Find Car Insurance in Miami, FL
What You Should Know About Car Insurance in Miami, Florida
The city of Miami is iconic – known throughout the world as a top tourist destination, featured in thousands of TV shows and movies and uniquely singular in its ability to charm and fascinate even the most jaded of visitors. Miami’s blend of Latin American and Cuban cultures shines through in the diverse cuisine, colorful nightlife and emphasis on art and culture.
There is so much to do and see in this area of the U.S. You can immerse yourself in some amazing nature with an airboat trip through Everglades National Park or hit Biscayne Bay in a regular boat, where you can see many different marine species. Those who love to shop will find no shortage of high-end shops, while art aficionados can explore a myriad of home-grown artists throughout the Miami Design District. And even though the very first Burger King was opened in Miami, there are plenty of other fine dining and local cuisine to sample.
Whether you are a visitor enjoying the famous South Beach with its vibrant art-deco architecture along Ocean Drive or a resident dodging tourists heading for the beautiful white-sand beaches, you are required to carry car insurance if you will be driving. At InsureOne, agents are standing by to help you find the best car insurance in Florida.
How Much Does Car Insurance Cost in Miami, Florida?
Car insurance in Florida is expensive. Residents here pay, on average, twice as much as drivers in the rest of the nation. The annual cost of full coverage here is $4,088, while minimum liability averages $1,125 per year. That compares to $2,014 for the nation on average for full and $622 for liability only.
Florida is a no-fault state, which means your insurance company will pick up the cost of your medical bills after an accident – up to your policy limits and regardless of who caused the accident. In an at-fault state where your insurance company picks up the tab for the other driver’s costs when you cause an accident, rates tend to be cheaper. In a no-fault state, insurers are paying out for even the most responsible and safest of drivers – if someone else hits them.
Other reasons car insurance is costly here are a higher-than-average number of uninsured drivers, plenty of lawsuits and insurance fraud.
What Does Full Coverage vs Minimum Liability Mean?
Minimum liability is the least amount of auto coverage you must have in order to be legal behind the wheel. This varies from state to state: In Florida, the minimum liability required is $10,000 in bodily injury liability and $10,000 in personal injury protection (PIP). These amounts are the most your insurance company will pay out in an approved claim.
Full coverage, on the other hand, is short hand for adding comprehensive coverage and collision coverage to your minimum required liability. Comprehensive covers you for most things that happen when you are not behind the wheel, such as theft, while collision covers you when your vehicle is damaged in a wreck, regardless of who caused the crash.
When you finance a vehicle, your lender will require you to carry full coverage while they technically still own the car. Once you pay it off, you are free to drop full coverage if you wish. Many drivers increase their liability limits, plus continue to carry one or the other of comprehensive or collision or both even after they pay off the vehicle and own it outright. If you can afford it, it just makes sense to continue carrying enhanced financial protection while your car would still be very costly for you to replace.
Contact your neighborhood InsureOne agent to discuss your options and find an affordable way to get the best coverage for your needs.
Car Insurance Rates Comparison by Zip Code in Miami
Miami has many different zip codes – and each one of them means something to your insurer. Zip codes in highly congested areas or areas with a high rate of vehicle crime mean possibly higher rates to compensate for possible future claims. Here is a sample of zip codes across Miami and their monthly average rates.
| Zip Code | Full Coverage Insurance | Liability Insurance Coverage |
|---|---|---|
| 33109 | $289 | $104 |
| 33131 | $300 | $109 |
| 33136 | $312 | $116 |
| 33145 | $308 | $115 |
| 33238 | $324 | $99 |
How Bundling Your Car and Homeowners Insurance Can Save You Money in Miami
You are probably bombarded with advertising about bundling your insurance policies. Why is bundling such a big thing now? And should you consider bundling your home and auto insurance?
Bundling, or multi-policy accounts, is appreciated by your insurer for two main reasons:
- First and foremost, it means your carrier now has two or more policies for you under their roof. That’s a win for the insurance company in a highly competitive field where every company is out to get your business.
- Bundling cuts down on administrative costs for the company. There are still two (or more) policies, but they are packaged together and can be invoiced together and managed under one agent.
So, how does that benefit you as the customer? Your insurance company is happy to provide you with a discount in order to say thanks for the business and for being a loyal customer. These discounts are nothing to sneeze at: You could save up to 25% depending on the company.
When does bundling not benefit the customer? Here’s an example: Your home insurance and auto insurance are bundled, which means they are together under one company. But what if you could get a more affordable rate for your car insurance alone at another company?
Your neighborhood InsureOne agent will be happy to help you work through whether the discount you get for bundling is as big as or bigger than any lower price you may get for having your car insurance or home insurance separate with another company. You can trust InsureOne to provide you with flexible, customizable options that best fit your life.
What Types of Car Insurance Discounts are Available in Miami?
We’ve discussed bundling and the discount you may receive for that action. However, insurance companies have plenty of discounts to offer and everybody will qualify for at least one. Are you a new policy holder? Welcome to your “new customer” discount. Are you a returning customer? Here is your “loyalty” discount. Here are a few other discounts and how much they could save you. Always let your agent know when your circumstances change. For example, if you start working from home, you may become eligible for a low mileage discount.
| Discount | What It’s Worth |
|---|---|
| Good or Safe Driver | 10-30% Off |
| Anti-lock brakes | 3% Off |
| Auto-pay | 5% |
| Military | 15% on base, 90% deployed |
| Good Student | 15% |
Notable Car Insurance Laws in Miami
People driving in Miami should follow the same rules as are established for the state of Florida. Some common ones are:
- Seat belt usage: All people in the vehicle are required to wear a seat belt or be constrained in an age-appropriate car seat.
- Drive on the right, pass on the left: As is typical everywhere, motorists should drive in the right lane. The left lane should only be used for passing slower-moving vehicles.
- Do not pass a stopped school bus: It is against the law to pass a school bus that is stopped.
Keep in mind that Miami has a lot of foot traffic, so always stay within the speed limit and keep an eye out for pedestrians.
What are the Mandatory Car Insurance Requirements in Miami?
The minimum legal requirement for car insurance in Florida is:
- Property Damage Liability: $10,000
- Personal Injury Protection: $10,000 per accident
Given Florida’s expensive car insurance rates, it may be hard to increase these minimum limits or add further protection. However, given the number of uninsured drivers here, you should seriously consider uninsured motorist coverage. It’s not very expensive and will save you plenty of money if you are hit by someone with no insurance or not enough insurance.
What is the Penalty for Driving without Insurance in Miami?
Driving without insurance in Florida can lead to severe penalties. The state requires all drivers to carry personal injury protection (PIP) and property damage liability (PDL) coverage. Penalties for non-compliance include license and registration suspension, reinstatement fees ranging from $150 to $500, and potential vehicle impoundment. Repeat offenses may result in increased fines and harsher consequences. Additionally, drivers face personal liability for damages in accidents, leading to significant financial and legal risks.
Factors That Determine Your Insurance Premiums in Miami
Many factors go into your auto insurance quote. Insurance underwriters look at many different aspects of your life in order to come up with a price. Because your circumstances are unique to you, most policies will be quoted at a different cost. Some of the factors insurers look at include:
- Driving History: This is the most important factor of all. If you have a spotty history, insurers will typically charge you more than someone with a clean driving record.
- Age: Age is another major factor. Young drivers who do not have a lot of experience will be charged more than a more mature person who has been driving for many years.
- Marital Status: Believe it or not, your status as a married person may earn you a slightly better price. This is because married people are statistically safer to insure than singles.
What is the Best Car Insurance for Teenagers and Their Family in Florida?
Shopping for teenage car insurance can be highly frustrating. That’s because it is almost always more expensive than regular auto coverage. Quite a bit more expensive. The best car insurance for teens in Florida is a comprehensive plan that doesn’t break the family finances. There are some ways to lessen the cost, including:
- Look for Discounts: If your teen has their own car, bundle it with your family vehicles to get a multi-vehicle discount. Another place to look is the good student discount. This is for full-time high school and college students who maintain a certain GPA. Insurers equate that with a more responsible young person.
- Put Your Teen on Your Policy: It’s always going to work out to be slightly less expensive if you add your teen to your policy, rather than get them their own.
- Consider the Car: Although your young driver would probably love to be behind the wheel of a sporty car, your insurance will be significantly less expensive if you choose a reliable model with a good safety record.
Have your teen help you research prices, so they understand. As they age, their rates will drop – if they keep a clean record.
Typical Driving Conditions in Miami
Driving in Miami is a unique experience, blending urban hustle with scenic beauty. The city’s roads are busy, especially during rush hours, with heavy traffic on major highways like I-95 and the Dolphin Expressway. Patience is essential, as congestion can be frequent. Miami’s diverse population brings various driving styles, so staying alert is key. Drivers may encounter aggressive maneuvers, sudden lane changes, and an occasional disregard for traffic rules.
Parking in Miami can be challenging, particularly in popular areas like South Beach or downtown. Many parking options are metered or expensive, making public transportation a viable alternative for some. On the upside, the city’s tropical climate and waterfront views make driving a visually pleasing experience. Scenic drives along Ocean Drive or the MacArthur Causeway offer stunning views of the beaches and skyline. Overall, driving in Miami requires vigilance, adaptability, and a sense of adventure.
How Many Car Accidents Happen in Miami Per Year?
Miami is a tourist destination in Miami-Dade County. In 2022, there were 63 total fatal accidents in greater Miami and 292 in Miami-Dade County. Other stats for Miami-Dade County are in the table below.
| CRASH CATEGORY | TOTAL |
|---|---|
| Total Fatal and Injury | 53,540 |
| Hit and Run | 21,803 |
| Motorcycles | 1,202 |
| Pedestrians | 1,796 |
| Bicycle | 918 |
How Many Uninsured/Underinsured Motorists are in Miami?
Although there are no available statistics on the number of uninsured drivers driving in Miami, the state of Florida overall has a 20% rate of drivers without insurance, making it one of the higher in the nation. Purchasing uninsured motorist coverage is recommended. For the value you get for the coverage, it does not cost much. Estimates run at about $136 per year, which is a great deal compared to picking up the tab yourself for vehicle repairs and medical bills if you are hit by one of these drivers.
Get Covered by the Best Car Insurance in Miami, FL Today
What with the bright lights and tourists, driving in Miami can certainly be an adventure. Make sure you are adequately protected before venturing out for work or play.
At InsureOne, we have flexible and customizable insurance packages to keep you safe and protected. We do the work for you, listening to your needs and then researching your options so you can choose the policy that best fits your needs. Get a quote online, visit us at an office near you, or call us at (800) 836-2240 for a quote.