Is Auto Insurance Required in Florida

Reader’s Question:

My cousin just landed a new job here in Florida. She’s asking me a lot of things about car insurance law that I knew nothing about. Is auto insurance coverage required in Florida? And also, since my cousin has an existing auto insurance policy from her (would be) previous state of residence, can she use that here?

Joanna

Deltona, FL

I would be glad to help you Joanna.

The Florida State Law requires its residents to have auto insurance policy for them to be able to purchase and maintain a Florida registration and tag. This auto insurance policy should meet the minimum required limits of $10,000 each for Personal Injury Protection (PIP) and Property Damage Liability (PDL).

You’ve mentioned that your cousin has an existing auto insurance law in her soon to be previous states. I am sorry to tell you but she is not allowed to use that in Florida. For her to maintain a Florida registration and tag, your cousin must purchase Florida coverage. It is an auto insurance coverage issued or delivered in the state of Florida by an insurance company duly licensed by the Florida Department of Financial Services (DFS).

What your cousin needs to do is to contact her present auto insurance agent to transfer her existing car insurance policy to Florida. This can be done most of the time since majority of the car insurance companies have agents in Florida who are licensed to issue insurance coverage here.