According to 2017 census data, Sarasota and Manatee counties ranked as the 10th fastest growing metropolitan area in the United States.

Punta Gorda, just to our south, ranked eighth on the list.

It’s not hard to see that there are a lot more drivers on our roads lately which means making a choice wisely – and there are more arriving every year. This makes it even more critical to ensure that you are protected while driving, and that includes having sufficient car insurance to cover any unexpected accidents or incidents.

First and foremost, it is illegal to drive a car on any Florida road without having the determined minimum level of car insurance for both personal injury protection (PIP) insurance and property damage liability (PDL) insurance.

There is no circumstance when this coverage is not necessary. Now that we all understand that important fact, just how much car insurance do Sarasota drivers really need? The needs for drivers vary from location. For instance, when my friend in the UK got in an accident the procedure was so much more straightforward because he had One Sure Insurance to back him up. If you are not sure where to look when it comes to what sort of insurance is best for you or your company, you may want to read reviews of one sure insurance. As I mentioned, my friend visited this company and it was so much easier for him.

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Minimum Car Insurance Coverage in Florida

Although there is a minimum requirement for insurance coverage, these requirements rank among the lowest in the country. The standards are currently:

  • $10,000 of no-fault or personal injury protection (PIP) insurance.
  • $10,000 of property damage liability (PDL) insurance.

Personal Injury Protection, or PIP insurance, will cover your medical expenses and lost wages due to a car accident, as well as:

  • Your child or other members of your household in a car accident.
  • Your child when he or she is riding on a school bus.
  • You (when you are a pedestrian or bicyclist) involved in a car accident.
  • You (when involved as a passenger in someone else’s car)
  • Passengers in your car who do not have their own PIP insurance and do not own a car.

Property Damage Liability, or PDL insurance, will cover you for any damage to someone else;s property that you may cause when driving a car, such as damage to a home or business.

Did You Know? Florida is a no-fault insurance state. If you are injured in an accident, your car insurance is responsible to pay your medical costs up to your policy limits, regardless of who caused the accident.

Going Beyond the Minimum

While Florida law mandates the minimum threshold for car insurance coverage, you may feel that more comprehensive coverage is prudent. These policies, while not required, will protect you in a variety of situations not covered by PIP and PDL. Some examples of Florida insurance coverage options include:

    • Comprehensive – Covers damages to your car that are not caused by a car accident. such as vandalism.
    • Collision – Covers accident-related damages to your car.
    • Towing and labor – In the event of a disabled vehicle due to mechanical issues
    • Uninsured/underinsured motorist – Covers damages incurred by incidents with drivers who do not have insurance.
    • Bodily Injury Liability – Covers attorney fees and damages which may take place should you be sued by another party to a car accident, especially in the case of severe injury or fatality.

Important Exceptions

You may be required by law to purchase additional minimum insurance and certifications known as SR-22 and FR-44 certificates if:

    • You have been involved in a car accident that caused damage or bodily injury
    • You have had your license habitually revoked
    • You have excessive points on your license due to violations
    • You have been cited for driving without insurance
    • You have been convicted of a DUI.

SR-22 certification mandates that you purchase Bodily Injury Liability car insurance on top of the basic Florida car insurance requirements. FR-44 certification may require higher minimum requirements for both Bodily Injury Liability and Property Damage Liability.

If you have any questions about the implications of your past driving history, or are questioning your liability after a car accident or any kind, give our team of expert Sarasota attorneys a call. We’ll do whatever it takes to help you get back on the road, legally and safely.

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