The state of Florida  requires that all drivers must meet financial responsibility requirements. For most drivers that means, that they must purchase no-fault auto insurance. If a driver purchases auto insurance in Florida, their policy must meet state mandated no-fault insurance laws. The no-fault laws requires drivers to carry personal injury protection (PIP) and property damage liability (PDL) insurance. Personal Injury Protection Personal injury protection (PIP) insurance covers a driver regardless of who caused the accident. Florida auto insurance requires drivers to carry $10,000 of PIP insurance. PIP insurance covers a driver and members of their household, as well as passengers in their vehicle if they do not own a car and have their own insurance. PIP also covers any cost if their child is injured while riding on a school bus. PIP also covers drivers if they are injured while in someone else’s car or as a pedestrian or a bicyclist if the accident involved a motor vehicle. PIP coverage covers the cost of their medical bills, lost wages, or personal property damages. Property Damage Liability Insurance The minimum property damage liability insurance amounts are as follows:

• $10,000 bodily injury for one person
• $20,000 bodily injury to two or more people
• $10,000 property damage liability.

Liability insurance pays for damages that a driver or a family member causes to another person or their property if they are in an accident. If a driver purchases minimum liability coverage, they will have met the state’s legal requirements. However they should consider purchasing more than the minimum limits. If they cause an accident, they will be responsible for all expenses that are a result of that accident. The cost of damages in a serious auto accident could far exceed the minimum liability limits. Proof of Insurance In the state of Florida, a driver must provide proof of insurance when purchasing or renewing their vehicles license plate. Insurance companies in Florida are required to notify the Department of Motor Vehicles (DMV) if a driver cancels their auto insurance or allows it to lapse. The DMV will then notify the driver that they need to provide proof of insurance. If the driver is unable to prove that they have purchased another policy, or renewed their insurance, their drivers license and license plates will be suspended for up to three years. In the state of Florida, drivers must carry proof of insurance at all times. Drivers can be required to provide proof of insurance in the following situations.

• When they are in an accident 
• When a law enforcement officer ask them to show their proof of insurance.

• Drivers can usually present their insurance identification card to prove that they have insurance.

Penalties for driving without insurance If a driver is caught driving without no-fault insurance, their drivers license and license plates can be suspended, for up to three years. They will then be required to pay a fine of $150.00 to $500.00., and show proof of insurance to get them reinstated. If they get caught a second time within three years, they will have to pay a $250.00 fine, and provide proof of insurance to get them reinstated. Comprehensive Insurance Comprehensive insurance is not required by the state of Florida. However if, you have a loan on your car or lease your car the finance company will probably require you to carry it. Comprehensive insurance pays to repair or replace your car if it is damaged through theft, fire, vandalism, storms or acts of God. Drivers should remember that their insurance company will not settle for more than their cars blue book value. Therefore, it is important not to buy coverage in excess of their cars blue book value. SR22 Coverage Drivers who are considered to be high risk drivers, must get SR 22 or SR 44 coverage, if they want to get their driver license reinstated. A driver will be considered to be a high risk driver if they have committed any of the following offenses. If they have been at fault in an accident and were unable to pay for the cost of damages to the other person.

• If their driving license has been suspended.
• If they have been convicted of too many traffic tickets

If they have a driving under the influence conviction they must get SR 44 coverage.  SR 44 coverage is similar to SR 22 coverage except the minimum liability amounts of required liability insurance are higher. Those who are required to get SR 44 coverage must meet the following minimum liability insurance requirements:

• $100,000 for one person killed or injured
• $300,000 for two or more persons killed or injured
• $50,000 for property damage

In Florida, high risk drivers will are required to get SR 22 or SR 44 coverage.  SR 22/SR 44 is not a type of insurance, rather it is a form that must be filed with the Florida Bureau of Financial Responsibility. The SR 22 or SR 44 form verifies to the Bureau of Financial Responsibility, that a high risk driver has auto insurance that meets the state’s minimum liability requirements. In order to get SR 22 or SR 44insurance, a driver must pay a $15.00 filing fee, and purchase auto insurance with a company that handles SR 22 or SR 44 clients. The insurer must then contact the Bureau of Financial Responsibility to inform them that their client is insured. If the Bureau of Financial Responsibility accepts the application, it will mail out the SR 22 or SR 44 certificate within 30 days. One requirement of SR 22 or SR 44 coverage is for the insurance company to inform the DMV if your coverage lapses at any time or for any reason. If a drivers insurance lapses, and they are unable to prove that they have renewed their insurance, they will be fined and their drivers license and license plates can be suspended for up to three years. The primary reason that drivers are required to get SR 44 coverage is because they have been convicted of driving while under the influence. Having to get SR 44 insurance coverage is one of the many negative consequences of being convicted of driving while under the influence. The cost of getting SR 44 coverage can be quite a bit higher than the cost of regular auto insurance coverage. So be sure, not to drink and drive. Teenage Driver Coverage In Florida, a teenager can get a drivers license once they reach age 16. Teenager must have auto insurance when they drive, and can generally be added to their parent’s auto insurance policy. Statistics prove that teenage drivers have a higher accident rate than any other age group. It can therefore, be expensive to insure a teenage driver. Some insurance companies offer discounts to teenagers that earn good grades. However, the best way to reduce the cost of insuring a teenager is to comparison shop before purchasing insurance. Purchasing Auto Insurance When purchasing vehicle insurance remember the following:

•  Compare quotes from different insurance companies. This is the surest way to get the best insurance coverage for the most affordable price.
•  Buy insurance from a reputable insurance company with a proven track record.