Question 1

Do I need to insure my car in Florida?

Accepted Answer

Florida law states:

If your car or motorcycle is registered in Florida, you must take out insurance with the State of Florida.
If you reside in Florida for more than 90 days (not necessarily consecutive) during the year, you must take out insurance that complies with Florida law.

In any case, it's important to pay attention to your coverage both for your vehicle and, even more importantly, for your civil liability should you be at fault in an accident.

Car insurance laws in Florida are partially regulated by the Department of Highways: http://www.flhsmv.gov/ddl/frfaqgen.html

If you keep your car insurance in your country of residence, contact your broker before you travel, to make sure that your level of insurance will be properly adjusted.

Question 2

What level of car insurance should I take?

Accepted Answer

The Florida laws to which you are subject, depending on your situation, require :

Personal Injury Protection (PIP) insurance of a minimum of $10,000 (this insurance covers the medical expenses of the driver and passengers - under certain conditions - with NO fault requirement). This means that PIP comes first, even if the accident is caused by a third party. Florida makes this insurance compulsory, as do some twenty other states in the USA.
10,000 in third-party liability insurance; this minimum is surprisingly low, but is increased according to the driver's history (for example, if he or she has already had an accident, the minimum is $30,000; if he or she has had a DUI, the amount rises to $300,000...).

So it's important to ensure that these criteria are fully respected when taking out car insurance. We strongly advise you to opt for a higher level of coverage than the minimum required by law.

In addition to these legal minimums, take into consideration the "Uninsured Motorists" or "UM" option, which will cover you if the other party at fault has no insurance or has levels of cover too low to cover the damage, whether bodily or material. This insurance also comes into play in the event of a "hit and run". Uninsured vehicles are a serious problem in Florida, where the rate of uninsured vehicles is estimated at 24%. It's not to be taken lightly.

Question 3

What does my car insurance cover in Florida?

Accepted Answer

Car insurance protects you in the event of third-party liability and, depending on the policy, in the event of damage to your car.

On the "Declarations page" of your contract, you'll find the various coverages and the amounts for which you are covered. Some are compulsory (see here), others are optional.

"Bodily Injury Liability or BI - compulsory in Florida: covers expenses arising from injury or death caused to others in an accident for which you are declared at fault. If you are sued, your insurer will also cover the legal costs of the proceedings.
"Property Damage Liability (PD)" mandatory in Florida: covers damage to the property of others for which the insured is declared liable.
"Personal Injury Protection (PIP)" mandatory in Florida: covers a percentage of medical expenses incurred following an injury, without any notion of responsibility or fault. For this coverage to come into play, you must see a doctor within 14 days of the accident; otherwise your coverage is reduced.
"Uninsured/Underinsured Motorist (UM): covers your medical expenses if your injuries or illness were caused in an accident and the person at fault had no insurance or had a level of insurance too low to cover your expenses. Not compulsory in Florida, but highly recommended given the high proportion of drivers without insurance (estimated at 24%). This insurance also applies in the event of a "hit and run" (when the driver flees following an accident).
"Medical Payments (Med Pay): covers health expenses in the event of bodily injury following a car accident, regardless of who is at fault.
"Comprehensive or Other Than Collision (OTC): Reimburses damage to your vehicle in the event of an incident other than a collision, such as fire, theft, hurricane, flood, vandalism, etc. This coverage also includes damage caused by a falling object or impact with an animal. This coverage comes with a deductible, usually $250.
"Collision": Reimburses the cost of repairs or the current value of the vehicle in the event of collision with another vehicle or object (other than an animal), or in the event of a rollover, whether or not you are at fault. Most contracts require you to take out "Other Than Collision" cover before you can take out collision cover. This coverage comes with a deductible, usually $500.
"Towing & Labor": covers you if you call for emergency service on the road. The conditions and amount of coverage for towing and repairs vary according to your contract.
"Rental Reimbursement": reimburses you for the cost of renting a vehicle if your car is being repaired following an accident or if it has been stolen. Coverage conditions and amounts vary according to your contract.

Question 4

What is the deductible of my car insurance?

Accepted Answer

This is the portion of the damage that the policyholder must pay before the insurance will pay. The deductible varies according to the risk covered: there is a Collision deductible, an Other Than Collision deductible and a PIP deductible.

Your deductible amounts are shown on the Declarations page of your policy.

Question 5

I don't live in Florida 6 months of the year and during that time my car is not in use and is in the garage. Should I maintain my insurance?

Accepted Answer

YES. A car registered in Florida must be covered by Florida insurance for the duration of its registration. When you are not in Florida and wish to suspend your insurance, you can return your registration plate and title to the nearest Florida DMV. When you return, you'll need to re-register your vehicle with proof of insurance.

Remember that you are ALWAYS legally responsible for your vehicle.

Question 6

I am not a resident of Florida but I come there several months a year. Am I subject to Florida laws?

Accepted Answer

YES, anyone who owns a vehicle in Florida for more than 90 days (consecutive or not) during the year must be insured according to Florida criteria.

Question 7

I own several cars that I don't use at the same time. Do I have to insure them all?

Accepted Answer

YES. As long as your vehicle is licensed and registered in Florida, you must maintain insurance coverage.

Question 8

What impacts the price of my car insurance?

Accepted Answer

A multitude of factors influence the price of your insurance. Among those that have the greatest impact are:

The type and age of the vehicle.
Drivers: age, experience, type of license, history, profession…
Your accident history or breaches of the highway code.
Your license according to whether it is an international or Florida one.
The level of coverage: insurance (limits) and excess amounts
The type of compensation: value to nine (replacement cost) or present value (actual cash value) or risk covered by your contract (collision, other than collision…)
The use of your car: for recreation, for work. The number of kilometres you travel per year.

Good to know: If your child is a good student, he will receive a credit on his insurance premium!
Compare the options offered to you by your insurance broker well, and make sure that the coverage level you select is sufficient.
 
If during your contract, you change some of these points, please remember to inform your broker.
Bon à savoir : si votre enfant est bon élève, il recevra un crédit sur sa prime d’assurance !
 
Si pendant votre contrat vous changez certains de ces points, pensez à informer votre courtier.
 
Comparez bien les options qui vous sont proposées par votre courtier d’assurances et vérifiez que le niveau de garantie que vous choisissez est suffisant.

Question 9

Can I lend my Florida insured vehicle to a friend?

Accepted Answer

Yes, when you lend your vehicle, you lend your insurance! Of course, your friend must hold a valid driver's license!

Please note that all persons ordinarily resident in your home must be declared to your insurance company and be insured.

Question 10

I got into an accident and my insurer is talking about “Comparative Negligence”, what does it mean?

Accepted Answer

This means that each party involved in the accident has a share of responsibility. Compensation will therefore be paid in proportion to each party's negligence.

Question 11

What to do in the event of an accident?

Accepted Answer

Do not leave the scene; call the police (911) immediately, even if the incident seems minor.
Note the names and contact details of any witnesses present, as your insurance company may need to contact them.
At the scene, don't sign any papers requested by the other driver, and don't offer any money to repair the damage "amicably". Don't admit to any wrongdoing and stay calm.
Wait for the police to arrive and make sure the officer gives you a copy of the Exchange of Information Form.
As soon as you are in a position to do so, contact your broker or insurance company to report the accident. Don't delay.
Finally, don't hesitate to see a doctor as soon as possible after the accident, even if it's just for a routine check-up.

Question 12

I have a second home in Florida and I leave a car there. Can I register my vehicle in Florida?

Accepted Answer

YES, you can register your vehicle in Florida and you don't need a Florida driver's license to do so. The whole procedure is explained here: https://www.flhsmv.gov/

Important: as long as your car is registered in Florida, you must have Florida insurance. If you wish to cancel your insurance when you leave Florida, you must remove the license plates and drop them off at a local agency. The next time you return, you can re-register it by going to your local agency and providing them with proof of insurance.

Question 13

Do I need to have a Florida driver's license?

Accepted Answer

If you are not a resident of the state of Florida, you must have a valid driver's license issued by your country (state) of residence. An international driver's license is not required to drive in Florida, but may come in handy if your country of residence's license is not written in English.

On the other hand, if you become a Florida resident, you'll need a Florida driver's license.

Question 14

Drink or drive...

Accepted Answer

The law is very strict in Florida regarding the consumption of alcohol or any substance that influences behavior. If you're going out and planning to drink, it's best to use a cab or transport company, or to designate a non-drinking friend as your driver!

The tolerance threshold is 0.08 grams / 100 ml of blood. Reaching this threshold varies according to your height and weight, but happens much faster than you think.

If you are stopped and found to be "DUI - Driving Under Influence", the penalties are numerous.

A fine: from $500 to $1,000 for a 1st offence.
Incarceration for up to 6 months for a 1st offence.

What's more, this offence will stay on your record for a very long time, which will have a major impact on your daily life in the USA...and on your car insurance!

Frequently Asked Questions