Yes. In Florida, every registered car must have two active mandatory coverages. One covers personal injuries, and the other covers damage to third-party property.

The basic requirements are:

• PIP (Personal Injury Protection): minimum coverage of up to $10,000 in medical costs, which may include a portion of lost wages and funeral benefits. It applies regardless of who caused the accident.
• PDL (Property Damage Liability): minimum amount of $10,000 to cover damage caused to other people’s vehicles or property.

Important: these limits were set in 1972 and are rarely adequate for more serious accidents today.

PIP (Personal Injury Protection) is the mandatory auto insurance coverage in Florida. It operates under a no-fault system—regardless of who caused the accident, your own insurance pays part of your costs.

• 80% of medical expenses
• 60% of lost income
• An additional $5,000 in case of death

This protection applies to you, your family members living with you, passengers in the vehicle, and even if you are a pedestrian or cyclist.

No. Unlike many states, Bodily Injury Liability is not mandatory in Florida. Even so, it is highly recommended, as it can prevent significant financial losses if someone is seriously injured in an accident caused by you and files a lawsuit.

In addition to PIP and PDL, many people opt for additional coverages:

• Bodily Injury Liability (BIL): bodily injuries to third parties
• Uninsured/Underinsured Motorist (UM/UIM): protection against drivers with no insurance or insufficient insurance
• Medical Payments (MedPay): supplements medical expenses up to the contracted limit
• Collision: damage to your vehicle in the event of a collision
• Comprehensive: non-collision damage—theft, flood, fire, falling trees
• Rental Car Coverage: a rental car while your vehicle is being repaired
• Roadside Assistance: towing, battery jump-start, tire change

Yes. Many insurance companies accept a valid foreign license or an International Driving Permit (IDP). Some issue policies using a passport and documents from the country of origin.

However, if you establish residency in Florida, you must obtain a local license within 30 days from the date you are considered a resident.

Auto insurance in Florida is among the most expensive in the country. Insurers analyze individual factors:

• Driver profile: age, driving experience, accident history, violations, credit score
• Vehicle: make, model, safety ratings, repair cost
• Location: accident rates, theft rates, risk of floods or hurricanes
• Vehicle use: miles driven per year, personal or commercial use

Driving without mandatory coverage can result in:

• Driver’s license suspension
• Vehicle registration suspension
• High fines for reinstatement

Furthermore, if an accident occurs in this situation, you will be personally responsible for all damages and medical expenses.

The minimum amount required by Florida is only the legal starting point—it is rarely adequate for a more serious accident. If your coverage is insufficient, the difference comes out of your own pocket.

If you own a home, a business, investments, or any assets, it is even more important to consider Bodily Injury and higher Property Damage limits.

The minimum protects your license. Adequate coverage protects your assets, your income, and your financial future.

To get a quote, you will typically need to provide:

• Personal data and address
• Information for everyone residing at the same address
• A valid driver’s license for each driver
• The vehicle’s VIN (chassis number)
• Type of use and estimated miles driven per year
• Contact phone number and email

The insurer may check driving and credit history to calculate the premium.

Some strategies include:

• Comparing quotes from different insurers
• Adjusting the deductible amount
• Choosing vehicles with better safety ratings
• Grouping multiple vehicles on the same policy
• Taking advantage of a homeowner discount
• Completing an approved defensive driving course
• Participating in telemetry programs

The most important factor: maintaining a good record—avoiding violations and accidents is the most consistent way to keep insurance affordable.