Drivers in Tampa often complain about the cost of car insurance. But how much does car insurance really cost in Tampa, Florida?
The average driver in Tampa, Florida pays around $1,779 per year for full coverage car insurance, which is hundreds of dollars higher than the nationwide average.
Why is car insurance so expensive in Tampa? How can you save money on car insurance in Tampa?
Keep reading to discover everything you need to know about the cost of car insurance in Tampa, Florida – and how you could save hundreds per year on Tampa car insurance.
The Average Tampa Driver Pays $1,779 Per Year for car Insurance
According to average quotes provided to our model driver profiles, the average driver in Tampa, Florida can expect to pay around $1,779 per year for full coverage car insurance.
In comparison, the average American pays around $1,450 per year for car insurance.
In other words, drivers in Tampa are paying more than $300 more per year for car insurance than the average American driver.
Why is Car Insurance So Expensive in Tampa?
Don’t blame Tampa: Florida has notoriously high car insurance prices. In fact, Florida is routinely one of the top five most expensive states in American for car insurance. Florida is currently the third most expensive state in America for car insurance, trailing only Michigan and Louisiana.
Tampa is also a big city. Drivers in big cities typically pay more for car insurance than drivers in small towns. Tampa has more roads, more drivers, and more congestion than rural areas of the state. Some areas of Tampa also have high crime rates, which can push insurance premiums even higher.
Others blame Florida’s insurance laws. Florida is one of the few states that requires drivers to carry personal injury protection (PIP). Approximately 20% of your car insurance premiums in Florida go towards PIP. PIP covers medical expenses and related bills after an accident.
Florida also has higher rates of uninsured drivers. Nearly 20% of drivers in Florida do not carry car insurance, which is much higher than the nationwide average of around 13%. Some studies even suggest that nearly 27% of drivers in Florida drive illegally without insurance. Collisions with uninsured motorists cost Florida insurance companies thousands of dollars per year.
As medical costs and car repair costs rise every year, car insurance in Tampa continues to become more expensive.
Why Car Insurance Could Be Even More Expensive in Tampa
Although car insurance is expensive in Tampa, it could be even more expensive.
Tampa has no winter weather or mountain passes that make driving dangerous in other states, for example.
Florida also has low coverage limits compared to other states. While other states require drivers to carry 25/50/25 liability coverage or higher, Florida requires just $10,000 of property damage liability protection.
However, Florida’s low liability limits are a double-edged sword: drivers who want to carry more than this minimum amount of coverage in Tampa will pay higher rates. If you want to carry 100/300/100 coverage for added protection and peace of mind, for example, then you could end up paying significantly more for car insurance.
How to Save Money on Car Insurance in Tampa, Florida
Car insurance can be expensive in Tampa, Florida. However, there are ways to save money on car insurance, including:
Compare Quotes: You have hundreds of options for car insurance in Tampa. Shop around with different companies to save hundreds.
Take Advantage of Discounts: Insurers offer discounts for safe driving, safety features, carrying multiple policies, and more.
Practice Defensive Driving: Florida has one of the highest accident rates in the United States. Statistically, drivers in Florida are among the worst in the nation. Practice defensive driving to avoid claims and higher premiums.
Car insurance in Tampa is expensive, with drivers paying hundreds of dollars more per year for car insurance than the nationwide average. Compare quotes today to ensure you’re getting the best possible deal on car insurance in Tampa, Florida.
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