No-fault and PIP
Your own policy pays your first $10,000 of medical bills after a crash, whoever caused it — and only if you see a doctor within 14 days.
New to Florida
New to Florida? Here is the order to do things in.
Insurance first, then the license, then the plate. Most of our clients came here from another state or another country — we do this every week, in English or Spanish.
Your first weeks, step by step
- 1Within 10 days: Florida insurance
FLHSMV expects you to carry Florida insurance within 10 days of establishing residency (taking a job, enrolling a child in school or settling in). You cannot register a car without it, and the policy must come from a Florida-licensed insurer — an out-of-state policy will not be accepted at the counter. We quote with your current license, from any state or country.
- 2Within 30 days: Florida driver license
Apply in person at a driver license office or a tax collector office that offers the service. Bring proof of identity, your Social Security number (or proof you are not eligible for one), two proofs of your Florida address and your current license. The Class E license fee is $48.
- 3Register and title the vehicle
For a car titled in another state you need a VIN verification (form HSMV 82040 or 82042, signed by a law-enforcement officer, a Florida dealer or a tax collector employee), the out-of-state title (or a letter from your lienholder), proof of Florida insurance and ID for every owner. Most vehicles new to Florida pay a one-time $225 initial registration fee on top of the plate and title fees.
- 4Keep the coverage continuous
Florida tracks your insurance electronically. A cancellation for non-payment triggers a suspension of your license and plate and a reinstatement fee of up to $500 — autopay and a reminder before each due date prevent nearly all of it.
What is different about Florida
Bodily injury is optional
Most states require it; Florida does not. We still recommend it: it is what protects your income if you cause a serious crash.
One driver in five is uninsured
Uninsured-motorist coverage pays for your injuries when the other driver has nothing. In Florida it is not a luxury.
Hurricanes and floods
Only comprehensive coverage pays for flood or storm damage to your car. If you finance the car, your lender requires it anyway.
Licensed in another country?
Several of the carriers we represent quote drivers with a foreign license or little U.S. driving history, and we handle the whole process in Spanish if you prefer. What helps your price:
- Your license and passport or other government ID
- Proof of prior insurance from your previous state or country, if you have it — continuous coverage lowers the rate
- A Florida address where the car will be kept
- The VIN or the year, make and model of the vehicle
Once you get your Florida license, tell us: switching the policy to it can lower your premium at the next renewal.
Ready to see what you could save on car insurance?
Free quote, no obligation. Call, text, or send the form — we answer the same business day.