There are many perks to living in the Sunshine State. Unfortunately, cheap car insurance is not one of them. According to the Insurance Information Institute (III), the average cost of car insurance in Florida was $1,356 per year as of 2017, the last year with aggregate data, making it the third most expensive state for auto insurance.

Despite what the numbers show, it is possible to find cheap car insurance in Florida. There are a few companies in particular that are known for offering affordable rates to Florida drivers. To help you find the best one, we put together a list of the cheapest car insurance in Florida.

The cheapest car insurance companies in Florida

Florida is one of the most expensive states for car insurance, but you can still find a good deal—if you choose the right provider. We did some research to find the cheapest car insurance companies in Florida. Here are the three that we recommend.

AAA

If you have a AAA membership, consider purchasing a car insurance policy through the company. AAA Auto Club South offers affordably priced car insurance, good customer service, and arguably the best roadside assistance package on the market. Depending on your budget, you can choose from several insurance packages, including Essential, Advantage, Ultimate or a customized policy yourself.

With AAA Auto Club South, you can get access to a variety of discounts. Safe drivers can get a discount by enrolling in the AAADrive™ program. Additionally, all insurance packages come with small claim forgiveness—a maximum of $250 if you are at fault, or a maximum $750 for other claims. AAA also has a disappearing deductible program, which can save you up to $500.

Allstate

Allstate took first place in J.D. Power’s 2020 U.S. Auto Insurance Study for the Florida region. Many Florida drivers are insured with Allstate because the company offers affordable rates, good discounts and a wide range of coverage options. Allstate is also known for its safe driver discount program, Drivewise®, which rewards good drivers with a lower car insurance rate.

Allstate offers discounts that can help drivers save money on insurance. If you sign up for Allstate Deductible Rewards®, you can get $100 off your deductible each year you prove your safe driving habits, up to $500. Allstate also has discounts for good students, signing a policy early, and paying in full.

Geico

Geico ranked second in J.D. Power’s 2020 study, and for good reason. The company offers some of the cheapest car insurance policies on the market. The coverage is basic, and the customer service isn’t the greatest, but you can count on getting an affordable car insurance policy from Geico. In fact, customers that switch to Geico report saving an average of $500 per year on their insurance.

We found that Geico has some of the best discounts of any insurance company. Drivers can save a significant amount of money by having standard safety features in their car, like airbags and antilock brakes. You can even save 15 percent if you always wear your seatbelt. Geico also offers savings for good students, military members, federal employees and seniors.

Affordable coverage for Florida drivers

Car insurance is legally required in Florida. All drivers must carry a minimum amount of insurance coverage that is determined by the state. Florida is also a no-fault state, which means drivers are required to carry personal injury protection coverage (PIP). Here is the minimum amount of insurance that Florida drivers need to have:

• $10,000 bodily injury liability coverage per person
• $20,000 bodily injury liability coverage per accident
• $10,000 property damage liability coverage per accident
• $10,000 personal injury protection coverage per person

If you only purchase the minimum required amount of car insurance, you’ll pay the lowest price. But that doesn’t mean it’s the best option. If you get into a serious accident, there’s no guarantee that Florida’s minimum car insurance requirements will be enough to cover the full cost of the claim.

As a general rule of thumb, it’s a good idea to purchase more insurance coverage than what’s required. You’ll pay more money upfront, but you’re less likely to pay a large amount of money out-of-pocket towards a claim if you get into an accident.

How to get cheap car insurance in Florida

Besides choosing a provider with affordable rates, there are other ways to find cheap car insurance in Florida. Here are some suggestions:

• Ask about discounts: Most insurance companies offer discounts that can help drivers save money on their premiums. Every provider has different discounts, but some of the common ones are having safety features in your car, taking a defensive driving course, being a safe driver and paying your premium in full.
• Raise your deductible: By raising your deductible, you agree to pay more money out-of-pocket towards a claim. However, a higher deductible means paying less for your monthly premium.
• Improve your credit score: Your credit score is one of the factors that influence your rate. Drivers with poor credit scores are considered high-risk, and they pay a higher rate because of it. If you can boost your credit score, you’ll get rewarded with a lower premium.
• Shop around: Another option is to shop around for a different provider that can offer you a cheaper rate. Oftentimes, insurance companies will even give you a discount for simply switching providers, and signing a new policy before your old one ends.

These may not work, but it’s worth the effort to try them in case something helps you lower your costs.

Frequently asked questions

What is the best car insurance in Florida?

There isn’t one car insurance company in Florida that is the best for every driver. There are some companies that are great for affordable premiums, and others that are better for drivers who want reliable customer service. You’ll need to shop around and do some research to find the best car insurance in Florida for you.

How much does car insurance cost in Florida?

Car insurance in Florida is expensive. However, there are a number of factors that influence your car insurance premium. You might pay more or less than the state-wide average based on your zip code, your age, the type of car you drive, your credit score and your claims history.

Do I need car insurance in Florida?

Yes, car insurance is legally required in Florida. Additionally, Florida is considered a no-fault state, which means drivers need to have PIP insurance. Drivers are required to carry a minimum of $10,000/$20,000 bodily injury liability coverage, $10,000 property damage liability coverage, and $10,000 personal injury protection coverage.