Auto Insurance

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What if I recently moved to florida - do I need an auto insurance policy?

As a new Florida resident, you should find an honest and reputable Florida auto insurance agent to help you. Contact your local driver license office for information on obtaining a driver license and auto registration.

What if I'm called to active duty - do I need an auto insurance policy?

A member of the U.S. armed forces may receive orders to serve active duty outside the United States in an emergency situation. This type of situation exempts you from carrying PIP and PDL as long as you remain outside the United States and allow no one else to use your automobile. You must request this exemption from your insurer in writing and notify the Florida Department of Highway Safety and Motor Vehicles (DHSMV).

What if I rent a vehicle - do I need an auto insurance policy?

Check your policy to determine if your rental vehicle is covered. Automobile rental companies often sell collision damage waivers that offer some features similar to insurance. These are not regulated by DFS. If your policy includes collision coverage or PDL, it may already cover damages to a rental vehicle driven by you, depending upon its terms and conditions.

In this case, you may not need a separate collision damage waiver. To determine if your policy will provide liability coverage for damage caused to another vehicle while you are driving a rental vehicle, check your policy or contact your insurance company or agent. In addition, some credit card companies automatically include collision damage waivers for vehicle rentals. Most credit card companies limit the number of days for coverage. Check with your company before renting a vehicle. You can purchase extra insurance for a rental car when you rent a vehicle, but it can be expensive. Review your rental agreement to be sure that you are not paying for the insurance unless you elected to purchase it. Florida law allows a rental agency to require that the lessee's insurance coverage is primary. This information should be stated in 10-point type on the rental agreement.

Premium payments on your insurance policy

Make payments by check, money order, payroll deduction, credit card or debit card, payable to the insurance or premium finance company - not directly to the agent. Be sure to write your policy number on the check. Pay your premiums even when you disagree with your insurance company. If you do not pay your premiums, your insurance company will cancel your policy. If the disagreement is resolved in your favor, the insurance company must refund any overpayments.

Premium quotes for your insurance policy

You have the right to a fair quote for coverage. Such an offer does not give you a firm price or contract. However, your agent or company cannot intentionally quote a lower premium just to get your business. Your insurance company must correct your premium if the agent quoted it incorrectly. If you paid too much, the company will send a refund check to you or your premium finance company. If you did not pay enough, the company must send you a bill and give you the following options:

Pay the additional premium. This must be done by the due date if you want to keep the coverage, and the company must keep your policy in force.
Cancel your policy. The company must return the unused part of the premium within 30 days after it receives your request.
Do nothing. If you do nothing, the company will cancel your policy.