Florida Car Insurance Requirement for Teen Drivers

Before, the prevalence of teen car crashes that happened in Florida was very high compared to any other states in US. To prevent this from worsening, the state of Florida was one of the few states to instate the Graduated Driver’s License (GDL) program. Starting from 1996, teenagers were obliged to undergo three stages of licensing when applying for the standard permanent license. In just one year of enforcing the program, the number of teen accidents in Florida plummeted with 9% decrease.  

Whether the vehicle is registered under a teen’s name or added to the parent’s existing policy,  the state of Florida requires every driver to carry the minimum auto liability coverage of $10 000 per injured person and $20 000 per accident for bodily injury liability and $10 000 for property damage liability. This auto liability coverage is usually referred as 10/20/10.  Because the teen drivers are statistically referred ad high risk driver, their car insurance rate significantly higher compared to the regular policy.

If you wish to add your teen driver to your existing policy, then remember that your premium per year will climb up ranging from   $1,200 to $4,900 per year. Although Florida car insurance for teens will greatly increase your premiums, keep in mind that this type of insurance is a lot expensive than other policies. But don’t worry because there are many ways on how to qualify for discounts for teen Florida auto insurance. Insurance companies usually offer 10 – 15% discounts if you get an average of B on your academic class and you successfully completed the state-approved driving course.

You can also reduce your premiums on your teen car insurance if you refrain from buying expensive cars like sports car for your teen.  You can also raise the deductible or club several policies in one like health, home, life insurance etc. 

Basic Types of Car Insurance coverage

There are many types of coverage that you can avail when buying car insurance.  Of course, you have the basic liability insurances known as the bodily injury and property damage liability.  Aside from this there are also other coverage that you can add to the basic liability coverage.

Since liability insurance covers the other person’s injury or property damage, you can have additional coverage for your own injury as well as the injuries sustained by the passengers inside your car.  So rather than paying for your own medical bills and for your passengers medical bills, you car insurance company will pay for it.

There is also a coverage known as the uninsured and underinsured motorist coverage.  This type of coverage protects you against irresponsible driver who do not have any insurance coverage or is insufficient to pay for all the damages caused by the accident.  Some states include this in the minimum requirement for car insurance coverage.  This is a very beneficial additional coverage especially now that most drivers choose to carry only the minimum car insurance coverage as mandated by law.  Of course, you can never go wrong with the comprehensive car insurance package.  This covers any damage sustained to your car including acts of nature and theft. 

With any additional coverage that you may want to avail or add to your coverage, it is better if you will evaluate your needs and your family’s needs as well.  Remember that the main reason that you are buying car insurance is to protect your financial assets.  It is no joke to pay for all the damages during an accident.  But again, you do not want to end up spending money on some of the coverage that do not apply to you.  Ask your California car insurance companies for more information about the basic coverage in car insurance.