Planning a Florida getaway this fall? Whether you're heading down for a long weekend, visiting family, or escaping the Northeast chill for some warm Gulf breeze, there’s something you might not be thinking about: your car insurance.
Every year, countless out-of-state drivers hit the roads in Florida with the assumption that their New Jersey or New York coverage will protect them fully. But Florida’s laws are different, and if you get into an accident here, even a minor one, the fine print on your policy could leave you footing the bill.
Here are four insurance gaps that could catch you off guard during your Florida trip, and how to protect yourself before you go.
Florida is one of the few states with “no-fault” insurance, which means your own insurance (not the at-fault driver’s) pays for your medical care, up to a limit. That limit? Just $10,000 in Personal Injury Protection (PIP) coverage. And yes, that runs out fast.
Even if you're not a Florida resident, you may still fall under Florida's accident laws if you're driving her, especially if you're in a rental car or hit by a Florida resident.
Plus, your health insurance might not cover accident-related costs the way you think, or may require you to exhaust PIP first. If you don't have supplemental medical or extended personal injury coverage, you could be on the hook for emergency room bills, diagnostic tests, and follow-up care.
Tip: Call your auto insurer before your trip and ask about medical payments coverage (MedPay) or extended PIP options. Some plans allow short-term add-ons for travel.
Florida has one of the highest rates of uninsured drivers in the country, which is nearly 6% of motorists on the road having no liability insurance at all. Even worse? Florida doesn't require drivers to carry bodily injury liability insurance.
So what happens if someone with zero coverage hits you and causes serious injuries? If you don’t have Uninsured/Underinsured Motorist (UM/UIM) coverage on your own policy, there's a good chance you’ll be paying for your recovery out of pocket.
Out-of-state policies don’t always include this coverage by default, and many drivers waive it to save on premiums without realizing the risk.
Tip: Review your declarations page. Look for UM/UIM coverage and consider raising your limits before driving in Florida.
Renting a car while you're in Florida? Great. But don’t assume the rental company provides full coverage. In fact, they often offer only minimal protection that might not meet Florida’s legal standards.
Some travelers rely on credit card insurance, but those benefits typically only apply to damage to the rental car, but not injuries, liability, or medical expenses.
That means if you hit another car, injure someone, or get hit yourself, you could end up caught between three insurance providers with no clear coverage for the actual costs involved.
Tip: Before your trip, confirm with your auto insurer if your policy extends to rentals out-of-state. At the counter, seriously consider adding supplemental liability insurance, especially in Florida.
Not all accidents in Florida happen behind the wheel. A slip-and-fall at your hotel, a boating mishap, or even a dog bite at a beachside rental can land you in urgent care, and out-of-pocket for treatment.
Many standard travel insurance policies don’t fully cover personal injury incidents, especially when a third party is involved, and navigating who pays what (especially out of state) can get legally tricky.
Tip: Review your travel insurance policy or health plan’s emergency coverage. If you're staying at a rental or Airbnb, confirm whether the host carries liability insurance — it matters if you’re hurt on their property.
Before You Go: 4 Quick Insurance Tips for Your Florida Trip
If you’re heading to Florida, take 15 minutes before your trip to avoid costly mistakes later. Here’s what to check:
You don’t need to cancel your Florida trip. You just need to plan smart. A little preparation before you go can make all the difference if the unexpected happens. Taking time to review your insurance coverage and understand Florida’s driving laws means you can relax and enjoy your time in the Sunshine State with peace of mind.
