Florida Car Insurance for Not-So-Perfect Drivers

Some people have immaculate driving records and a wide range of affordable choices when it comes to Florida car insurance. Others, however, have not been so lucky and may have trouble even finding an insurer—much less finding a policy that is affordable. Here are some tips for getting insured at rates you can afford with a less-than-perfect driving record.

Risks to Insurers

The first thing that should be considered when it comes to Florida car insurance is that insurers assume risks when they provide coverage to anyone, whether they are good or bad drivers. If you have had a DWI/DUI, have been involved in a number of traffic accidents, have had a large number of traffic tickets or have had your license suspended for any reason in the past, insurers will often claim that the risks involved with insuring you are too great. Some of them may not even offer you a policy; others will insure you at outrageous rates—even for the minimum coverage required by law. This can make shopping for and obtaining insurance very difficult.

Determine the Necessary Coverage

The first thing you should do when you purchase auto insurance is determine the exact type of coverage you need. In the event that you are required by the court to have SR-22 insurance, then you can expect to pay quite a bit more for your coverage until the court order has expired. If there is a lien on your automobile, you may be required by the lienholder to carry full coverage insurance until the car is completely paid off. In these situations, be sure to tell potential insurers exactly what you need so that you can get quotes that make sense. If you need full coverage, a quote for liability insurance is not going to be helpful.

Take a Higher Deductible

The truth is that there is no way to reduce your Florida car insurance rates dramatically if you have a bad driving record. However, you can take some steps to ensure that you get the best rates possible in your situation. For example, after you have determined the type of policy you need, you can then decide how high you want your deductible to be. While a $500 deductible is by far the most affordable, you might be able to save between 20% and 30% on your policy if you choose a $1500 deductible instead.

Take a Defensive Driving Course

Another way to reduce your premiums is to enroll in and pass a defensive driving course. You can get information about these from your local police department or BMV, and while there is some cost involved with taking the course, it is still a good idea. These courses teach drivers how to stay safe on the road—and even how to avoid unsafe drivers. When these courses are completed and proof can be shown to an insurer, it proves that you understand what you need to do to be a better driver—and may help you get better rates on your Florida car insurance.

People who have bad driving records still need to be insured, and although it can be difficult to find an insurer who can provide affordable coverage, it certainly isn’t impossible. Following the tips here will help you find Florida car insurance that you can afford.