Moving to Florida?  What You Need To Know About Florida Auto Insurance

In search of lower state income taxes, abundant leisure activities, and of course, the spectacular sunny weather, over 1,000 people move to Florida every day. Along with all of the excitement that comes with starting a new life in the Sunshine State, there are many issues to consider, and many pitfalls to address when moving your vehicle to your new state of residence. People moving to Florida need to consider the registration process, Florida’s insurance requirements, and their own personal needs when making decisions about moving their vehicles.

There are many tasks involved with moving your vehicle to Florida. The most urgent step is to register your vehicle, because when you move to Florida you only have ten days to register your out of state car.  In many states, both tag and title registration and driver’s license issues can be resolved at the DMV, in Florida, they are handled separately, and must be done in the proper order. These are the steps to getting your car registered in Florida:

  1. Visit the Driver’s License office to convert your out-of-state license into a Florida driver’s license.
  2. Call and arrange for auto insurance, because you need proof of Florida auto insurance to register any vehicle in Florida.
  3. Next, complete an application for certificate of title at your local Tag Office.  Be sure to bring your proof of identity, proof of Florida insurance, original title and the vehicle to your appointment.
  4. You will receive your title and registration all at once, at the Tag Office.

When you call your insurance agent to obtain coverage, be sure to consider the following:

  • The Sunshine State only requires that residents carry a policy with $10,000 for property damage liability (PDL) and $10,000 personal injury protection (PIP).
  • This minimum coverage would leave you wide open to significant personal liability, so it is wise to work with an experienced agent who takes the time to understand your financial situation, in order to obtain adequate coverage.
  • Some coverage options that all drivers should consider are Bodily Injury Liability and Uninsured Motorist coverage. These are not required by Florida Law, but are essential elements in your insurance plan.
  • The auto insurance must be issued through a Florida agent with an insurance company licensed to sell in Florida. It is best to start a fresh relationship with a Florida insurance agency that you can trust to handle all of your insurance needs, for your home, automobile, and all other aspects of your new lifestyle in Florida.
  • Most insurance agents can give you a better rate if you purchase both homeowners and automobile insurance through the same insurance provider, so try that route first when shopping for car insurance.

An experienced, locally based insurance agent can be your greatest asset when relocating to Florida. Ask for recommendations from neighbors and friends, and be sure to let your agent know all about your assets, so you can get the protection and security you need. A good agent will help you through many big decisions involving your move to Florida so you can get on to the business of enjoying life in our beautiful state!