
Find Car Insurance in Tallahassee, FL
What You Should Know About Car Insurance in Tallahassee, FL
As the capital of Florida, this city is steeped in history and political significance. Founded in 1824, it became the state capital due to its central location. Today, it’s a vibrant city with a mix of historic charm and youthful energy, thanks to Florida State University. You’ll find tree-lined streets, historic buildings, and plenty of outdoor spaces like the Alfred B. Maclay Gardens State Park. Driving here is typically relaxed, though traffic can get a bit heavy around downtown or the university during peak times.
The heat and thunderstorms in the summer can make driving a bit more challenging, so it’s important to be cautious. Florida law requires personal injury protection (PIP) and property damage liability insurance, so it’s essential to have the right coverage to ensure you’re protected in case of an accident, whether you’re navigating the capital’s streets or heading out of town.
Before you hop onto the highway, be sure you are protected with the best auto insurance in Florida from agents who provide top-tier service and competitive rates.
How Much Does Car Insurance Cost in Tallahassee, Florida?
Your exact rate depends on numerous factors. But drivers pay an average of about $2,256 for full coverage and $756 for liability car insurance in this city. This is above the U.S. average of $2,014 for full coverage and $622 for minimum coverage.
Why Is Insurance So Expensive in Florida?
Car insurance in Florida tends to be on the pricey side, and there are a few reasons why. For one, the state is prone to severe weather like hurricanes, which can cause major damage and lead to lots of claims. Insurance companies factor that risk into the premiums, making them higher. Another reason is the number of uninsured drivers on the road. With so many drivers lacking coverage, those who are insured end up paying more to cover that risk.
Plus, Florida has a no-fault insurance system, meaning drivers need to have personal injury protection (PIP), which adds to the cost. On top of that, Florida’s insurance market is pretty competitive and constantly changing, making it harder for companies to keep rates low. All of these factors together are why insurance can be more expensive in the Sunshine State.
Affordable Car Insurance Rates Comparison by Cities in Tallahassee
Two factors your agent will review when figuring out your rates are auto theft and accident statistics where you live. This helps your agent determine your probability of filing a claim.
The chart below shows the average monthly insurance rates for Tallahassee and some other Florida cities.
City | Full Coverage Insurance | Liability Insurance Coverage |
---|---|---|
Tallahassee | $188 | $63 |
Miami | $289 | $104 |
Orlando | $256 | $94 |
Tampa | $200 | $126 |
Clearwater | $340 | $93 |
How Bundling Your Car and Homeowners Insurance Can Save You Money in Tallahassee
Bundling your car and homeowners insurance in Tallahassee can be a smart way to save money. Insurance companies often offer discounts when you combine both policies with the same provider, as it reduces their administrative costs and helps you manage everything in one place.
This can lead to lower premiums for both your car and home insurance. Plus, with Tallahassee’s occasional severe weather, bundling both policies with the same insurer can make claims easier to manage, especially in the event of storm damage. It’s definitely worth checking with your insurer to see how bundling can work for you and save you some cash in the long run.
What Types of Car Insurance Discounts Are Available in Tallahassee?
In addition to bundling, insurers offer a number of other ways to earn discounts on auto coverage. Talk to your agent about which ones you may be eligible for, such as one or more of the following:
- Military
- Anti-theft
- Customer loyalty
- Driver safety course
- Good student
- Low mileage
Notable Car Insurance Laws in Tallahassee
Florida is a no-fault state, which means each driver is responsible for covering their own damage and medical expenses caused by an accident regardless of fault. The city of Tallahassee, just like the rest of Florida, requires its drivers to carry a certain amount of liability insurance, as noted below.
What Are the Mandatory Car Insurance Requirements in Tallahassee?
Car insurance requirements are governed by the state of Florida. The mandatory car insurance coverage in Florida includes:
- Personal Injury Protection (PIP):
- Minimum coverage of $10,000.
- PIP covers medical expenses for you and your passengers, regardless of who is at fault in the accident.
- Property Damage Liability (PDL):
- Minimum coverage of $10,000.
- This covers damages to other people’s property (like their vehicle or fence) if you are at fault in an accident.
Note: Florida does not require drivers to carry bodily injury liability (BIL) coverage, which is common in other states. However, you may still want to consider adding this coverage for additional protection.
If you are financing or leasing your car, the lender may require additional insurance coverage, such as comprehensive and collision coverage.
What Is the Penalty for Driving Without Insurance in Tallahassee?
If you’re driving around Tallahassee (or anywhere in Florida) without insurance, you’re in for some serious consequences:
- Fines: First time? You could get hit with a fine between $150 and $500. If you’ve been caught before, that fine might go up.
- License and Registration Suspension: If you’re caught driving uninsured, your license and registration could get suspended. And if you don’t provide proof of insurance or pay the fees to get everything back on track, that suspension could last up to 3 years.
- Reinstatement Fees: To get your license back, you’ll need to pay $150, and to get your registration back, it’s $250. If this isn’t your first time, expect to pay even more.
- Court Appearance: You might even have to show up in court if you get caught. And yes, there could be more legal stuff to deal with on top of the fines.
- SR-22: If you’re convicted, you might have to file an SR-22, which proves you have insurance. It could stick with you for 3 years, and it’s not exactly cheap.
What Factors Go into My Car Insurance Cost in Tallahassee?
Here are some of the factors Tallahassee agents consider when determining your premium:
- Your age: Younger people usually have less driving experience, so they are considered higher risk. As people age into their 60s and beyond, they are considered higher risk due to changes in health and reaction time. Higher risk means higher rates.
- Credit history: People with a lower credit score are statistically more likely to file a claim, so their rates may be higher.
- Driving history: People with a history of claims or accidents will likely see a higher rate.
- Mileage: If you drive your car only occasionally, you may see a lower rate.
- Car statistics: Your vehicle’s age, make, and model help determine your rate. More expensive cars generally cost more to insure. Cars with more safety features may have lower rates.
Typical Driving Conditions in Tallahassee
Tallahassee experiences regular wet weather in the form of heavy rains, tropical storms, and hurricanes, but summer weather can also see highs into the 90s.
These weather conditions cause varying traffic problems. Fog and heavy precipitation can limit visibility. Rain-drenched roads reduce tire traction, increasing the likelihood of hydroplaning and accidents. Wind speed can also decrease safe driving. Elevated temperatures can send tempers flaring leading to impatient drivers.
With about 183,000 residents and 10 million visitors each year, the Tallahassee highways are well populated. Stay alert and keep your distance from other drivers on the road. And be sure you are protected with high-quality car insurance.
How Many Car Accidents Happen in Tallahassee Per Year?
The chart below shows the total number of fatal crashes in Tallahassee compared to four other Florida cities, as reported on the Florida Department of Transportation’s Traffic Safety Dashboard:
City | Total Crashes |
---|---|
Tallahassee | 40 |
Miami | 133 |
Orlando | 97 |
Fort Lauderdale | 97 |
Gainesville | 46 |
How Many Uninsured/Underinsured Motorists Are in Tallahassee?
The exact number of uninsured or underinsured motorists in Tallahassee is difficult to pinpoint, but it’s part of a larger trend across Florida. As of recent statistics, around 20% of drivers in Florida are uninsured, which is higher than the national average. This means that in Tallahassee, a significant number of drivers might be on the road without the required coverage.
In addition to uninsured motorists, many drivers are also underinsured, meaning they may have insurance, but not enough to cover all the costs in the event of a serious accident. It’s a good idea to make sure your own insurance coverage includes Uninsured/Underinsured Motorist coverage (UM/UIM) to protect yourself if you’re involved in an accident with someone who doesn’t have enough insurance to cover your damages.
Get Covered by the Best Car Insurance in Tallahassee, Florida, Today
As a bustling state capital and college town, Tallahassee sees a lot of traffic, making it important to have the right car insurance. With many drivers on the road uninsured or underinsured, it’s smart to make sure you’re fully covered. Along with the basics, adding Uninsured/Underinsured Motorist coverage can give you peace of mind. Stay safe, stay covered, and drive confidently through this vibrant city!
Our expert InsureOne agents look forward to providing you with concierge services and a customized policy at the best rate. There are several ways we can help — get your quote online, stop by one of our local offices, or call us at (800) 836-2240.