"Question of the day" archive.
Florida Car Insurance is our specialty - There's no better way, call and get a quote today.
Car Insurance Specialists & Florida Independent Agents
Will DWI insurance in Texas transfer to my Florida license when I relocate?
When relocating from one state to another, a new car insurance policy must be acquired. A Florida DUI insurance
policy has different requirements than a
Texas DWI insurance policy.  Drivers in Texas after a DWI must maintain
liability limits of 30/60/25 and submit proof to the Texas Department of Public Safety via an SR22 filing. Drivers in
Florida after a DUI must maintain liability limits of 100/300/50 and submit proof to Florida’s Bureau of Financial
Responsibility via an FR44 filing. For more information regarding car insurance in Texas please visit
http://www.texasautoplusinsurance.com

I just moved from Houston, Texas, will I need a new car insurance policy in Jacksonville, Florida?
Something in common that every new resident to the state must do is purchase a Florida car insurance policy in
order to register their vehicle within 30 days of arrival. Many of our new clients are also new residents in various
cities all over the Sunshine State. For the benefit of our clients and other Website visitors we include a wealth of
information, about
different cities in Florida, that both new and current resident may find interesting and helpful.
Our most recent update was for Jacksonville, the largest city in Florida. While
Jacksonville car insurance quotes
tend to be lower than in other major metropolitan areas of the State it is still well above national averages.

What are the minimum liability limits required for an SR22 in Texas?
As in most states the minimum requirement is the same as is required for any driver. In Texas minimum car
insurance coverage is 30,000 / 60,000 / 25,000. These numbers expressed in this way is known in the industry as
split limits. The first figure represents the amount payable to any one person that an at fault driver caused injuries
to in an accident. The second figure is the total amount payable in any one accident. The third figure is the
amount payable toward any property damage that was caused by an at fault driver. Each state sets their own
minimum liability coverage limits for their drivers. For example, a Florida SR22 has the minimum requirement of 10
/20 /10. Just as in Texas, these minimum liability limits are required of all drivers whether or not an SR22 is
mandated. Naturally any driver who has a policy that exceeds the minimum limits would be a qualifying policy.
These limits are obviously not very high and drivers in either of these two states should consider increased limits.
Average medical bills after a car accident far exceed $10,000, and so does the average cost of a vehicle for that
matter. Consider this; even the perfect driver is required to maintain 100 / 300 / 50 limits when they lease a car.

Is it true that FR44 policies in Florida need to be paid in full now?
First and foremost, this statement is not always true. The FR44 policy for DUI drivers was started back in 2007.
Even from the very start, the rule was that the policies were supposed to be paid in full. However, the insurance
companies were not enforcing the rule, and drivers requiring an FR44 were offered payment plans. Now, most of
the insurance companies are enforcing the paid in full rule. As your independent agent, we represent many
different companies. This is quite an advantage for our customers because in many cases we are still able to
obtain FR44 policies with payment plans.

How much is an SR22 car insurance policy in Texas?
The actual cost for the SR22 is nominal compared to the reasons an SR22 policy is required in the first place.
Remember, an SR22 is not any kind of insurance in and of itself, so, the cost for a policy is determined by all the
other rating factors. If an SR22 is required then the infraction or circumstance that necessitated the SR22 filing
will certainly drive up the cost for a policy. The most dramatic increase potentially comes about in Florida when an
FR44 filing is required of a DUI driver. Here the mandated Florida coverages are 100 / 300 / 50. Way more than
the State’s financial responsibility for other drivers which is at 10/ 20/10. In fact,
Florida being a No-Fault State,
only requires Personal Injury Protection and Property Damage Liability with out the need for any Bodily Injury
Liability at all. This is a tremendous deterrent in Florida for drivers to avoid any chance of being over the limit.
And over the limit is breached very easily with just one or two drinks. It does seem a bit unfair as youthful
operators and distracted drivers or very old senior drivers pose a greater risk of losses to the insurance
company. However, public sentiment is very unforgiving to folks who drink and drive. Texas as the number on
State for the most DUI / DWI drivers may be next to utilize the
FR44 for DUI drivers as Florida and Virginia have.

What is meant by an SR22 Texas filing?  
Filing is an industry term for submitting the required proof of insurance to the State governing body.
A
Texas SR22 is filed with the Texas Department of Public Safety and the authority in Florida is the Florida
Bureau of Financial Responsibility. After a policy is purchased the insurance companies provide the necessary
proof of insurance via the SR22. Anytime one of these policies are lapsed or canceled the insurance company
notifies the respective department and that drivers license and car registration is subject to being suspended.
This is a powerful motivator for policyholders to maintain their coverage as it is very costly to buy an SR22 policy
without any prior insurance, and their will be reinstatement fees that are imposed by the State.

How much is auto insurance?
Finding out how much is auto insurance can be a bit tricky because car insurance company quotes estimate a
policy premium. The quoted price for a car insurance policy is subject to change right up until the time the actual
policy is issued. Companies must charge rates that are on file with and have been approved by their respective
states department of insurance. If a policy is issued for less than the quoted price an adjustment or refund is due
the policyholder. If a policy is issued for a higher price the policyholder must pay or cancel and only be
responsible for the actual time insured.

Will DWI insurance in Texas transfer to my Florida license when I relocate?
When relocating from one state to another, a new car insurance policy must be acquired. A Florida DUI insurance
policy has different requirements than a
Texas DWI insurance policy.  Drivers in Texas after a DWI must maintain
liability limits of 30/60/25 and submit proof to the Texas Department of Public Safety via an SR22 filing. Drivers in
Florida after a DUI must maintain liability limits of 100/300/50 and submit proof to Florida’s Bureau of Financial
Responsibility via an FR44 filing. For more information regarding car insurance in Texas please visit
http://www.TexasAutoPlusInsurance.com

Do drinking and driving laws apply to operating a boat in Florida?
In Miami and all of Florida, Boating under the influence (BUI) has similar consequences as those for DUI. Only a
little bit of alcohol can breach the threshold for conviction. Boaters are sometimes not as cautious when drinking
as they might be while driving a car. Also, folks out on boats are generally enjoying recreation which can lend
itself to drinking. A BUI on your MVR can dramatically increase the cost of boat insurance and car insurance also.
Boat Insurance Miami Florida for our neighbors and clients is available through our agency.

I am driving out of the state, and want to make sure that I'm driving legally everywhere I go. Do I need
to purchase a different insurance policy in every state to meet that state's minimum requirements?
No. Even though each and every state has its own set of mandatory minimums, if you meet those minimum
requirements in your current resident state, than your current insurance policy will automatically adjust to meet
the requirements of whichever state you are in. Let's say you're a Florida resident for example, and you want to
travel to New Jersey. In order to fulfill the
Florida No-Fault Law, you must maintain a policy with personal injury
liability (PIP) limits in the amount of $10,000 and property damage liability limits in the amount of $20,000. Bodily
injury liability is not required by law in the state of Florida. In order to satisfy New Jersey's insurance requirements,
bodily injury liability is required in the amount of $15,000 per person and $30,000 per accident. If you meet
Florida's mandatory minimums, than your policy will automatically adjust itself in order to comply with the greater
liability requirements of New Jersey, and everywhere in between. If the state you are traveling through has lower
liability requirements, your policy will remain the same and will act accordingly.

How much will my insurance go up after receiving a DUI?
Often the very 1st thing a convicted driver asks after receiving a DUI. The question is simple; however, the answer
is circumstantial. You see, the raise in premium regarding DUI insurance is related to the mandated increase in
bodily injury liability. In other words, a convicted driver is not just simply paying more for having a DUI on record.
Convicted drivers are paying more because the state requires them to raise their liability limits. As of October
2007, drivers with DUI must prove that they have 100/300/50 for bodily injury limits (proven by
filing form FR44
with the state) as opposed to the 10/20/10 that is required for people without the offense.  The amount that your
premium increases by after a DUI is totally circumstantial: for example... A driver who has the
state minimum
requirements (10/20) at the time of DUI conviction will experience a larger rate increase than someone who had
higher limits of let's say (50/100). This is because the difference between 10/20 and 100/300 is much greater
than 50/100 to 100/300. On the other hand, a driver may already have the 100/300/50 coverage
required by the
FR44. In this case, the driver has already fulfilled coverage requirements and will avoid the increase related to
raising limits. As you can see, there are many different variables that play a part in determining insurance rate
increases after a DUI. These rate increases can be large or small depending on your circumstance. Find out how
much
DUI insurance is for you.

Why is auto insurance fraud so prevalent in Florida?
Auto insurance fraud in Florida (particularly pertaining to PIP) is so prevalent because Florida is what is known as
a
"No-Fault" state for auto insurance. In "No-Fault" states such as Florida and New York, individuals injured in
automobile accidents are compensated (medical payments) by their own insurance companies regardless of fault.
Injured parties are compensated quickly and efficiently as there is no waiting period for extensive litigation. This is
why the "No-Fault" system in Florida is so susceptible to fraudulent activity. This is also why
car insurance rates in
Florida are much higher than other states, and rising. Unfortunately, it's the insured drivers who pay increased
premiums to make up for these schemes.

My son recently received a DUI, and needs FR-44 insurance. Can I save money by keeping him on my
policy and simply adding the FR-44?
No. If a driver requires a state filing (SR-22 or FR-44), that person must be the primary named insured on the
policy (the only exception is if you are legally married, the policy can be under your spouses name with you as a
listed driver). All additional household members and drivers must be listed on the policy as well. Exclusions are
not permitted in any circumstance, meaning that even if a licensed driver in the household has their own car and
insurance, they still must be listed as a driver on the policy.

Does a driver with a learners permit need auto insurance?
It is mandatory that all people who own a registered vehicle in Florida carry the state minimum requirements for
auto insurance. It is the owner's financial responsibility and there are no special rules exempting drivers with a
learners permit. A driver who is a minor can obtain an auto insurance policy on their own. Some insurance
companies allow the additional driver to be added with no increase of premium to the policy.

What is Uninsured Motorist and the importance of having Uninsured Motorist?
It adds extra medical insurance coverage in case of an automobile accident where the other person is at fault and
will cover your medical expenses when the other person does not have Bodily Injury Liability or their Bodily injury
Liability Insurance does not have enough coverage. Your Uninsured Motorist limits can only be as high as your
bodily Injury limits.

Why is car insurance more expensive when under the age of 25?
1. Unproven driving record
2. The length of time you have your drivers license
3. Statistics (tickets and accidents involving these drivers occur more frequently).
4. Credit History

What steps should be taken when involved in an accident?
1. Contact the police.
2. Obtain information from all vehicles, drivers, and witnesses involved.
3. Note all of the facts: location, time and date of accident.
4. Immediately contact your insurance company to ensure that all proper procedures are taken when filing an
insurance claim.

What happens if i get pulled over and have no insurance?
The Florida Department of Highway Safety and Motor Vehicles has the authority to suspend your driving
privileges, including your vehicle tag and registration. Your license will remain suspended for up to three years, or
until proof of insurance is provided, whichever comes first. A reinstatement fee of $150 up to $500, for
subsequent violations, must be paid in addition to your proof of current coverage to lift the suspension. If your
license is suspended due to a DUI, an
FR-44 filing is required for reinstatement.

What is 'agreed value,' and the benefits of this coverage option?
Agreed Value guarantees that in the event of a total loss, we will pay you the full amount of coverage listed on
your policy for your vehicle. Depreciation and subjective valuation on your vehicles is eliminated.
The concept is simple - if your vehicle is insured for $15,000, and it is totaled by a covered peril, you
receive $15,000 minus any deductible, if applicable.
Many insurers sell what is called “Stated Value” policies, which is inferior protection. This coverage states
you will receive “up to” the value listed for the vehicle in a total loss, but does not guarantee the full
amount will be paid.

"Full Coverage"- I frequently hear the term used loosely, but what exactly is it?
First thing to know is that there really is no such thing as 'full coverage." It is just a term (liberally used) referring
to physical damage coverage, aka- comprehensive and
collision. 'Collision' covers damage incurred in a collision
with another object (such as another vehicle). 'Comprehensive' covers damage to your vehicle from vandalism,
theft, or glass breakage. If you are leasing or financing your vehicle, this coverage is mandatory per the
lien holder (the entity that owns and collects payments on the vehicle). There is a deductible associated with both
of these coverages. The deductible is the amount of out of pocket expenses that must be met before the
insurance company covers the damage. The higher your deductible, the lower your rate.
Call for a quote now,
and see just how much you can save.

Why should I purchase more than the state minimum requirements of Personal Injury Protection and
Property Damage Liability?
If you are involved in an accident and it is your fault, only Bodily Injury Liability coverage (not included in the state
minimum requirements) will pay for the other parties injuries. If you are involved in an at fault accident and injure
someone without having this coverage, you assume full responsibility for their damages. Also, drivers who have
been in an at fault accident causing injuries and did not have Bodily Injury Liability or ability to provide
compensation may be required by the Bureau of Financial Responsibility to obtain an
SR-22 filing, which comes
along with a $15.00 filing fee. Once mandated by the Bureau of Financial Responsibility to file an
SR-22, failure to
do so may result in your driver’s license and or vehicle license plate being suspended for up to 3 years. To avoid
being held completely accountable for someone's injuries if in an accident and all the hassle associated with the
Bureau of Financial Responsibility, purchase Bodily Injury Liability on your
quote and be confident that you are
protected.

Do I have to maintain an insurance policy on my car if it’s kept in storage while I’m away for the winter?
A Florida car insurance policy is required for any vehicle that has a valid Florida license plate assigned to it. The
registered owner is responsible for maintaining a
policy throughout the entire registration period. Alternatively,
when you’re not using the car the license plate and registration can be surrendered and reissued later. This
process avoids license suspension for not having the
Florida minimum required insurance on a registered vehicle.

Is automobile insurance mandatory to register a vehicle in Florida?
Yes.  Any four wheel motor vehicle must maintain minimum mandatory insurance coverage of $10,000 Personal
Injury Protection (
PIP) and $10,000 Property Damage Liability (PDL) as long as your vehicle is registered.
Click here to find more questions and answers about Florida auto insurance law.

My teenager just obtained his license, but isn't allowed to drive my car. Does he still need to be
insured?
In most cases, yes. Automobile insurance policies require all licensed persons in your household to be listed on
your insurance policy with the exception that they have a completely separate
policy of their own. This includes a
teenager who just received their licence or a college student who still uses your address as their residence and/or
visits regularly on weekends, vacations, etc.

How can I make sure that I have the right coverage for me?
It's easy! Learn the basics right here. (knowledgeable consumers save the most money)  
Call today and speak with a live agent for a free, friendly, and fast
quote.

Insurance companies brag and boast about their efficient "claims" service.
I have never been in an accident though. How does this "claims" process work?
Click to find the answers to all of your questions about
claims, accidents, and proper procedures.

I have been all over the web searching for useful information about Florida auto insurance.
But every site I come across asks me for my personal information after no more than a click or two.
Where can I find answers to my questions, without being asked questions myself? Look no further.
Click here

Is car insurance required to receive a Florida driver’s license?
Insurance is not necessary to receive a Florida license.  There are many other different types of requirements
that depend on a variety of factors.  For details directly from the Florida Department of Highway Safety and Motor
Vehicles click here:  
http://www.flhsmv.gov/ddl/faqkeys.html#USC  Proof of Florida car insurance must be
presented to register a motor vehicle and receive a license plate.  Always consider the right
type of coverage
when choosing insurance.  

The information provided on this site is vital, comprehensive, and easily navigable.
If you're a driver in Florida, there's no doubt that you'll find answers to your insurance questions here.
Visitors are curious as to "who" these answers are coming from, and their credentials.
Click to find out more
about us.

Whether you’re shopping for the first time, or for your renewal, your search for quality auto insurance (as with
most other products) should include a substantial amount of research. With so many variables (
coverages,
vehicles, drivers, usage etc…) it is imperative to have at least a basic understanding of what you’re looking for.
This way, you can be confident that your insurance policy provides the appropriate protection.
Explore, learn more, and find answers to your questions -
click here

How can I lower the cost of my car insurance for life?
It’s easy! Follow these steps, and be confident that you are getting the absolute best value for your dollar.

What information do I need to purchase my policy?
In order to assure an accurate quote, all Florida auto insurance policies require: Name, address, license number,
date of birth, social security number, sex, marital status, information for all drivers, occupation for all drivers, any
medical or mental impairment that would impair the ability to operate a motor vehicle for all drivers, all vehicles
and how they are used. The various Florida auto insurance companies will require additional and different
information.

How can an independent insurance agent save me money?
Company employees and captive agents that only represent one company limit your choices. Independent
insurance agents can
quote and provide you with different companies that best suit your needs with the lowest
price available.

What are the benefits of using an independent insurance agent?
Independent agents have a vested interest in maintaining a helpful and caring relationship with their clients over
the “long haul”. Being able to turn to a trusted advisor during life cycle events, such as, buying a home, financing
a vehicle, or starting a business can be invaluable.
Independent agents trust Progressive Insurance.

I’m tired of shopping every six months for insurance.
How do I lower the cost of my insurance for life?

Is Florida a no-fault state for auto insurance?
Yes, Florida is a no fault state, for more info please visit the Florida no fault section of our site.
Florida Auto Plus Insurance Agency
1-877-WIZ-AUTO
(949-2886)
Florida Auto Plus Insurance, Simply the best.
Local map and directions:
9742 Banyan Street Miami, Fl 33157

Call or click today. You'll be glad you did.
1-877-WIZ-AUTO.com   
Be Sure to Visit our Resource Guide to learn even more
All rights reserved.© 2012.Sitemap
Florida quotes for all drivers.
Independent agents provide dedicated service and
choice to their clients.  Expect more from us.  We
provide up-to-date
quote comparisons every renewal,
for the life of your policy. Personal information on
comparison websites exposes you to telemarketers,
spam mail, and identity theft.  
Local auto insurance in neighborhoods throughout the
sunshine state is our area of expertise.
Progressive Insurance quotes online that include a
dedicated independent agent are available here.
As
Florida car insurance specialists and independent
agents we provide value and choice.
"Welcome, thanks for calling" - Wally
www.WizardInsurance.com
1-877-WIZ-AUTO (949-2886)