At CIS (Commercialized Insurance Services), we know that buying your first car is exciting, and a little overwhelming. Between registrations, payments, and new responsibilities, one of the most important—and sometimes most confusing—steps is understanding how to get car insurance.
Florida has its own set of unique rules, and simply meeting the minimum legal requirements isn’t always enough. Based on our experience helping hundreds of new drivers and car owners, we want to share what you really need to know before hitting the gas pedal. So, whether you’ve just bought a new vehicle, are shopping for your first insurance policy, or simply want to better understand how to protect yourself, this guide is for you.
Why Car Insurance Is Essential in Florida
At CIS (Commercialized Insurance Services), we’ve seen that many first-time buyers assume that meeting Florida’s minimum insurance requirements is enough. However, the reality is quite different. Understanding how the insurance system works in our state—and knowing how to get car insurance that truly protects you—can make the difference between being financially secure or ending up with unexpected debt after an accident.
Florida Is a “No-Fault” State… But That Doesn’t Mean “No Consequences”
Florida operates under a “no-fault” insurance system. This means that after a car accident, each driver turns to their own insurance policy to cover their medical expenses—regardless of who was at fault.
The goal of this system is to speed up compensation and reduce pressure on the courts. However, it also comes with serious limitations. For example, it doesn’t cover everything you might expect, such as full repairs to your vehicle or compensation for pain and suffering. That’s why knowing how to get car insurance that includes the right protections—like collision coverage and bodily injury liability—is essential for first-time drivers in Florida.
What is required by law in Florida?
Under current law, all drivers must have at least:
- $10,000 in Personal Injury Protection (PIP)
This coverage pays your medical expenses and a portion of your lost wages if you are injured in an accident, regardless of who caused it.
- 10,000 in Property Damage Liability (PDL)
This coverage kicks in if you caused the accident and damage someone else’s vehicle or property.
At first glance, you might think that’s enough. But the truth is that these amounts don’t cover much in the real context of a serious accident.
What happens if you have a more serious accident?
Imagine this scenario: you’re driving home from work and another vehicle runs a stop sign, hitting you head-on. You break your arm, need medical attention, minor surgery and physical therapy. In a matter of days, medical expenses can easily exceed $20,000.
Your PIP policy only covers the first $10,000, and not even all of it, as in many cases it only covers 80% of medical expenses and 60% of lost wages. And the rest? It comes out of your pocket—unless you understand how to get car insurance that goes beyond the bare minimum.
This is where a CIS Auto Owners Policy comes into play
At CIS, our priority is that you don’t feel unprotected in any scenario. That’s why we recommend that every driver—especially first-time buyers—understand how to get car insurance that goes beyond the legal minimum.
Our customers don’t settle for the bare minimum. They get coverage designed for real-life situations:
✔️ Covers third-party injuries and property damage
If you cause an accident and someone is injured or suffers property damage, your insurance will take care of legal costs and compensation.
✔️ Protects your own vehicle
With coverages such as collision and comprehensive, you can have your car repaired even if you were at fault or if the damage was caused by an event such as vandalism, theft, flooding or falling objects.
✔️ Supports you against uninsured and underinsured motorists
In a state like Florida, where many people evade their legal responsibilities, this coverage is essential. If someone crashes into you and can’t pay for the damages, your policy protects you.
✔️ Roadside assistance
Flat tire? Flat battery? Run out of gas in the middle of the highway? Our roadside assistance is available 24/7 to help you when you need it most.
✔️ Covers the rental of a car if yours is in the shop
Don’t stop going to work or taking your kids to school just because your car is being repaired. With rental reimbursement, we keep backing you up while your life goes on.
Protect your investment from day one
We know that your car is not just a means of transportation. It is a tool to work, to live, to take care of your family. That’s why at CIS we don’t see insurance as an expense, but as an investment in peace of mind and financial protection.
If you’re wondering how to get car insurance that truly covers your needs, the answer starts with choosing a policy built around your life, not just the legal minimums. With a CIS Auto Owners Policy, you don’t have to worry about “what if.” You can drive confidently, knowing you have a strong support system and no unpleasant surprises.
How much does car insurance cost in Florida?
If you’re buying your first car or getting insurance for the first time, you’re probably wondering: how much does car insurance cost in Florida? The answer isn’t simple, as it varies based on several factors. Auto insurance is among the most expensive in the country, and there are specific reasons behind these high rates.
At CIS, we take the time to explain why and help you get the best rate possible without giving up good coverage.
Florida: a state with unique conditions
Our beautiful sunshine state has many advantages, but it also presents unique insurance challenges:
- High traffic density in cities like Miami, Orlando and Tampa
- High number of personal injury claims
- High percentage of uninsured drivers
- Constant risk of natural disasters such as hurricanes and storms
- No-fault legislation that causes each insurer to take on more risk.
All of this directly impacts the price of premiums, which is why Florida remains among the top five states with the highest auto insurance rates.
Factors that influence your premium
At CIS, we work with multiple insurers to calculate your personalized rate. Here are the main factors that determine how much car insurance costs in Florida:
- Your age and experience as a driver
Young drivers, especially those under 25, tend to pay more due to the higher statistical risk of accidents. If you have little driving experience, you’ll also see higher premiums.
For instance, a 19-year-old driver with a new car in Miami could pay up to $350 per month for full coverage.
Meanwhile, a 35-year-old driver with a clean record might pay between $110 and $160 per month.
- Driving history and claims
If you have prior accidents, tickets or claims, that raises your premium significantly. Insurers interpret this as a higher likelihood of future risk.
- Vehicle type
The model, year, value and safety features of your car have a big influence. A family sedan costs less to insure than a sports car or luxury SUV.
How much does car insurance cost in Florida?
If you’re new to car insurance and asking “how to get car insurance“, you’re in the right place. Getting car insurance in Florida can seem complicated at first, but with the right guidance, you can easily find the right policy for your needs. Here’s a step-by-step guide on how to get car insurance in Florida and secure the best coverage.
At CIS, we take the time to explain why and help you get the best possible rate without the hassle.
- Zip code or area where you live
Living in urban areas with higher traffic, crime or frequent claims (such as Hialeah or Fort Lauderdale) increases the rate. Conversely, rural or suburban areas tend to have lower premiums.
- Your credit score
Yes, as unfair as it may seem, your credit also plays a role. Insurers associate a better credit score with lower financial risk, and that translates into discounts.
- Coverage and deductibles selected
The more comprehensive your policy is (comprehensive, collision, assistance, rental), the higher the monthly price will be. However, minimum coverage doesn’t really save you money if you have to deal with a serious accident on your own.
You can adjust the deductible (the amount you pay out of pocket before the insurance kicks in) to reduce your premium. At CIS, we help you find the ideal balance between protection and affordability.
What Many First-Time Buyers Get Wrong (and How to Avoid It)
At CIS, we work with people every day who are insuring their first car. And over the years, at our Insurance Agency, we’ve noticed that many fall into the same common mistakes. It’s not for lack of intelligence, but for lack of information. That’s why one of our main goals is to educate you so you can make better decisions right from the start. Below, we share the most common mistakes and how you can avoid them with our help when learning how to get car insurance effectively.
❌ 1. Choosing only the mandatory minimum coverage
This is, without a doubt, the most common mistake. Many new drivers think:
“If Florida law only requires $10,000 in PIP and $10,000 in PDL.Why pay more?”
The truth is, those amounts cover neither a complicated fracture nor the complete repair of a modern car. And if you’re involved in a serious accident, you could end up tens of thousands of dollars in debt.
✅ What we do at CIS:
We explain clearly to our clients what each type of policy covers and help you build a complete, customized Auto Owners Policy, including collision, comprehensive, extended liability and more, based on your actual situation. This way, you protect yourself, your vehicle and third parties.
❌ 2. Not considering the deductible correctly
Another common mistake is to choose a deductible that is too low or too high without understanding how it affects your monthly premium.
- A low deductible means you will pay less out of pocket in case of an accident, but your monthly payments will be more expensive.
- A high deductible lowers your monthly cost, but you’ll have to cover more if a claim occurs.
✅ At CIS:
We help you find the perfect balance between deductible and monthly premium. If you’re just starting out, you may want to pay a little more per month but reduce your financial exposure in the event of an accident. It all depends on your budget and risk level.
❌ 3. Ignoring uninsured motorist coverage
This is especially dangerous in a state like Florida, where 1 in 5 drivers don’t have insurance. If one of them crashes into you and can’t cover the damages, guess who will end up paying?
✅ With CIS:
We always recommend you include uninsured/underinsured motorist coverage. This option protects you when the other driver has no way to respond. It’s an affordable and powerful coverage that can save you a lot of headaches.
❌ 4. Not taking advantage of package discounts
Many people take out their auto insurance in one place, their home insurance in another, and their business insurance in a completely different one. The result: they pay more without needing to.
✅ At CIS:
We show you how to combine your policies – auto, home, business, restaurant, liability – to maximize your discounts.
For example:
- Auto + Restaurant Insurance = discount.
- Auto + Business Insurance + General Liability = discount
- Auto + Homeowner’s = discount
In addition, many companies also offer benefits for:
- Good driving record
- Students with good grades
- Annual payment
- Vehicles with advanced safety systems
We look for all the savings opportunities available to you.
The key to avoiding all these mistakes?
Having a trusted advisor to listen and guide you. At CIS, we’re not an automated app or a generic chatbot. We’re real people who know Florida laws, local risks, and the best coverages for each type of driver or business. When learning how to get car insurance, it’s crucial to have expert guidance to avoid common pitfalls.
And if you are a business owner…
We can also help you combine your personal or commercial auto insurance with your Business Owners Policy, your restaurant insurance, or your general liability insurance. By bundling coverages, many of our clients achieve significant savings without losing protection.
Why choose CIS?
At Commercialized Insurance Services, we don’t just sell insurance. We protect what you value most.
We offer you:
- Personalized attention
- Personal and commercial auto solutions
- Access to the best insurers in the state
- Local experts who understand Florida’s laws and risks
- Policies tailored to your lifestyle and budget.
Plus, we know how to help you if you have a business and need the best business insurance in Florida. From restaurant insurance to general coverage, we give you everything in one place.
Ready to drive with confidence?
Buying your first auto insurance doesn’t have to be complicated. At CIS, we guide you step-by-step, answer your questions and create a policy that truly has your back when you need it most. Learn how to get car insurance that’s tailored to your needs.Your safety starts before you start the engine. With CIS, you’re in good hands from the first mile.
