Cost of (6 month) Car Insurance?

[Gladys Turnip]

What do you pay for car insurance for 6 months (for a car registered in Florida)?

Even though I have no tickets or accidents, over the past 2-3 years, my carrier has increased my 6-month premium from around $400 to $700. Is this happening all over Florida (or is it just me)?

Lastly, I'm reluctant to switch insurance companies b/c I'm bundled with my home owner's policy and that rate happens to still be very reasonable.

Thanks!

[retiredguy123]

In my experience, bundling car and home insurance may provide a small discount. But, when you do the math, they often overstate your actual savings because they don't include all of the other discounts. I was once told that my bundling discount was 25 percent, but when I actually calculated the policies separately, the discount was only about 3 percent. Currently, I have State Farm auto for about $380 for 6 months, and Progressive homeowners for $880 per year. I would never stay with a company just to keep a bundling discount. First, do the math. Don't take the agent's word for it.

Also, check to see how much you are paying for uninsured motorist insurance. It is mandatory in many states, but optional in Florida. Some people will disagree with me, but I don't have any UM insurance because I consider it to be mostly redundant with my health insurance. Even if I had UM insurance, I would never file a claim.

[asianthree]

One needs to take into account that nobody pays the same amount for the same make or model car.

Insurance is based on, Credit Score, Age of Driver, Zip Code, Points, Accidents, Adults and other ages in household, driving or not. So great grandma lives in your house, still has a valid DL, at your address, but no longer drives, That counts to your premium.

So to ask what everyone pays, is impossible to answer.

One way to save find a company that writes one year policies, and pay in lump sum. Many companies no long bundle, some that still do may actually be higher than splitting item between different companies.

[Dusty_Star]

One needs to take into account that nobody pays the same amount for the same make or model car.

Insurance is based on, Credit Score, Age of Driver, Zip Code, Points, Accidents, Adults and other ages in household, driving or not. So great grandma lives in your house, still has a valid DL, at your address, but no longer drives, That counts to your premium.

So to ask what everyone pays, is impossible to answer.

One way to save find a company that writes one year policies, and pay in lump sum. Many companies no long bundle, some that still do may actually be higher than splitting item between different companies.

What Asianthree said is correct, but maybe they didn't emphasize the year, make & model of your car enough. Some cars are very easily stolen & as a result have very high premiums. Some cars are very expensive to repair & also have very high premiums. Some cars damage easily, ditto on the high premiums. Insurance companies keep track of all of this & charge accordingly. Now add on everything said in the above post: credit score (a very big impact on premiums), age, drivers, zip, etc.

[Dusty_Star]

What do you pay for car insurance for 6 months (for a car registered in Florida)?

Even though I have no tickets or accidents, over the past 2-3 years, my carrier has increased my 6-month premium from around $400 to $700. Is this happening all over Florida (or is it just me)?

Lastly, I'm reluctant to switch insurance companies b/c I'm bundled with my home owner's policy and that rate happens to still be very reasonable.

Thanks!

Also, I don't know if having a clean record for 2-3 years is enough for insurance companies to issue 'good driver' credits. You'll have to look it up or ask your agent, but I think it is closer to 5 years.

What Asianthree said is correct, but maybe they didn't emphasize the year, make & model of your car enough. Some cars are very easily stolen & as a result have very high premiums. Some cars are very expensive to repair & also have very high premiums. Some cars damage easily, ditto on the high premiums. Insurance companies keep track of all of this & charge accordingly. Now add on everything said in the above post: credit score (a very big impact on premiums), age, drivers, zip, etc.

[Gladys Turnip]

The car is a mid-size sedan (think Toyota Camry). And while knowing what others pay would be somewhat help, perhaps the better way to ask the question is: Has YOUR auto insurance premium sky-rocketed in the past 2-3 years?

[retiredguy123]

The car is a mid-size sedan (think Toyota Camry). And while knowing what others pay would be somewhat help, perhaps the better way to ask the question is: Has YOUR auto insurance premium sky-rocketed in the past 2-3 years?
My Allstate auto insurance increased by 32 percent a few years ago. I switched to State Farm and my premium decreased by more than 50 percent. State Farm told me that the reason they offered me such a low premium was that I had been with Allstate for 27 years. So, don't be afraid to switch companies.

[Babubhat]

500 to 600 for 6 months full coverage.

10 percent increase each renewal not unusual today with a clean record. Over 25 percent of drivers are uninsured in Florida and they walk with 500 bonds repeatedly in that other news site.

Shop your policy every year.

[asianthree]

Buick Enclave 2018, Onstar active in case of theft car can be disabled. Full coverage 500,000/1mil deductible $500. Not attached to any other policy

One year policy paid in full…$850.

[tophcfa]

Florida car insurance is ridiculously high. My wife’s 2020 Honda HRV and my 2016 Nissan Frontier are registered up north and insured under one policy through The Hartford’s AARP program at $1,050 per year for both vehicles. Our 2005 BMW 330CI is registered in Florida, and after extensive competitive shopping the best I could do is $660 for only 6 months coverage for a car with a significantly lower book value than either of our other vehicles. There are several reasons for this, but probably the biggest are the likes of Dan Newlin and Morgan and Morgan.

[tophcfa]

Some cars are very expensive to repair & also have very high premiums. Some cars damage easily, ditto on the high premiums.

Those reasons aren’t a big factor on an older vehicle, what’s more important is the book value. Insurers aren’t going to pay out any more than book regardless of what it costs to fix a vehicle.

[jebartle]

Don't have 6 no. Rate , only 1 year, AARP Hartford, $750

[Topspinmo]

What do you pay for car insurance for 6 months (for a car registered in Florida)?

Even though I have no tickets or accidents, over the past 2-3 years, my carrier has increased my 6-month premium from around $400 to $700. Is this happening all over Florida (or is it just me)?

Lastly, I'm reluctant to switch insurance companies b/c I'm bundled with my home owner's policy and that rate happens to still be very reasonable.

Thanks!


Shop around, you may get better deal on 1 year? You didn’t mention what Type of vehicle? Which makes big difference on what insurance going insure for. Naturally if you have 60K plus vehicle it’s going to be more than 20 or 30K assessment?

[Topspinmo]

Florida car insurance is ridiculously high. My wife’s 2020 Honda HRV and my 2016 Nissan Frontier are registered up north and insured under one policy through The Hartford’s AARP program at $1,050 per year for both vehicles. Our 2005 BMW 330CI is registered in Florida, and after extensive competitive shopping the best I could do is $660 for only 6 months coverage for a car with a significantly lower book value than either of our other vehicles. There are several reasons for this, but probably the biggest are the likes of Dan Newlin and Morgan and Morgan.


Apples to oranges. BMW vs Honda.

[djlnc]

About $625 for our 2016 GMC Canyon and 2021 Acura RDX with State Farm. We also have homeowners with them and are long time customers with no claims.

[retiredguy123]

Those reasons aren’t a big factor on an older vehicle, what’s more important is the book value. Insurers aren’t going to pay out any more than book regardless of what it costs to fix a vehicle.
That is true for collision and comprehensive insurance. But, when I traded in a 13 year old car for a new vehicle, my total insurance premium actually went down because of a lower liability rate.

[Gatorfan1]

Got mine with Emery Abshier Allstate. I put 6,000 miles a year on my vehicle.The Milewise program changes me a per mile rate. With 100/300 BI, 300,000 property damage, UM 100/300, Med Pay 5,000, Comprehensive with -0- ded, Collision 500 ded, rental and towing my premium runs $450 for six months. Call their office for a quote. Very knowledgeable, friendly office.

[Babubhat]

Those liability coverages are too low for people with a decent amount of assets. It doesn’t cost much to increase the limits.

[William MacEntee]

500 to 600 for 6 months full coverage.

10 percent increase each renewal not unusual today with a clean record. Over 25 percent of drivers are uninsured in Florida and they walk with 500 bonds repeatedly in that other news site.

Shop your policy every year.
To shop your auto insurance policy every year, can you do this on the Internet, or do you have to actually call agents from other companies?

[retiredguy123]

Those liability coverages are too low for people with a decent amount of assets. It doesn’t cost much to increase the limits.
True. But, note that you may need a separate umbrella policy to increase the liability limits. That will increase your cost. I found that many auto insurance companies will only sell you liability coverage of up to $250k. I have $1 million in liability with State Farm, but Geico maxed out at $250k. Also, the $100k per person coverage for uninsured motorists insurance is almost totally worthless if you ever sue the company for "pain and suffering". Someone like Dan Newlin would probably not even take the case for that low amount. I don't bother buying any UM coverage because it is not worth the cost.

[jacqueline larsen]

I pay a horrendous amount of 3,000/year to State Farm which includes safe driver discount for a new 2023 Toyota RAV4 and I’m 85 years old.

[Whitley]

The car is a mid-size sedan (think Toyota Camry). And while knowing what others pay would be somewhat help, perhaps the better way to ask the question is: Has YOUR auto insurance premium sky-rocketed in the past 2-3 years?

I had geico for over 20 years. This year they hit me with a huge increase. I got a quote from Allstate that was a bit over one half of what I was paying to Geico. I called Geico, told them about the competing quote, we discussed my 20+ years of being with them, one deer collision in the 1990's. They couldn't have cared less. I switched to AllState. Better coverage for just over 1/2 the cost. I am sure there are reasons, but they are beyond me.

[Babubhat]

To shop your auto insurance policy every year, can you do this on the Internet, or do you have to actually call agents from other companies?

Both. Villages insurance and other independent brokers can shop multiple companies. Takes 5 minutes

[OhioBuckeye]

Gladys, tickets aren’t the whole story behind Ins.? Ask your Ins. Company, accidents in your area has a lot to do with it too. You know EV’s & the expense of owning one will drive up your Ins. rates. Just a little speculation your Ins. will go up next yr. & maybe beyond. Don’t care if anyone agrees with me or not, they will!

[bimmertl]

True. But, note that you may need a separate umbrella policy to increase the liability limits. That will increase your cost. I found that many auto insurance companies will only sell you liability coverage of up to $250k. I have $1 million in liability with State Farm, but Geico maxed out at $250k. Also, the $100k per person coverage for uninsured motorists insurance is almost totally worthless if you ever sue the company for "pain and suffering". Someone like Dan Newlin would probably not even take the case for that low amount. I don't bother buying any UM coverage because it is not worth the cost.

For starters you don't have to sue the insurance company for UM benefits. Just as you don't have to sue them for collision benefits or any other first party coverage benefits.

So let's assume an 80 year old person has two broken legs and other assorted injuries caused by and uninsured motorist. Value clearly worth 100K or more. Call big Dan Newlin. He calls insurance carrier and gets 100k in about 1 hour and keeps $33,000. In such a case any individual can get the 100K with out Dan's "hard work"!

There is no amount too low for a plaintiff attorney to pass up! And everybody needs UM coverage.

[retiredguy123]

For starters you don't have to sue the insurance company for UM benefits. Just as you don't have to sue them for collision benefits or any other first party coverage benefits.

So let's assume an 80 year old person has two broken legs and other assorted injuries caused by and uninsured motorist. Value clearly worth 100K or more. Call big Dan Newlin. He calls insurance carrier and gets 100k in about 1 hour and keeps $33,000. In such a case any individual can get the 100K with out Dan's "hard work"!

There is no amount too low for a plaintiff attorney to pass up! And everybody needs UM coverage.
I appreciate your input. But, in a case of two broken legs and other injuries, wouldn't my health insurance company be first in line to collect that $100k for medical bills? In my case, I have an annual $6,000 catastrophic limit on my health insurance after which, I pay zero money out of pocket. That is the most I can ever pay for medical treatment in a year. So, how would I benefit from having $100k in UM coverage, most of which would go to my health insurance company for medical bills? There would be no money left over for a pain and suffering claim.

[bimmertl]

I appreciate your input. But, in a case of two broken legs and other injuries, wouldn't my health insurance company be first in line to collect that $100k for medical bills? In my case, I have an annual $6,000 catastrophic limit on my health insurance after which, I pay zero money out of pocket. That is the most I can ever pay for medical treatment in a year. So, how would I benefit from having $100k in UM coverage, most of which would go to my health insurance company for medical bills? There would be no money left over for a pain and suffering claim.

Recovery rights of Medicare and any health care provider are solely against the liable party. They have no rights of recovery against any first party coverages purchased by an injured party, to protect their interests. So they don't have access to your UM benefits.

[spd2918]

I had a long talk with a national Progressive agent. He told me New York state and Florida have (on average) the highest rates in the country. He said it was due to the high percentage of non English speaking illegal aliens driving without insurance or licenses.

[dewilson58]

I had a long talk with a national Progressive agent. He told me New York state and Florida have (on average) the highest rates in the country. He said it was due to the high percentage of non English speaking illegal aliens driving without insurance or licenses.

:ohdear::ohdear:

[Skip]

I pay a horrendous amount of 3,000/year to State Farm which includes safe driver discount for a new 2023 Toyota RAV4 and I’m 85 years old.

That number (85) is the reason. Bet you had a big jump in premiums at 80 and 75 too. It's a step function premium. Wait 'til you get to 90!!!!

Mine went up 30% this year. My independent agent shopped around and I went online too. Still no better deal out there. Progressive, Allstate, State Farm, AARP Hartford and GEICO were way off the mark.

Skip

[EdFNJ]

Don't have 6 no. Rate , only 1 year, AARP Hartford, $750. Your "rate" is meaningless without all the details. You provided none other than what you are paying. Your age, what Coverage, car model etc. My 2020 Kia went from $990 to $1500 1 year prepaid as of Dec 1, my 3rd year renewal with AARP Hartford. I do under 7000 miles a year but they say that doesn't really matter. I could have dropped it $300 and reduced a lot of coverages but just wasn't worth it.

I tried quoting with 5 other companies (inc my homeowners) and most will not even insure a NEW customer in FL. The ONE that did, State Farm, wanted $2500 for MUCH LESS coverage. Full coverage (500K, 250K, 250K UIM $500 ded collision, 5000 miles driven in a year with no tickets or accidents in probably 10 years). I even used their dumb iPhone app the first year. Have you renewed recenly? I found a few oddball ones that would insure but their coverage quote was absolute minimum coverage for $1300 and up.

If you're paying $750 NOW, when did you last renew and exactly what coverages do you have and on what vehicle? You may be in for a rude awakening.