With the influx of visitors to the state of Florida, accidents not only can happen, they do on a regular basis. The sunshine state is a mecca for a regular influx of tourists, vacationing families and college students on spring break. You may want to update yourself on exactly what car insurance levels are mandatory and which ones you may want to definitively put into effect right away.
You must have adequate insurance coverage to protect you, your family and your vehicles from damage caused not only by accidents but from other causes. Theft and vandalism may occur but living in a state with a hurricane season, “natural disasters” have a better chance of damaging your car.
You must carry the minimum amount of liability coverage mandated by the state of Florida. If you still owe money on your vehicle, the lending facility will require you to provide proof of insurance coverage. If you do not do this, they will provide coverage for you at their own rates. You do not want this to happen so make sure you maintain coverage on your vehicles even if you are planning on selling it and do not drive it on a regular basis anymore.
The types of liability coverage required in Florida are bodily injury, property damage and uninsured or underinsured motorist coverage. Bodily injury covers your injuries as well as protecting your personal assets if another person who was injured in the accident ever sues you. Property damage covers damage to your auto, the other party’s auto as well as any actual property damage that occurred as a result of the accident.
Uninsured motorist coverage is optional as Florida is a no-fault state. This means that your insurance will cover you even if the other person who may be at fault does not have insurance or not enough coverage. Many people do include this coverage to protect themselves from reaching their own coverage limits before covering all the expenses derived from the accident.
Collision coverage protects your investment by paying for repairs or replacements due to an accident. This is not mandatory but is an area where cutting corners will become a pay me know or pay me later situation.
Personal Injury Protection, or PIP, covers medical expenses for you and others injured in the accident if you are at fault. You choose your own levels of coverage ant the rates are based accordingly.
Shop around for the best rates but don’t try to save money know that will cost you more in the long run. Heed the advice of insurance professional who can show you the best ways to get the best rates without sacrificing your coverage.
