Posted: 5/12/2008 10:56:53 PM EDT
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Hey, folks. If I get a Florida driver's license, do I need car insurance purchased from someone in Florida? I have car insurance now, but I bought it from an agent in Ohio and for the time being it makes sense not to switch if I can help it. Any help would be appreciated! |
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Hey Tso, Here are some quoted lines from the Florida Department of Highway Saftey and Motor Vehicles: 
and here is the Linky |
| If you're with a national carrier, they should be able to transfer your policy to their Florida division/branch/whatever. They'll probably have to increase your premiums, simply because insurance costs more here. If you have to close out that policy, they'll just pro-rate your bill, and refund you whatever amount is owed for the weeks or months of coverage you didn't use. Either way, don't sweat it - there's no law saying you have to get everything done in one day. Take your time, and find the cheapest underwriter you can. |
But some insurance companies could deny a claim based on the fact that you live at a different address than you are rated for. The insurance company would most likely cut you some slack but don't push your luck for too long. good luck |
Thanks, FlatTop! And, thanks to everyone else. That's what I thought was the rule. It seems like I can't avoid it, because I need a FL ID and I'm here four at least 3 more years. 
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That's a good point. Thanks, Banditman! |
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Then as long as it is insured according to Ohio law you will be fine as far as the State of Florida messing with you about it. I would check my coverage with the insurance agent in Ohio to be sure I am covered in Florida. As long as you present a valid insurance card and registration from Ohio you won't get a citation. A word of advice, when you do transfer your registration to Florida, make sure you insure the car properly and that the insurance company or you show proof to the DMV that you are insured so you won't get a Financial Responsibility Suspension on your Driver's License. I see people with suspended DLs all the time because of this. A lot of times they do have insurance but someone dropped the ball. If you have a car registered in Florida and it's not insured they will suspend your DL, unless your a crackhead of course....They slide by somehow....it's always the decent people that get it. |
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You have to get a Florida License within 30 days of establishing residence in the state. I'll have to check my statute book for the registration requirements when I get back to work tomorrow. I'm not 100% sure of the requirement. Are you moving here permanently or what? Are you military by chance? |
No, civilian. Just avoiding the inevitable. ETA: I'll be her for a few years at least, so there's no point avoiding it really. |