeping them low.
Here Are 8 Tips to Get the Best Rates on Florida Car Insurance
1. Stay off your phone while driving. Florida cell phone and driving laws may not be as strict as other states, but distraction from cell phones is a huge factor in causing accidents. If it’s determined you’re at-fault, you can be sued. Many fatal accidents and collisions resulting in permanent injuries and disability are caused by distracted driving from cell phones. If you must, use a hands-free device and make your focus on the road your number one priority.
2. If you can, maintain good credit and a clean driving history. There are policies that will cover you even if you have bad credit and some dings on your driving record. Still, it’s always going to cost less if your credit is good and you don’t have at-fault accidents or speeding tickets.
3. Drive defensively and teach your kids to. With tourists, teens learning to drive, and so many uninsured motorists on the road, driving defensively is a must. Many potential accidents can be avoided by defensive driving. Teaching your teens to drive this way will also prevent them from getting into accidents.
4. Drive sober. It goes without saying. Call an Uber if you’ve had too much. Don’t put other lives at risk (including your own) by driving while intoxicated. Not only will a DUI cause you to lose your license, it will also raise your rates when you are permitted to drive again.
5. Don't drive during high-traffic times if you can avoid it. Most accidents occur when a high volume of vehicles is on the road. See if you can avoid this by changing your commute to leaving a little earlier or later, and try not to drive during busy times on the weekends.
6. Park in a covered area with security. If your vehicle is in a protected area, where it’s less likely to be burglarized or stolen, your rates will be lower. A garaged vehicle is always safer than one in your driveway, and insurance carriers know this and charge accordingly.
7. Take an online traffic school course. If you were cited for speeding or were at-fault in an accident, some insurance plans may reduce your rate if you can submit proof that you took one of these courses.
8. Use a telematics app while driving. Why? It can lower your rates by monitoring your driving. These apps can save you an additional 5-30% on your premium depending on what your final results show after 90 days.
Want some more tips on how to save on car insurance?
Talk to an independent Florida car insurance agent today at Galezano Insurance.