Everything You Need to Know About Auto Insurance in Orlando, FL

By the Mercury Team

If you live in the home of the Magic Kingdom, you have a wealth of entertainment, family fun, and natural beauty right at your doorstep, but shopping for auto insurance in Orlando likely doesn’t carry the same sense of excitement and enchantment that Disney World does. Fortunately, we’ve developed a comprehensive guide to help you understand the coverage options available for car insurance in Orlando, Florida, and to help you navigate state-specific regulations for auto insurance.

Why Car Insurance Is Essential in Orlando

With its year-round tourist traffic and unpredictable weather, Orlando has greater-than-average risks for car accidents. That’s why comprehensive auto insurance is a necessary safety net to provide you with peace of mind and protection from a potential financial crisis in the event of an accident.

Common Risks for Drivers in Orlando

Common risks for Orlando drivers include:

• High traffic density due to frequent congestion, the longer length of local commutes and associated stress, as well as the potential for road rage incidents and aggressive driving behaviors.
• Heavy tourist population lacking familiarity with local traffic laws and road conditions and distracted driving due to sightseeing and use of navigational apps.
• Frequency of severe weather events due to hurricanes and tropical storms that cause flooding, heavy winds, flying debris, power outages, road closures, and reduced visibility.

Legal Requirements for Auto Insurance in Orlando, Florida

There are minimum requirements for car insurance in Orlando, Florida, that you must meet in order to legally operate a vehicle. These requirements protect both yourself and others in the event of an accident:

• Personal injury protection (PIP) helps pay for medical expenses, lost wages, and other related costs, regardless of who caused the accident. Florida law mandates a minimum of $10,000 in PIP coverage.
• Property damage liability (PDL) pays for damage you cause to someone else’s property, such as their vehicle or building. Florida law requires a minimum of $10,000 in PDL coverage.

Driving without proper auto insurance in Orlando can result in severe penalties, including fines, license suspension, and even jail time.

Types of Car Insurance Coverage Available in Orlando

Understanding the different types of car insurance coverage is crucial to protecting yourself financially in the event of an accident. There are four main types of auto insurance coverage: liability, vehicle, personal injury, and uninsured motorist insurance.

1) Liability coverage includes:

• Bodily injury liability, which pays for medical expenses, lost wages and other related costs for injuries you cause to others in an accident.
• Property damage liability, which pays for damage you cause to someone else’s property, such as their vehicle or real estate.

2) Vehicle insurance options include:

• Collision coverage to pay for damage to your vehicle caused by a collision with another vehicle or object, regardless of who is at fault.
• Comprehensive coverage to pay for damage to your vehicle caused by non-collision events, such as theft, vandalism, fire, or natural disasters.

3) Personal injury protection (PIP), which is mandatory in Florida, helps pay for your medical expenses, lost wages, and other related costs, regardless of who is at fault in an accident.

4) Uninsured/underinsured motorist coverage protects you if you’re involved in an accident with a driver who is uninsured or underinsured. It can help pay for your medical expenses and property damage.

Additional Optional Coverage to Consider

You might want to consider some other additional optional protections that can enhance your auto insurance policy. Roadside assistance, for instance, can be a lifesaver in emergencies, providing services like towing, jump-starts, and tire changes. Meanwhile, rental car reimbursement can cover the cost of a rental vehicle if your car requires repairs and you can’t drive it, and gap insurance will pay the difference between the amount you owe on your car loan or lease and the car’s actual cash value if your car is stolen or totaled.

Generally, you can benefit from auto insurance discounts by bundling your home and car insurance policies with the same insurance company.

How to Find Affordable Auto Insurance in Orlando

What driver isn’t looking for cheap auto insurance? While you don’t want to skimp on your car insurance coverage, there are a number of ways you can lower quoted rates from auto insurance companies in Orlando, FL.

Factors That Affect Your Car Insurance Rates

There are a number of factors that can impact your auto insurance rates:

• Age is a big factor since younger drivers, especially teenagers, are often considered higher risks due to inexperience. As drivers mature, rates tend to decrease.
• A clean driving record with no accidents or traffic violations can significantly lower your rates. Conversely, a history of accidents or traffic tickets can increase them.
• The type of vehicle you drive influences your insurance rate. Sports cars and luxury vehicles are generally more expensive to insure due to their higher repair costs and potential for theft.
• Where you live can impact your rates. Areas with higher rates of accidents, theft, or natural disasters may have higher insurance premiums.
• A good credit score can sometimes lead to lower insurance rates.
• Being married may also qualify for lower rates.
• The level of coverage you choose, including deductibles and limits, will affect your rates, too. But keep in mind that higher deductibles, while lowering your premium, will cost you more out of pocket in the event of a claim.

Tips for Saving on Car Insurance in Orlando

There are a lot of ways to save on auto insurance in Orlando, FL. Here are some of our top tips:

• Compare quotes from auto insurance companies in Orlando.
• Bundle your home and auto insurance policies with the same provider for car insurance discounts.
• Take advantage of auto insurance discounts for being a good student, a safe driver, or for having multiple policies with the same insurance provider.
• Consider opting into using telematic devices since some insurers offer discounts tracking your driving habits.
• Review your coverage annually to ensure you have the right amount of protection at the best price.
• Consider purchasing a less expensive car to obtain lower premiums.

FAQs About Car Insurance in Orlando

What is the average cost of car insurance in Orlando?

Car insurance in Orlando, FL, can be expensive. According to Bankrate, drivers in Florida pay an average of $4,088 annually for full coverage and $1,125 for the most minimal coverage.

Are there discounts for good drivers?

Many insurance companies reward good drivers with discounts to incentivize safe driving behavior. To qualify for safe driver auto insurance discounts, you typically need a clean driving record, free from accidents and traffic violations. Some companies also offer discounts for completing defensive driving courses.

Can I get coverage for weather-related damages?

Yes, comprehensive auto insurance can protect your vehicle from non-collision incidents, including weather-related events like hail and wind damage, as well as flooding and fire. Keep in mind some policies may have specific exclusions or limitations.

Save Money on Auto Insurance in Orlando with Mercury

Find out how you can save on car insurance in Orlando, Florida, and even quality for auto insurance discounts. Visit Mercury Insurance in Orlando to request a free, personalized auto insurance quote today.