Florida Car Insurance: What Snowbirds Need to Know

Florida is known for the warm weather that attracts groups of people from across the country throughout the year. One of the most prominent groups of travelers who make their way to the Sunshine State each year are the snowbirds. Often retired individuals, snowbirds tend to be people who have a home or condo here in Florida that they travel to in the winter months to escape the colder weather in other states. Those who come to Florida and stay for a lengthier period of time, specifically more than ninety days, are subject to certain insurance requirements here in Florida. If you are a snowbird preparing to travel back to Florida this winter, it is therefore important you understand what is required of you and what Florida car insurance may be required for you to carry.

Hersh Kirtman Injury Law is a personal injury law firm helping clients navigate the Florida claims process. When you work with our trusted legal team, we will work to ensure you have a full understanding of what you need to know about Florida car insurance. Contact our Boca Raton Car Accident Lawyer as soon as possible to learn more.

What Are Florida’s Car Insurance Requirements?

If you stay in Florida for a lengthy period of time, and you plan on having your vehicle with you, you are required to register your vehicle with the Florida DMV. To do so, though, you need to have certain auto insurance that meets Florida’s requirements.

If you have auto insurance in your home state, then you are covered even if you experience a crash while passing through another state. Once in Florida, however,  snowbirds are required under Florida law to carry insurance purchased from an insurance company and an agent licensed in Florida. 

This means that if someone in New York comes to Florida for the winter months, they can keep their New York insurance but must also purchase Florida car insurance for the time they are living here. Snowbirds can keep the same insurance provider if the company is licensed in both states, but they must have two separate plans for the respective state.

What Is the Minimum Insurance Required in Florida for Snowbirds?

Snowbirds coming to live in Florida during the winter must abide by the same insurance laws in place for full-time citizens. This means that individuals coming to Florida must have a car insurance policy that offers a minimum of $10,000 in property damage coverage and at least $10,000 in personal injury protection.

Liability insurance is important for several reasons. This is the insurance that pays for the initial medical expenses if you are hurt in a crash regardless of fault, it pays for damage to your vehicle even if you are at fault in a crash, and it will provide you with a defense and pay your liability if you are at fault in an accident. Florida does not require bodily injury coverage, which is the coverage that pays for your liability if you cause a crash. This coverage is important, though, because otherwise you may be personally responsible for paying for your defense and for any liability imposed upon you. The required minimums are low, and if you maintain only the minimum insurance coverage, you may find yourself with significant expenses owed by you personally in the event of a crash.

Michael Hersh

Founding Partner

A passionate advocate for injury victims, Michael transitioned from corporate law to fighting for individuals after a pivotal case defending an elderly couple. With over $100M in verdicts and settlements, he specializes in catastrophic injury and wrongful death cases, using his Trial Lawyers College training to powerfully tell clients’ stories.

Years of experience – Over 15 years
Elite Trial Advocate – Graduate, Trial Lawyers College
$35M Record Verdict – Catastrophic auto accident case

Get in touch: LinkedIn | Justia

How Can a Florida Car Accident Lawyer Help You?

Also, if you come to Florida as a snowbird and suffer injuries in a car accident, you may have the right to seek compensation for your losses by filing a personal injury claim. Pursuing a personal injury claim can be daunting and confusing, especially when having to focus on recuperating from injuries. That is why it is crucial you work with a trusted lawyer who can help make the claims process as stress-free as possible. 

When you work with a Florida personal injury lawyer, they can provide the following benefits:

• Provide knowledge of the Florida insurance requirements
• Investigate your claim
• Extensive experience handling Florida personal injury claims 
• Substantial experience working with victims of car accidents
• Answers to all questions regarding your case
• Personalized legal services
• Help collecting necessary evidence for your case
• Zealous advocacy on behalf of you and your family in our fight for justice

Should you have a Florida car accident claim, contact us today.

Pursuing a Florida Car Accident Case

Many snowbirds may be unaware of their need for Florida car insurance. If an accident does occur, it is crucial that you are adequately covered and can recover the compensation you deserve. If you have been injured in a car accident, our team of trusted lawyers can help you file your claim.

At Hersh Kirtman Injury Law, we provide our clients with the trusted guidance they need as they pursue their  personal injury claim. To schedule a free case evaluation with one of our trusted car accident lawyers, contact us today by filling out our contact form or giving us a call at (561) 208-3700.