What is the Average Cost of Car Insurance in Gainesville?

Gainesville, Florida had an estimated population of 133,997 as of 2019. The median household income in the area is $36,389, which is quite far below the national household median income of $64,000. Additionally, over 57% of Gainesville residents work, and their average commute to work is almost 19 minutes. High population density and long commutes are two factors which may increase insurance premiums for those living in cities. Luckily, though the population is somewhat high here, commute times are significantly lower than the national average of around 27 minutes each way.

Insurance premiums on vehicles in Gainesville could still be higher than other cities because of the theft rate; 3.54 vehicle thefts per 1,000 is much higher than the national average of 2.29. This just goes to show that anyone who lives in Gainesville and needs insurance would be wise to shop around for the best rate.

How Much Car Insurance Coverage Do I Need in Gainesville

Florida drivers are required to carry insurance in order to legally drive in the state. The minimum requirement for insurance are as follows:

  • $10,000 for bodily injury and death for one person per accident
  • $20,000 bodily injury or death for all persons in an accident
  • $10,000 coverage for property damage
  • $10,000 of coverage for personal injury protection

The minimum insurance requirements provide what drivers need in order to legally drive. However, this coverage is inadequate in most situations. The amounts required for bodily injury or death will not cover much in the way of hospital expenses, and the amount for property damage may also be inadequate; for instance, if you’re found at fault in an accident with a brand new car. In the event of an at-fault accident, the insured could find themselves in a financial bind if they are ordered to pay the balance of what their insurance won’t pay. Choosing higher coverages can prevent this from happening. Also, the minimum requirements only cover the other driver or the damaged property, it offers no coverage for your vehicle or property if you are found to be at fault.

Most Expensive and Least Expensive Insurance Rates by Zip Code

Cheap Car Insurance in Gainesville by Insurer

When choosing an insurance company, you should consider two things. First, you should choose a company that has a stellar reputation for both paying claims and providing customer service. An insurance company that doesn’t answer phone calls or that is slow to pay out a claim will further complicate an already stressful situation. Second, make sure that the premiums match the coverage you receive. Paying too much for minimum coverage isn’t financially feasible, nor is it wise to choose the least expensive coverage you see because you want to save money. Shop around and get the best deal on the amount of coverage you actually need.

Use our guide to get a cheap car insurance quote today.

Low Cost Auto Insurance for Bad Credit in Gainesville

Florida does allow insurance companies to adjust their rates for drivers with blemished credit. A less-than-perfect credit score can be used as an indicator for higher risk, meaning that insurance companies might tack on an additional amount to premiums to mitigate that risk. In Florida, an insurance policy written for drivers with credit issues can be almost twice that of a driver with good credit, depending on the insurance company. It pays to check with several agencies and get quotes before committing to an insurance policy, especially if your credit score is less than perfect.

Do you have bad credit and need car insurance? Check out this guide to help you in your search.

Full Coverage Vs. Liability, Which is Best For You?

What is Liability Only Insurance Coverage?

Liability insurance will pay for the injuries and/or damages that you cause to others in the case of a collision where you were at fault. In most cases, liability insurance will cost less than full-coverage insurance, but then again, they are both very different in what they cover. Liability is mandatory in all U.S. states, although how much liability you are required to have differs between states. Even if it wasn’t mandatory to have liability insurance, accidents can happen anytime and, if they do, you will need to be able to pay for the damages that you cause if you were the one to blame.

What does Full Coverage Insurance Cover?

Full coverage auto insurance in Arizona pays for your injuries and the damages made to your car as well as for others and isn’t just a specific type of a policy but it is instead liability, comprehensive insurance, and collision all combined. Full coverage insurance is not mandatory, but is good to have since it will help pay for your car to be fixed in the event of an accident that causes you injury or damage to your car, even if you were at fault. If the other person that collided with you was at fault, then their insurance will cover the damages to your car and your injuries. This is why there are laws requiring everyone to have insurance to cover the damages they cause.

What You Need to Know About the Differences Between the Car Insurance Types

The chief distinction between full and liability coverage is that full coverage ensures that any damage done to your car can be covered by insurance. Liability insurance only protects you from claims when you are at-fault in an accident. You will still need to pay for any damage to your own car, you just won’t have to pay for damage you caused to another person’s car. Full coverage can cover damage to your car even if the other driver is not insured and cannot compensate you for damages.

Finally, all states require that you carry at least a liability insurance policy so that collision victims receive compensation in the event of an accident. At-fault drivers are likewise protected from claims resulting from an automobile accident.

Average Annual Car Insurance Rates in Florida by City

Additional cities in Florida you can check out.

Lehigh Acres

Tips to Get a Cheaper Car Insurance Rate

Save on Your Insurance Policy Rates With These Discounts in Gainesville:

  • A good driving record

    Being a safe driver is the best way to keep your auto insurance cost down; the fewer accidents you have the less you will pay.

  • Shop around for quotes

    Insurance rates can vary substantially from company to company, which is why you will need to shop around and get quotes from each company. Most companies will give you a fast, free quote online.

  • Raise your deductible

    If you are considering getting a full-coverage plan, you can ask for a higher deductible to lower your monthly cost. The higher the deductible the lower your price will be.

  • Save on bundling

    You can save some money on auto insurance by bundling. Getting both auto insurance protections along with something like homeowners’ insurance in one plan will cost less than if you were to get separate plans.

  • Establish a good credit report

    Insurance companies base your cost on many factors, including what’s in your credit report, so, the better your credit report is, the lower your auto insurance costs will be.

  • Reduce the miles you drive daily

    Reducing how many miles you drive daily can also help cut auto insurance costs. You might consider car-pooling, taking a bus, or getting places the old-fashioned way – walk.

Use our guide to find discounts and lower your insurance premium costs.

What are the Factors that Affect Your Gainesville Car Insurance Premiums

Gainesville drivers are likely to see their insurance rates change over time. There can be many factors, both positive and negative, that impact your regular premiums. One key thing that all drivers face is aging. As you mature as a person and as a driver, your insurance rates are likely to fall. Typically, older drivers are safer drivers. They are less likely to drink and drive, speed, or take unnecessary risks on the road.

Your rates are also dependent, in part, on the type of car you drive. Drivers who love high-powered sports cars will likely spend more for automobile insurance than those who drive less-exciting SUVs and sedans.

Rates are also tied to the deductible on the policy. If you carry collision or comprehensive (full) coverage and opt for a higher deductible, your premiums could be lower. That is, if a tree hits your car, you will pay more up front for the damage to offset the lower premiums you’ve been paying over time.

How to tickets and accidents affect your driving record and insurance?

Helpful Gainesville, Florida Vehicle Resources:

Live Traffic and Accidents
https://www.flhsmv.gov/florida-highway-patrol/traffic-incidents/

DMV (Find Locations, Vehicle Registration, Titles and Insurance Info)
https://www.flhsmv.gov/locations/alachua/

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