My vehicle is registered in the state of Florida. I was just wondering if my Florida auto insurance company will cover if I drive out of state? I have a prior DUI conviction, which I know will really hurt my rates.

Brian

Miami FL

Yes, normally your car insurance policy will cover you and your car when you drive out of state within the US or some areas in Canada.

However, you must be driving in your own car. In case of an accident in Florida your Personal Injury Protection coverage covers you even if you are in another person’s vehicle and as well as other household members.

Florida car insurance policies vary but most will extend you coverages out of state with a broadening clause.

If you want to know for sure if your Florida auto insurance company will cover you when you drive out of state, I suggest that you contact your car insurance company regarding your specific car insurance policy. If you get involved in an accident out of state and would like to determine how your policy will accept the claims discuss this with your car insurance agent since they know your specific policy terms and conditions as well as your insurers claims process.

I’ve been doing a lot of traveling for my job here in Florida and I have seldom been using my car. Would it still be advisable to pay for car insurance even when I’m not using it?

Alexandra

Miami, FL

Even though you may not be using your car there in Florida that much because of your business trips it would still be highly advisable to maintain auto insurance cover for your vehicle. You may not know it but your auto insurance policy is a collection of several type of insurance coverage that is designed to provide as much protection for you and your vehicle as possible from as many adversities or events that could cause you to lose your vehicle or incur financial liabilities in damages.

In your case, you would at least want to keep Comprehensive and to some extent, Collision Coverage, for your vehicle. These type coverage will provide protection in the event your vehicle is damaged or totaled while you are away. It is not a remote possibility that, while you are traveling, someone breaks into the garage where your car is safely parked vandalizes or cannibalizes your vehicle for parts. There are a lot of possibilities like fire, natural disasters and theft that can cause you to lose your vehicle while you are away. Comprehensive Insurance will protect you from that. If your car is parked outside and is hit by another vehicle, maintaining collision coverage would still assure you that repairs, replacement or reimbursement for your vehicle is still possible.

I suggest you talk with your car insurance provider to see if they are flexible enough to allow you to streamline your policy for at least until the duration of your trip.

My new job requires me to travel a lot so I may have to rent a car if necessary. Will my car insurance here in Florida cover me in case of an accident in a rental car?

Darien

Miramar, FL

There are some things that you have to know about rental auto insurance before you do rent a car. Car insurance coverage differs from one provider to another. Certain insurance policies could not cover rented cars but others would cover the damage you may cause to any vehicle that you drive, including a rental car. Your auto insurance in Florida could also protect you against liability claims up to the policy limits.

Even if your auto insurance will give coverage, you have to find out exactly who is covered. You and other listed drivers on your auto insurance policy may be covered while driving a rental vehicle. And you can also check if other drivers may be covered as well. One good way to know for sure is to ask your insurance provider or broker. You may ask the rental company about insurance coverage that they offer if the people you are traveling with are not covered. You may also go over your auto insurance policy’s fine print to check if there are any restrictions to rental auto coverage. Certain policies could cover a rental vehicle only when your own automobile is stolen or being repaired.