Tampa Car Insurance

Tampa is a large city in Florida, and its roadways can often be quite congested. This can increase your risk of being in a collision. From busy high-speed roads, like Interstate 275 and the Selmon Expressway, to crosstown roads, like North Boulevard and the Nick Nuccio Parkway, Tampa, FL is a city where accidents can happen any place, any time and to anyone — even the most experienced driver. That is why it is so important that you protect your finances by investing in a suitable Tampa auto insurance policy.

Finding quality car insurance at an affordable price is easy when you work with an experienced Independent Insurance Agent. These independent agents can explain your various coverage options and answer your insurance-related questions. They can then contact insurance companies and provide you with a selection of customized Tampa car insurance quotes that you can review and compare together. Find an agent near you to get started in your search for the best auto insurance policy.

• National average cost per year: $1,311
• Florida average cost per year: $1,742
• 5th most expensive auto premium in the U.S.

Auto insurance rates in Florida are considerably higher than the national average. However, the rates mentioned above can only give you a general idea of what your actual cost might be. Rates vary significantly from one person to the next because they are calculated according to several different variables. When you contact insurance companies to request a quote, they consider factors, such as the following:

• Information about the vehicle(s) you wish to insure, such as year, make and model
• The driving record, age, sex and marital status of all drivers in your household unless you are specifically excluding them from coverage on your policy
• The ZIP code where you live and where you park your car (garage, carport, street, etc.)
• The amount of liability coverage you wish to purchase
• The amount of your deductible
• Your qualification for any offered policy discounts

Every insurance has a proprietary way of calculating risk and determining rates, so each is likely to quote you a different rate. Comparison shopping puts you at an advantage by enabling you to choose the Tampa car insurance policy that offers the best value for your money.

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Florida Car Insurance Requirements

• Bodily injury liability: required
• Property damage liability: required
• Personal injury protection (PIP): required
• Uninsured motorist coverage: not required
• Minimum liability limits: 10/20/10: Coverage up to $20,000 for all persons injured in an accident, subject to a limit of $10,000 for one individual, and $10,000 coverage for property damage

Vehicle owners in Florida are required to carry auto insurance that meets or exceeds these state-mandated minimums. Be aware that minimum liability coverage amounts for drivers who have been convicted of a DUI are much higher at 100/300/50. Likewise, motorists who have been convicted of certain other driving violations also face higher liability requirements.

For most drivers in Florida, however, this state has some of the lowest liability requirements in the country. Unfortunately, with the rapidly increasing cost of medical care, these minimums may not be sufficient to fully cover you in the event of a serious accident — especially if it involves injuries that require extensive medical care. If you have a lot to lose, you may want to safeguard your assets by buying Tampa car insurance with much higher liability limits than the state requires. Your agent can help you determine how much coverage you can reasonably afford.

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Number of Uninsured Motorists in Florida

• Number of uninsured U.S. drivers: 12.6%
• Number of uninsured Florida drivers: 23.8%

Driving without insurance in Florida is illegal. If you are caught doing so, you may face suspension of your driver’s license, license plates, and registration until you can produce proof of insurance and have paid a fine of between $150 and $500. What may surprise you is that Florida has the second-highest rate of uninsured drivers in the country, with more than one of every five drivers breaking the law.

If an uninsured or a hit-and-run driver is responsible for a collision that causes you injuries or property damage, you may find it extremely difficult, if not impossible, to collect reimbursement for your losses. Unless, that is, your Tampa auto insurance policy includes uninsured motorist coverage. In this case, your insurance company covers your damage upfront and then attempts to collect funds from the offending driver on its own behalf.

Number of Auto Thefts in Florida

• National number of thefts per 1,000 vehicles: 2.94
• Florida number of thefts per 1,000 vehicles: 2.48

The rate of car theft in the state of Florida is lower than the national average; and in Tampa, the rate of car theft has been dropping significantly over the last several years. In previous years, for example, there were only 495 auto thefts reported in this city. That equates to about 1.39 car thefts per 1,000 vehicles — far less than the rate of 21.18 in 2002.

If your car is stolen or damaged by vandals, you can receive compensation from your insurance company only if your Tampa auto insurance policy includes comprehensive (or “other than collision”) insurance. This insurance also covers damage caused by other noncollision events, such as floods, heavy winds, and flying debris, falling objects, wildfires, and sinkholes. If you are still paying for your vehicle, you probably have comprehensive insurance already because most lenders will require you to carry it until the loan is paid in full.

Find the Best Tampa Car Insurance Policy

As the owner of a vehicle in the state of Florida, you are required to carry auto insurance; but you are not required to overpay for it. If you are looking for a reasonably priced Tampa auto insurance policy that will provide the right amount of coverage for you and your family, you may find it beneficial to work with an agent. These agents are not tied to a particular insurance provider, so they are free to shop around to help you find the most affordable policy. There are several independent insurance agents located throughout the state of Florida, and some have offices in and near the city of Tampa. 

Find an agent near you to learn more about your coverage options, and discover how much money you can save by comparing customized Tampa car insurance quotes.