Broward County, Florida
Car insurance in Fort Lauderdale
A Fort Lauderdale quote from David Diaz-Fernandez, compared across the carriers our agency writes with, in English or Spanish. Waterfront parking and storm surge make comprehensive a common question here.
Driving and insuring a car in Fort Lauderdale
Fort Lauderdale is canals, causeways and a busy downtown, with I-95, I-595 and US-1 carrying commuters and airport and port traffic. Many homes and condos sit near water, so storm surge and street flooding are real risks for a parked car.
Fort Lauderdale quotes are often for newer cars, leases and people moving down from the Northeast. Moving here means switching to a Florida policy, which is built differently from the policies in most other states.
- County
- Broward County
- Main roads
- I-95, I-595 and US-1
- ZIP codes we quote
- 33301, 33304, 33305, 33306, 33308, 33309, 33311, 33312, 33315, 33316
- Neighborhoods and nearby
- Las Olas, Victoria Park, Rio Vista, Coral Ridge, Wilton Manors, Flagler Village, Harbor Beach
What moves the price in Fort Lauderdale
- Comprehensive deductible: near the water, flood and surge damage are only covered by comprehensive.
- Leased and financed cars: lenders require comprehensive and collision and often a $1,000 maximum deductible.
- Moving from another state: your old policy won’t meet Florida rules for long. Florida requires PIP.
- Higher limits: people with homes or savings to protect often pick 100/300 bodily injury or more.
The Florida minimum, and what most people add
| Coverage | Florida minimum | What David usually shows |
|---|---|---|
| PIP | $10,000 | $10,000, deductible you choose |
| Property damage | $10,000 | $25,000 – $100,000 |
| Bodily injury | Not required | $100,000 / $300,000 |
| Uninsured motorist | Not required | Same as bodily injury |
| Comprehensive and collision | Not required (lenders require them) | $500 or $1,000 deductible |
These are common choices, not a recommendation for everyone. David shows the price of each option on your real quote.
Registering your car
In Fort Lauderdale, registration and plates go through the Broward County Tax Collector. New residents have 10 days from becoming a Florida resident to register, with Florida insurance in place first. New to Florida? →
After a crash in Fort Lauderdale
Call 911 if anyone is hurt or a car can’t be moved. On Fort Lauderdale streets the report is taken by the Fort Lauderdale Police Department; on the interstates and expressways it is often the Florida Highway Patrol. Get the report number before you leave.
See a doctor within 14 days, even if you feel fine: PIP only pays if treatment starts within 14 days of the crash. PIP explained → You can buy a copy of the report from the police agency or on the FLHSMV crash report portal. Then text David before you call the insurer: he’ll help you see what your policy covers. Claims help →
Tolls
South Florida toll roads are cashless. Use a SunPass or pay by plate; unpaid tolls go to the registered owner, not the driver, and can block a registration renewal.
Hurricane season
Only comprehensive pays for a flooded car or storm damage, and insurers usually stop adding or changing coverage once a hurricane watch or warning is issued for your area. Hurricane season runs June 1 to November 30, so add it early. Comprehensive →
Fort Lauderdale questions
I just moved from New York. Can I keep my New York policy?
Not for long. Once you are a Florida resident, you need a Florida policy with PIP and property damage before you register the car, and you have 10 days to register.
Do I need gap insurance on a lease?
Many leases include gap already. Check your lease contract, then David can tell you whether loan or lease payoff on the policy adds anything.
Does an umbrella policy cover my car?
An umbrella policy adds liability above your auto limits. Most require certain auto limits first, often 250/500. Ask David if you want to protect a home or savings.
What is the minimum car insurance in Fort Lauderdale?
The same as anywhere in Florida: $10,000 of personal injury protection (PIP) and $10,000 of property damage liability. Bodily injury liability isn’t required to register a car, but without it, a claim from someone you injure is aimed at you.
Nearby
Your policy’s wording decides what’s covered. David can walk you through yours.