Buying car insurance can be confusing. Do you need comprehensive or collision only? Should you purchase no-fault insurance? How much insurance is enough? With so many choices, how do you know what's right for you?
ARCW Insurance has a team of professionals who understand Florida car insurance requirements, especially for Pinellas Park. They also know that everyone has different insurance needs. Maybe, you have a teen driver or a classic car. You may enjoy taking your exotic car to car shows. Whatever your unique situation, our professionals are ready to help.
An auto insurance policy is a contract between you and an insurance company. You pay a premium and in exchange, the insurance company promises to pay for specific car-related financial losses during the term of the policy. We can help you determine the best coverage for your needs.
How much auto insurance is right for you?
Our team of car insurance professionals understands the Florida car insurance needs of our customers.
Auto insurance requirements vary by state. In some states, to drive you must carry:
- Liability coverage to pay for losses you cause others
- No-fault coverage to pay you and your passengers for medical and related expenses caused by injuries from a car accident, regardless of who is at fault
- Both liability and no-fault coverage.
We write insurance in Florida and would be happy to help you ensure you have the right car insurance coverage.
Even in states where coverage isn’t required, by law drivers must be able to pay for losses they cause others. Having insurance is the simplest way for most people to comply. To finance a car, it is usually necessary to have insurance which covers damage to your vehicle. This includes:
- Collision Insurance Collision coverage pays for damage caused to your vehicle in an automobile accident. Standard collision coverage will pay for any repairs up to the fair market value of your car. Collision coverage usually also comes with an insurance deductible. It’s the amount of money you pay toward repairs before your collision insurance kicks in. The higher the deductible you’re willing to pay, the less the collision coverage will cost.
- Comprehensive Insurance (Other than Collision) Comprehensive insurance covers damage done to your car in some way other than a collision, such as if it were stolen or vandalized. Flood, hurricane, theft, windshield damage and fire are also events usually covered by comprehensive car insurance. Like collision, comprehensive will pay up to the fair market value of your car (less your insurance deductible.) Although it’s not legally required by any state, you will probably need it if your car is financed.
The Right Car Insurance for You
Every state has different insurance requirements. Some states require proof of insurance from a licensed agent. Others allow self-coverage. Most states do have a minimum coverage amount. In Florida, licensed drivers must show proof of:
- Personal Injury Protection (PIP) covers medical expenses from an accident.
- Property Damage Liability (PDL) pays for damage to another's property caused by an automobile accident.
- Coverage is obtained through a licensed insurance company or a self-insurance certificate issued by the Florida Highway Safety and Motor Vehicle department. All vehicles must be insured at the time of registration.
Requirements for Car Insurance
Florida requires that all vehicles have Liability (PDL) and No-Fault (PIP) insurance.
- Liability insurance encompasses bodily injury and property damage as a result of an accident that you caused.
- No-Fault insurance covers costs associated with bodily injury or property damage as the result of an accident. It doesn't matter who was at fault.
A maximum coverage amount usually applies. These legal requirements provide for minimal coverage, as determined by the state of Florida. However, most drivers prefer more extensive coverage.
Vehicle Damage in Pinellas Parl, FL
If you are financing a vehicle purchase, you will need insurance that covers damage to the vehicle. This coverage can include collision, comprehensive or both.
Collision. This coverage pays for damages to your vehicle as the result of a car accident. Most policies cover repairs up to the fair market value of your car.
Comprehensive. Comprehensive insurance covers car damage not caused by a car accident. This damage may be from floods, hurricanes, vandalism, or theft, for example. As with collision, the coverage is up to the fair market value of the vehicle.
The amount of deductible determines the insurance premium. The higher the deductible, the lower the premiums.
Classic Cars, Exotic Cars and Antique Cars Insurance
If you have a high-value car, you will want to make sure it is protected. Whether it is an exotic, classic or antique car, it is treasured. Finding the right coverage depends on your plans for the vehicle. Typical coverage may include:
- Value coverage. The car can be fully insured with no depreciation for a total loss.
- Inflation protection. Since specialty cars may increase in value, you can purchase a policy that increases the car's value each quarter.
- Spare parts. Finding the right part for antique or classic cars can be expensive. This option helps cover those costs.
- Flexible usage. If you want to do more than drive in parades, you have the option to drive your car between 2,500 and 5,000 miles per year.
- In addition to the typical coverage, you can include options such as emergency towing or roadside assistance.
When you drive a rare or high value car, there are more issues to consider. Classic cars and antique cars are often driven in parades and displayed at car shows. Will yours? And if your treasured car has been stolen, our expanded policies include theft rewards. Find Out More About Classic Car Insurance…
Every person is unique – talk to us today to find out how to get the best price and value on Florida car insurance for you.
Teen Drivers & Your Auto Insurance
You’re the parent of a teenage driver…it can be nerve wracking to say the least. The confidence that your teenager has become a confident driver hasn’t happened yet. And if nerves aren’t enough, your auto insurance premium may have taken a hit. In general, insurance for teen drivers is more expensive than for older drivers.
Adding a teen to your insurance policy can be expensive. So can letting designated drivers operate your vehicle if they aren't covered. At ARCW, we have trained professionals who can help you navigate the insurance maze to find the best solutions for your circumstances. Talk to us before you purchase a policy. Let's work together to find the best coverage at the right price.
Explore our topics related to curbing the cost of having a teen driver.
Every family’s auto policy is unique – talk to us today to find out how to get the best price on covering teen drivers.
