Best car insurance in Florida in 2022

Florida's highways can be congested, with residents and tourists competing for space in the lanes. Having an insurance policy that meets your needs can make you feel more financially secure, knowing that your assets are protected in the event of an accident. According to StrongInsurance research, Geico and State Farm are two of the best car insurance companies in Florida.

In 2021, the average cost of car insurance in Florida for full coverage was $2,364, making it one of the most expensive states in the country. As a result, the quoted premium may be the most important factor for many Florida drivers. However, finding the best car insurance in Florida necessitates considering factors other than price. StrongInsurance examined several aspects of the car insurance companies in Florida to assist you in selecting a carrier that fits your budget and coverage requirements.

Best car insurance companies in Florida

The companies on this list were chosen by the StrongInsurance editorial team based on J.D. Power's 2021 customer satisfaction ratings, average 2021 rates reported by Quadrant Information Services, AM Best's financial strength ratings, coverage options, discounts, and unique policy features.

We calculated a StrongInsurance Score based on these factors. Each score ranges from 0.0 to 5.0. The greater a company's StrongInsurance Score, the higher it ranks in each category. Because this scoring method combines numerous aspects of each carrier into a single Score, it facilitates your research process by providing an easy comparison tool.

State Farm

State Farm offers discounts to younger drivers and students who take defensive driving courses and are good students. According to the Insurance Information Institute (Triple-I), State Farm is the largest auto insurer in the United States, with a 16.2 percent market share. It also received the highest official ranking for customer satisfaction in the 2021 J.D. Power Auto Insurance Study for Florida. AM Best has rated State Farm's financial strength as A++ (Superior), the highest level possible. State Farm has local agents throughout the Sunshine State, so if you prefer to handle your insurance needs in person, State Farm could be a good choice. The National Association of Insurance Commissioners (NAIC) has given the company a lower-than-average complaint index score for private passenger insurance. However, as an overall insurer, State Farm has received more complaints than the baseline, suggesting that some policyholders are dissatisfied with State Farm's level of customer service.

Geico

Geico could be a good choice if you want strong digital assets, lower-than-average premiums, and a long list of discounts. Being a federal employee, active-duty military member or veteran, or a high-achieving student may result in lower insurance premiums. In the 2021 J.D. Power U.S. Insurance Digital Experience Study, Geico's mobile app is also highly rated for its user-friendly functionality. Geico, the second-largest auto insurer in the United States by market share, has an AM Best financial strength rating of A++ (Superior). However, because the carrier does not offer as many endorsement options as some other companies, its policies are fairly straightforward. This may be acceptable for customers who prefer working one-on-one with an agent, as Geico also allows customers to purchase insurance in-person through local agents.

Progressive

Although Progressive is not the cheapest car insurance company on the StrongInsurance list, its benefits may outweigh the higher cost. The company, which is the third-largest auto insurer in the United States, offers a variety of digital tools that can help you find the best auto insurance in Florida faster and easier. Its Name Your Own Price tool suggests coverage options based on your budget, and you can even compare rates from different companies directly from Progressive's website. The national carrier also provides its Snapshot usage-based telematics program, which allows customers to save money on premiums based on their driving habits. AM Best rates Progressive's financial strength as A+ (Superior). Among Progressive's many discounts is a bundling opportunity with its American Strategic Insurance (Progressive Home) subsidiary in St. Petersburg, Florida.

Allstate

Allstate, the fourth-largest auto insurer in the United States, provides a wide range of standard auto insurance coverage options, an exceptional web presence full of tools and useful consumer information for customers and the general public, and a slew of simple and practical ways policyholders can save money on their premiums. Drivers with Allstate insurance could save money by digitally managing their policy, installing safety equipment, and practicing safe driving habits to take advantage of the company's unique Safe Driving Bonus. AM Best rates Allstate's financial strength as A+ (Superior). However, because the carrier has the second-highest premium on our list, it may not be the best fit for consumers on a tight budget.

Average car insurance cost in Florida

Car insurance rates in Florida in 2021 average around $1,101 for minimum coverage and $2,364 for full coverage. Florida drivers pay nearly $700, or 71 percent, more for coverage than the national average of $1,674 per year for full coverage in 2021. According to StrongInsurance analysis, Florida is the second-most expensive state in the country for full coverage car insurance.

The state's higher-than-average premium may be due in part to the state's geographic location, with 1,350 miles of coastline (the most in the country), and its resulting susceptibility to severe weather events such as tropical storms, hurricanes, and tornadoes. According to 2019 data published by the Triple-I, Florida also has a high population of uninsured drivers, with 20.4 percent of drivers estimated to be driving without insurance. All of these factors, especially when combined with the state's congested highways, may be contributing to high insurance costs.

How to get the best car insurance in Florida

Many drivers are likely to seek out the best auto insurance company they can find. Because every driver's needs differ and can be influenced by factors such as vehicle type and coverage requirements, finding the best carrier is largely determined by which aspects of auto insurance you prioritize. You can, however, take some steps to aid in your search.

Consider minimum insurance requirements in Florida

Florida is a no-fault state, which means that regardless of who is at fault in an accident, each person involved must file a claim with their own insurer to cover their medical expenses. Property damage is the responsibility of the at-fault driver. The Sunshine State takes an unusual approach to state minimum car insurance requirements, requiring only personal injury protection (PIP) and property damage coverage. Technically, bodily injury liability coverage is not required. The state does, however, have a "financial responsibility law" that requires you to provide proof of your ability to pay for the damages you cause in an accident. Although auto insurance is not the only way to comply with this law (you could also post a bond), most drivers choose to purchase a policy that includes bodily injury liability coverage.

Although Florida's minimum required insurance coverage helps keep the state's high premiums in check, drivers may face higher out-of-pocket expenses if they are involved in a more serious accident where injuries or damages exceed the minimum amounts. While serious incidents such as car accidents cannot be predicted in advance, purchasing additional coverage in advance, such as optional collision and comprehensive coverage, as well as uninsured and underinsured motorist coverage, may help minimize unexpected financial losses.

Consider lender requirements

If you have a loan or lease on your vehicle, you may be required to carry more insurance than the state minimum. Lenders and lessors typically require full coverage, which includes comprehensive and collision coverage in your policy. These coverage types provide significant financial protection for both collision and non-collision damage to your vehicle, rather than just damage caused by you to another party. Lessors will also usually require you to carry liability limits that are higher than the state minimum. Consider gap insurance, which will pay the difference between your loan value and the vehicle's actual cash value if your new vehicle is stolen or totaled. Gap coverage is typically less expensive if purchased from your auto insurer rather than your lender.

Consider your individual needs

Every driver brings a unique set of circumstances to car insurance. Your circumstances will influence the company, coverage types and levels, endorsements, and discounts you select. If you have a teen driver, for example, you may want to look for companies that offer student discounts, which could help you lower your premium. You may be considered a high-risk driver if you have a few accidents, tickets, a DUI conviction, or any combination of these incidents on your driving record. Because your insurance company options may be limited, you may need to conduct additional research to find the best option for you.

Car insurance discounts in Florida

Insurance discounts may help you get cheaper car insurance regardless of your initial premium quote. Your driving habits, vehicle safety features, and preferred payment method all have the potential to help you save money on car insurance. In Florida, some common auto insurance discounts include:

• Young driver discounts: Young drivers can be expensive to insure, but you can find cheap car insurance for teens by taking advantage of discounts. Discounts for good students, distant students, and driver training are common.
• Safe driver discounts: Many companies offer usage-based telematics insurance programs that track your driving habits using a mobile app or plug-in device. You could get a significant discount based on how safely you drive and how much you drive. You could also save money if you drive for a certain number of years without filing a claim and without receiving any moving violations.
• Other discounts: A common and relatively significant discount is bundling your auto and home policies with the same carrier. Additionally, billing discounts such as signing up for automatic payments or receiving your statements electronically may save you money. If you're changing companies, make sure to mention if you have an active policy that hasn't expired. Some companies provide ongoing insurance discounts.

Discounts vary by carrier, so speaking with your agent or company representative is often the best way to learn about potential savings.