What car insurance is required in Florida?

GWR Insurance Group, a Gainesville, Florida insurance agency (License L136942), wrote this guide to Florida's car insurance requirements, with links to the official sources.

Short answer: every Florida-registered vehicle with at least four wheels must carry at least $10,000 of Personal Injury Protection (PIP) and $10,000 of Property Damage Liability (PDL), continuously, for the whole registration period.

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What are Florida's minimum car insurance requirements?

FLHSMV requires proof of PIP and PDL before you register a vehicle with at least four wheels, with a minimum of $10,000 of each. The policy must come from an insurer licensed in Florida, and coverage must stay in force for the whole registration period, even if the car is not being driven or does not run.

What does no-fault mean in Florida?

PIP is Florida's no-fault coverage: it pays for your own injuries no matter who caused the crash. Under section 627.736, Florida Statutes, PIP pays 80 percent of reasonable medical expenses and 60 percent of lost income, up to $10,000 in total, plus a separate $5,000 death benefit. To use PIP medical benefits, you must get initial treatment within 14 days of the crash.

Is bodily injury liability required in Florida?

Not to register a typical private car. Florida DFS lists bodily injury liability as optional. But if you cause a crash with injuries while you don't have it, FLHSMV requires you to buy at least $10,000/$20,000/$10,000 of liability coverage with an SR-22 filing for three years, and to obtain releases or post a security deposit.

See SR-22 vs. FR-44 in Florida.

What happens if my Florida car insurance lapses?

Your insurer must report a cancellation or nonrenewal of PIP or PDL coverage to FLHSMV within 10 days (section 324.0221).
FLHSMV can suspend your driver license and registration. FLHSMV says insurance-related suspensions can last up to three years, with no hardship license.
To reinstate, you pay a $150 fee the first time, $250 the second time, and $500 for each later reinstatement within three years of the first.
Turn in your license plate before you cancel insurance on a car you no longer need, to avoid a suspension.

Is the state minimum enough?

The minimums are what Florida requires to register a car, not a recommendation. PDL of $10,000 may not cover a serious crash involving a newer vehicle, and PIP does not pay for damage to your own car. Talk with us about bodily injury, uninsured motorist, comprehensive and collision coverage. Our coverage terms guide explains each one.

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Common questions

Do I need insurance on a car I'm not driving? Yes. FLHSMV requires continuous PIP and PDL coverage on a registered vehicle even if it is not being driven or is inoperable. Surrender the plate before you cancel the insurance.

Does PIP pay to fix my car? No. PIP covers injuries. Damage to your own car is covered by collision or comprehensive coverage, if you carry them.

How much does Florida charge to reinstate after a lapse? Under section 324.0221, Florida Statutes, the reinstatement fee is $150 the first time, $250 the second time and $500 for each later reinstatement within three years of the first.

Sources: FLHSMV: Florida Insurance Requirements · Florida Statutes §627.736 (PIP benefits) · Florida Statutes §324.0221 (lapse reporting, suspension, reinstatement) · FLHSMV: Involved in a Crash? · Florida DFS: Personal Automobile Insurance Overview