Across the state of Florida, there are close to 14 million drivers who pay an average of around $2,300 per year for auto insurance. Coming in at almost 32 percent more than the U.S. average, car insurance rates in Florida can be expensive. Just as in other states, however, insurance companies rely on various factors such as driving record, vehicle, location, and age to determine premium rates in Florida. As a Florida resident, you might pay more or less than the state average, depending on your specific situation. However, the good news is that there may be some ways that you can save on your insurance rates in the sunshine state.

Before you begin your search for insurance coverage, there are some things that you should consider. All drivers in Florida must carry Personal Damage Liability and Personal Injury Protection to operate a vehicle on the roadways legally. The coverage for both of these policies must be a minimum of $10,000 each. Because Florida is a no-fault state, personal injury coverage will pay for your bodily injury claims following an accident. Liability coverage will pay for property damage claims from other drivers.

In addition to liability and personal injury, many drivers choose to purchase collision and comprehensive coverage to protect their vehicle in a host of scenarios. Florida drivers have many options for car insurance coverage, and it will take some research and comparison shopping to find a rate and policy that works for you. Let's take a look at some of the best car insurance options in Florida.

Price

Overwhelmingly, most people consider price as a top factor for selecting car insurance in Florida. As discussed, the average Florida driver pays over 30 percent more for insurance than drivers in most other states. As a result, many drivers looking for full coverage seek to get the cheapest car insurance. While the average insuree in Florida pays more than $2,000 for coverage, it's possible to find insurance for lower rates. Based solely on the lowest average rates in Florida, USAA offered the lowest annual premium at just over $1,000. Progressive offered the highest average rates at around $3,200 per year. Depending on your location, car, and driving record, you can find the best car insurance rates for your situation.

Coverage

While insurance rates are a major concern, price shouldn't be the only consideration. As with many things, the cheapest might not always be the best. Coverage options should be heavily considered when looking for the best auto insurance. Aside from the required insurance that is mandated by the state of Florida, you might also consider policies that provide comprehensive and collision coverage. These policies will provide coverages for your car as a result of many things, from accidents to vandalism. Most insurance companies also offer uninsured motorist coverage, among other protections.

Discounts

The best way to get the cheapest car insurance rates in Florida is to maintain a clean driving record. Annual premium rates can be significantly higher for drivers with accidents and traffic violations. Additionally, many insurers offer a good driver discount for having zero offenses each year. The best insurance companies also offer other discounts in the form of incentives such as bundled policies and tracking devices. Finding cheaper car insurance rates in Florida is possible if you shop around and seek out discounts.

As with many other states, Florida requires auto insurance for every driver. As a Florida driver, you'll have to carry minimum liability and personal injury coverages. Given that rates in the sunshine state can be significantly higher than in other states, you'll want to seek out the best coverage from companies that offer discounts and incentives.