Why are Florida auto insurance rates so high?
Some of the reasons rates in Florida are so expensive include litigation and fraud in its no-fault insurance system, extreme weather, uninsured drivers, and generally more drivers on the road.
Florida has the fifth-highest car insurance rates in the U.S., according to Insurify data. Sunshine State drivers pay average rates of $155 per month for liability-only coverage and $209 for full coverage. The state saw an average premium increase of 9% from 2023 to 2024.
Looking ahead, premiums are expected to rise by 10% in 2025. Understanding what’s driving this upward trend and some basic factors that influence your car insurance rates can make it easier for you to find affordable coverage. Here’s what you need to know.
Car insurance premiums have increased by 24% over the past two years nationwide, going from $2,483 in February 2023 to $3,077 in January 2025, according to Insurify’s auto report. That said, current rates are down from a two-year high of $3,253 in August 2024. Here’s a quick look at the recent trend:
Several factors contribute to the Sunshine State’s above-average insurance premiums. Some of the most impactful ones include the state’s no-fault insurance system, extreme weather, a high uninsured driver rate, population density, and inflation.
Here’s a quick look at the details of each.
Florida’s no-fault insurance law requires drivers to maintain personal injury protection (PIP), which increases your policy’s premium. Unfortunately, fraudsters often exploit PIP coverage, leading insurance companies to increase their rates to compensate for losses.
No-fault systems require each driver to file a claim with their insurer, regardless of who’s at fault in the accident. But if disputes arise, litigation may be necessary, and legal costs can be incredibly high in Florida.1
The state’s unique weather challenges also affect Florida car insurance rates. In recent years, hurricanes and tropical storms have battered the Sunshine State.
While those natural disasters primarily affect home insurance, comprehensive claims also affect auto insurers considerably. To compensate for the added risk, insurance companies typically increase premiums.
The state has a high uninsured driver rate — nearly 16% of Florida drivers are uninsured, higher than the national average of 14%.2 This results in higher payouts for bodily injury and property damage claims involving uninsured drivers, leading to higher Florida car insurance rates.
Because the rate of uninsured drivers is so high, you’ll likely want to purchase uninsured motorist coverage, which provides coverage for your medical bills and property damage after an uninsured driver causes an accident. But that will also increase your rates.
Florida has the third-highest population of any state, not to mention the eighth-highest population density.3 With more vehicles on the road, you can generally expect more accidents and higher claims figures, both of which result in higher insurance rates across the board for Florida drivers.
Both new- and used-car prices have increased significantly since 2020. Additionally, repair costs and healthcare expenses increased faster than general inflation during that time. These factors have resulted in rising car insurance rates nationwide, but they’re more keenly felt in states with already high premiums, including Florida.
In addition to environmental and economic factors, car insurance companies also consider a variety of other elements to determine your rates. Here’s a look at some of the top factors and how your rates can vary based on your situation.
Older drivers tend to get into fewer accidents and generally pay lower premiums. Drivers younger than 25 — particularly teenagers — pay the highest rates, partly because they’re more likely to get in fatal accidents.4 5
The table below shows how age affects premiums for Florida drivers.
People in certain ZIP codes have more accidents, theft, and vandalism than others. As a result, you’ll generally pay more for coverage if you live in an urban area compared to a rural area.
In Florida, for instance, drivers who live in Miami and Tampa tend to pay the highest rates, while people in Ocala and Lakeland pay some of the lowest.
Here’s a summary of average rates for both liability only and full coverage in various cities across the Sunshine State:
While many factors that insurers consider are outside of your control, your driving record is a major exception. A history of safe driving habits can help secure lower monthly premiums.
In particular, insurers pay attention to accidents and traffic violations on your driving record. Whether it’s a speeding ticket, a fender bender, or a more serious infraction, such as driving under the influence, you’ll pay more for coverage than someone with a clean record.
Some vehicles are more expensive to repair or replace than others, making them more expensive to insure. What’s more, some models may be more susceptible to theft. Other factors can include the model’s safety features and engine size.
Here are the most popular models in Florida and the average cost to insure them:
Finding the best rate in Florida can be difficult. Although you’ll still pay more for coverage compared to drivers in other states, you can do several things to maximize your savings on an insurance policy:
If you’re a Florida resident, here are some common questions you may come across when searching for the right car insurance policy.
Some of the reasons rates in Florida are so expensive include litigation and fraud in its no-fault insurance system, extreme weather, uninsured drivers, and generally more drivers on the road.
Florida drivers pay average monthly premiums of $155 for liability-only insurance and $209 for full coverage.
On average, Hugo offers the cheapest rates in Florida, with an average premium of $91 per month for liability-only coverage. But it’s still a good idea to shop around and compare quotes from multiple insurers to get the best possible deal.
Some of the steps you can take include shopping around for a policy, making sure you have the right amount of coverage, raising your deductible, researching discount opportunities, and improving your credit.
It depends. If you have a minimum net worth of $40,000 and meet other criteria, you may qualify to self-insure instead of purchasing coverage.6 If you don’t meet the requirements for financial responsibility, you’ll need to maintain minimum property damage liability insurance and PIP coverage. Bodily injury liability coverage isn’t required.7