Before we talk about how to save - let’s cover what car insurance actually is. Auto insurance is a type of insurance policy that provides financial protection for you and others in the event of a car accident or other covered event. The coverage may include protection for damage to your vehicle, as well as liability protection for damages or injuries you cause to others in an accident.
A typical auto insurance policy may include several types of coverage, such as Liability, Collision, Comprehensive, Personal Injury (PIP), and Uninsured/Underinsured Motorist coverage.
- Liability coverage: Pays for damages or injuries you cause to others in a car accident.
- Collision coverage: Pays for repairs or replacement of your vehicle in the event of an accident, regardless of who is at fault.
- Comprehensive coverage: Covers damages to your vehicle from events such as theft, fire, or natural disasters.
- Personal Injury Protection (PIP): Covers medical expenses and lost wages for you and your passengers in the event of an accident.
- Uninsured/Underinsured Motorist coverage: Pays for damages and injuries you sustain in an accident caused by a driver without insurance or with insufficient insurance.
Drivers in Miami Florida are required to have liability insurance coverage according to FDOT. Florida law requires drivers to carry at least the following minimum liability coverage:
- $10,000 in personal injury protection (PIP) coverage.
- $10,000 in property damage liability (PDL) coverage.
This coverage is meant to provide financial protection in the event of an accident and pay for damages or injuries you cause to others. Failure to maintain the required liability insurance coverage can result in fines, license suspension, and other penalties.
While the state of Florida only requires drivers to have liability insurance, it is also a good idea to consider additional coverage options, such as collision and comprehensive insurance, to protect yourself and your vehicle in the event of an accident or covered loss.
Now that we know a little about the coverages for car/truck insurance in Miami - how can you save money on your policy? There are a few tried and true ways in which you can lower your insurance premiums.
Choose a local licensed auto insurance agent: Let’s face it, insurance is a difficult product and life is a lot easier when you find the best Miami auto insurance agent to help navigate the purchase process. Your agent can even compare rates and many times find a better coverage option at a lower rate. This often-overlooked method can save people thousands on their car insurance every year.
Pay annually instead of monthly: Some insurance companies offer discounts for paying your premium in full instead of monthly payments. These discounts can really add up, sometimes amounting to 20-30% of the policy premium.
Choose a car with low insurance rates: Some cars are more expensive to insure than others. Research insurance rates before purchasing a car to ensure you're getting a good deal. Sometimes changing cars can save 50-60% from your current insurance premiums. A local agent can refer you to automotive experts who can help identify low-maintenance, low-cost vehicles that would help lower your insurance premiums.
There are many other ways your agent will help uncover in how to save money on your policy. Many times the most difficult part of the insurance process is finding the right insurance agent for you - someone who knows the Miami market well and can help you find the most affordable insurance for your car/truck/SUV. With Introz, it’s easy to interview thousands of agents and find the one that’s right for you. Agents listed on introz.com have a video introduction so you can meet the agents virtually without providing any of your contact information. You only share your contact information once you are comfortable with the agent and their approach to saving you money on auto insurance.