Why Cheap Auto Insurance in Florida Could Cost You More Than You Think
We’ve all seen those ads promising dirt-cheap car insurance rates—especially here in Florida. It’s easy to think, “Well, if it’s legal and cheap, why not?” But what many drivers in places like Jacksonville quickly find out is that those low premiums often come with very little real protection. When something goes wrong, that “cheap” policy can end up costing you a lot more than you expected.
At Augustyniak Insurance Group, we help Florida drivers find auto insurance that actually works for you—your life, your risks, and your budget. And working with a licensed local agent in Jacksonville doesn’t cost you anything extra. You’ll get expert advice, personalized service, and access to quotes from top-rated companies—all without any extra fees.
Let’s walk through some of the most common types of auto insurance coverage people tend to skip when they’re trying to save. I’ll also share a few real-life examples of why cutting corners on coverage can actually cost you a lot more in the long run. If you live in Jacksonville or anywhere in Florida, it’s important to know what your policy really covers—and what it doesn’t.
Florida Drivers: The Most Common Auto Insurance Coverages People Cut to Save Money (and Why That’s Risky)
Some of the most valuable parts of a car insurance policy are the ones that get removed when someone’s trying to “just get the minimum.” And while that might save you a little money each month, it could cost you big when something goes wrong.
Here are a few coverages I see people leave off their policies—and why that’s not always the best move.
Collision Coverage
This covers damage to your own car if you’re in an accident—no matter who was at fault. If you drive a newer or higher-value car, it’s really important. Without it, you’re on the hook to repair or replace your car yourself. And let’s be honest, most of us don’t have an extra $10K just sitting around
Comprehensive Coverage
Also called “other than collision,” this covers things like theft, vandalism, falling trees, and even hitting a deer. It’s usually pretty affordable and protects your car from those random life moments that no one sees coming. But it’s one of the first things to go when people are looking to cut costs.
Physical Damage Liability
This pays for damage you cause to someone else’s car. Florida only requires $10,000—but have you priced a new SUV lately? Most cars on the road are worth more than that. If you cause an accident and the other car’s repairs are $30,000, your insurance only pays $10,000—and you’re on the hook for the rest. That “cheap” policy suddenly doesn’t feel so cheap anymore.Medical Payments
Even if you have health insurance, MedPay helps cover ambulance rides, ER visits, and other out-of-pocket medical costs after a crash. It kicks in no matter who was at fault. I’ve seen people wish they had this—especially after they’re staring down a big bill that their health insurance won’t fully cover.
Uninsured & Underinsured Motorist (UM) Coverage in Florida
Florida has one of the highest rates of uninsured drivers in the country. That means there’s a real chance you could get hit by someone with no insurance—or not enough. UM coverage helps pay for medical bills, lost wages, and pain and suffering if that happens.
And even if the other driver does have insurance, their policy limits may be too low to cover all your costs. That’s why I always talk with clients about adding UM—it protects you when the other driver didn’t plan ahead.
Want to dive deeper? Check out our blog post all about UM Coverage in Florida
Real-Life Examples: When Cheap Insurance Isn’t Enough
Example 1: Low Property Damage Limits = Big Out-of-Pocket Bill
You go with Florida’s minimum limits to save a little money. Then one day, you accidentally total someone’s $33,000 car. Your policy only covers $10,000. Guess who’s responsible for the other $23,000? That’s right—you..
Example 2: Out-of-Pocket Medical Bills After a Crash
Imagine you're hit by a driver who has no insurance. You suffer serious injuries and end up with $50,000 in medical bills. But your auto policy only includes $10,000 in personal injury protection. That leaves you with a $40,000 gap—and unless you have strong health insurance or uninsured motorist coverage, you're stuck paying the difference or pursuing a costly legal battle to recover it.
How to Protect Yourself Without Overpaying
Look, we get it—no one wants to overpay for car insurance. And here in Florida, where rates can already be higher than the national average, it’s even more tempting to go for the cheapest option. But there’s a better way to save without leaving yourself wide open.
The key is working with a local, experienced insurance agent who understands what Florida drivers really face on the road—from hurricanes and flooding to uninsured motorists. At Augustyniak Insurance Group, we take the time to learn about your life, your driving habits, and your budget. Then, we help you compare quotes from top-rated carriers so you can get great protection at a fair price.
We’ll walk you through your options and explain what each coverage actually does—no pressure, no upsell, just smart advice from people who live and work right here in Jacksonville.
At Augustyniak Insurance Group, we make it easy to compare multiple quotes from top-rated carriers like:
- Nationwide
- AAA
- Travelers
- Hartford
- Auto-Owners
- Safeco / Liberty Mutual
- Progressive
- Geico
- And many others
Related Articles
- Florida Stacked vs Non-stacked Uninsured Motorist: What do I need?
- Florida Uninsured Motorist Insurance Coverage Explained
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