Cheap Auto Insurance for Snowbirds in 2024 (10 Most Affordable Companies)

When looking for cheap auto insurance for snowbirds, Erie, USAA, and State Farm are going to have the best options, with minimum coverage beginning around $22/month.

Our Top 10 Company Picks: Cheap Auto Insurance for Snowbirds

Planning for your winter snowbird escape to Florida, there are going to be a lot of things to consider, from where you will stay to who will take care of your pets while you’re gone. One thing you may not have given much thought about is your auto insurance.

Florida has certain requirements for auto insurance, even if you are just a part-time visitor to the Sunshine State. If you’re just looking for coverage to drive legally, enter your ZIP code above to compare cheap auto insurance quotes near you.

Free Auto Insurance Comparison

Enter your ZIP code below to view companies that have cheap auto insurance rates.

 Secured with SHA-256 Encryption

#1 – Erie: Top Overall Pick

Pros

• Included Features: In addition to standard coverage, drivers will have access to a windshield deductible waiver and accident forgiveness.
• Windshield Deductible Waiver: An offered add-on with coverage, this provides a waiver on your deductible if you get your windshield repaired rather than fully replaced.
• Accident Forgiveness: By being a customer with Erie without an accident for three years, your rates will not increase after your first accident. You can learn more with our Erie auto insurance review.

Cons

• Availability: Erie auto insurance is not offered in most states.
• Customer Service: There have been negative complaints from drivers.

#2 – USAA: Cheapest for Military Members

Pros

• Bundling Options: USAA also offers health, life, homeowners, renters, and travel insurance.
• Young Drivers Pay Less: Teens see much more affordable rates with USAA. You can learn more with our USAA auto insurance review.
• SafePilot: With this program, drivers can save up to 30% on their auto insurance depending on their driving habits.

Cons

• No Gap Coverage: Drivers won’t be able to purchase this particular add-on, which helps pay for the difference between a car’s value and what is left on a payment in the event it’s totaled in an accident.
• Customer Service: Drivers have reported a higher number of complaints than with some competing companies.

#3 – State Farm: Cheapest for Safe Drivers

Pros

• Drive Safe & Save: This program is usage-based, and provides drivers who practice safe habits a discount on coverage, up to 50% off in some cases. You can learn more with our State Farm auto insurance review.
• Steer Clear App: This is a program offered to drivers under 25-years-old and will provide a discount based on habits, as well as teaches young drivers the rules of the road.
• Travel Insurance: Protects you while you’re traveling domestic or international, and will cover cancellations, delays, and even emergency medical expenses.

Cons

• Poor Credit, High Rate: Drivers with low credit scores will end up paying more than the national average.
• Missing Gap Coverage: Something that protects you against paying off any amount still owed on a vehicle after it’s in an accident, this can help financially and is not offered by State Farm.

Free Auto Insurance Comparison

Enter your ZIP code below to view companies that have cheap auto insurance rates.

 Secured with SHA-256 Encryption

#4 – Travelers: Cheapest Add-Ons

Pros

• Additional Coverage: Drivers can also get gap, accident forgiveness, rideshare, and rental car insurance. You can learn more with our Travelers auto insurance review.
• At-Fault Rates: Drivers with tickets or at-fault accidents on record will still be able to get affordable coverage, with rates being less than the national average.
• Discounts: Over a dozen available, you can save money if you’re a good student, have continuous coverage, sign on with Travelers before your previous policy ends, or bundle your coverage.

Cons

• No SR-22 Coverage: If you’re a high-risk driver, you may not be able to purchase the coverage you need.
• No Classic Insurance: Drivers who own classic cars won’t be able to purchase special coverage for their vehicles.

#5 – Progressive: Cheapest High-Risk Coverage

Pros

• Affordable High-Risk Coverage: Drivers who are determined as being high-risk will still be able to have low rates, though not as low as they would be with a clean driving record.
• Snapshot Program: Progressive’s reward program works well if you’re a safe driver. You can learn more with our Progressive auto insurance review.
• Bundling Opportunities: Progressive also sells watercraft, classic car, motorcycle, and RV insurance which means you can bundle this together with your auto insurance.

Cons

• Customer Service: Drivers have reported lower than average satisfaction with the levels of customer service received.
• Snapshot Program: You might actually see an increase in your rates based off your driving habits.

#6 – Nationwide: Cheapest With Telematics Program

Pros

• Add-Ons: In addition to collision and comprehensive, drivers can also purchase gap, medical payment, rental car, and bodily injury coverage.
• SmartMiles: With this program, drivers can save up to 18% off auto insurance based on monthly mileage. It’s also excellent for low-mileage drivers. You can learn more with our Nationwide auto insurance review.
• Financial Stability: A.M. Best rates them as superior.

Cons

• Availability: Not offered in every state.
• Poor Claim Handling: Drivers have reported claims take too long, while some may get denied without reason.

Free Auto Insurance Comparison

Enter your ZIP code below to view companies that have cheap auto insurance rates.

 Secured with SHA-256 Encryption

#7 – American Family: Cheapest With Bundling

Pros

• KnowYourDrive Program: This is American Family’s phone app that monitors driving habits. You can end up saving money based on how you drive.
• Discount Opportunities: More than a dozen discounts are offered including how mileage, good driving, and autopay. Learn more with our Nationwide auto insurance review.
• Affordable Rates for High-Risk Drivers: If you’re a driver with a speeding ticket you will not have to pay expensive prices for auto insurance.

Cons

• Poor Claim Handling: Drivers report frustrating wait times and the process to see a claim through is frustrating.
• Availability: Not available in all states.

#8 – Farmers: Cheapest With Discounts

Pros

• Financial Strength: Necessary to showcase company stability, Farmers has an A+ with A.M. Best. You can learn more with our Farmers auto insurance review.
• Available SR-22 Insurance: Something that some high-risk drivers may need and is not offered by every auto insurance company.
• Positive Claim Experience: Drivers report high levels of satisfaction with how claims are handled.

Cons

• Low Availability: Farmers auto insurance can’t be purchased in all 50 states.
• Expensive Policies: Auto insurance is going to be higher than the national average.

#9 – Allstate: Cheapest for Low-Mileage Drivers

Pros

• Milewise: Offered for low-mileage drivers, this allows you to pay-per-mile, which isn’t offered by most competitors. You can learn more with our Allstate auto insurance review.
• Financial Strength Rating: Allstate has an A.M. Best rating of A+, which means claim payout will not be an issue.
• Reward Program: With the Allstate reward program, you can get a new car replacement, deductible rewards, and accident forgiveness.

Cons

• Young Drivers Pay More: Teen drivers around 16-18 years old will pay more than the national average for auto insurance.
• Poor Credit, High Rates: Drivers with a low credit score will pay almost double for coverage with Allstate.

Free Auto Insurance Comparison

Enter your ZIP code below to view companies that have cheap auto insurance rates.

 Secured with SHA-256 Encryption

#10 – Liberty Mutual: Cheapest for Accident-Free Drivers

Pros

• RightTrack Program: You can save up to 30% on your auto insurance based on your driving habits. Low-mileage and slower drivers will save the most money.
• Lifetime Replacement Guarantee: Repairs done at an approved shop will get a lifetime guarantee. You can learn more with our Liberty Mutual auto insurance review.
• Bundling Options: You can bundle auto, homeowner, renter, watercraft, small business, and even pet insurance.

Cons

• Claim Satisfaction: Drivers have reported being unhappy with the way claims are handled and paid out.
• Customer Service: There have been reports of poor wait times for customer service on the phone and claim handling.

Florida Auto Insurance Requirements

According to the Florida Department of Highway Safety and Motor Vehicles, anyone living in Florida for more than 90 days in a year must comply with Florida’s insurance laws. Those 90 days do not have to be consecutive either, so if you like to make multiple trips to Florida throughout the year you could be subject to those laws. This includes following Florida minimum auto insurance requirements.

To meet Florida state law requirements, you need to have at least:

• $10,000 of Personal Injury Protection
• $10,000 of Property Damage Liability

Personal injury protection, otherwise known as Florida no-fault insurance, protects you regardless of who was at fault. When an accident leaves you with expensive medical bills, lost wages, or other unexpected expenses, personal injury protection can help compensate you for these additional costs.

Not only will PIP protect your injuries, but it also covers other injured passengers in your vehicle as well. Since it is no-fault insurance, compensation is quick and stress-free.

Property damage liability pays for property damages when you are at fault in an accident. Most commonly, the property damage will be to someone else’s car but could include damages to buildings, trees, fences, guardrails, telephone poles, lamp posts and more.

Different Types of Florida Insurance

Florida’s car insurance requirements are quite minimal when compared with other states. If you exceed damages outside of the $10,000 limits, however, you will be held responsible for the remaining costs. It is recommended that you purchase a policy similar to what you have at home to give yourself a cushion of protection while driving around in Florida.

Cheap Auto Insurance Monthly Rates for Snowbirds

There are a few different common types of car insurance you may want to consider in addition to what is required by Florida law.

Bodily Injury Liability Coverage

Bodily Injury Liability pays for medical expenses or funeral costs for the injured party when you are at fault in an accident. It also provides protection from being sued in a lawsuit. If the other party sues you for damages, it will provide you compensation for a defense attorney.

Bodily injury liability is usually denoted by a fraction such as 50/100. The first number is the maximum amount the insurance company will pay out for injuries to a single person ($50,000), and the second number is the maximum amount the insurance company will pay out for all individuals who were injured in an accident ($100,000).

Is your insurance knowledge full of “ums,” “I thinks,” and “maybes”? If so, follow us for some helpful info everyone should know. pic.twitter.com/Ppgehjg18Y

— Farmers Insurance (@WeAreFarmers) June 11, 2024

Without bodily injury liability insurance, you could be sued for hundreds of thousands of dollars. If you can’t afford to pay, then your assets and future income could be taken away from you.

Collision Coverage

Collision auto insurance pays for damages to your vehicle when you are in an accident with another vehicle or object, regardless of who caused the crash. It can also be applied to parked cars as well.

Would you know what to do if someone hit your parked car? Here are some tips on what to do if this happens to you. https://t.co/jGoBYAFD12 pic.twitter.com/hsrMs9Qka5

— Liberty Mutual (@LibertyMutual) October 19, 2023

This type of coverage only applies to your vehicle in an accident and does not include injuries or property damage.

Comprehensive Coverage

Comprehensive pays for damages from accidents other than a collision. Comprehensive will cover damages to your vehicle due to hurricanes, which are considered to be a frequent threat to Florida.

Uninsured/Underinsured Motorist Coverage

Uninsured/underinsured motorist coverage helps with costs from injuries sustained from a car accident with an uninsured driver. If you are hit by someone who is at fault and does not have car insurance, then having this insurance is important.

Uninsured covers medical expenses, lost wages, and compensation for pain and suffering. This coverage also applies if you or your passengers happen to be the victim of a hit-and-run accident.

Florida just so happens to be in the top ten states for people driving uninsured. You certainly don’t want to be in an accident with someone who has no coverage and can’t afford to pay for your damages.

The amount of coverage you have will affect the price of your premium. Always stay within the lines of what you know you can afford.

Free Auto Insurance Comparison

Enter your ZIP code below to view companies that have cheap auto insurance rates.

 Secured with SHA-256 Encryption

Snowbird Insurance in Florida

Some people try to save money by registering their vehicle for auto insurance in their home state only.  Doing this ensures they only have one insurance policy and one insurance agent to deal with. This could turn out badly if you get into an accident in Florida. Your home insurance could refuse to pay your claim because you misrepresented your location.

It is important that you buy Florida insurance through a Florida insurance agency. The good news is many of the big name insurance agencies around your area will likely have agencies in Florida.

Saving Money on Snowbird Insurance in Florida

Fortunately, Florida is known for having the lowest rates on car insurance in the country. One way to get the best rates is to shop around and compare multiple quotes. Make sure the company is reputable and do some research with the Better Business Bureau. You can also look into whether or not your provider offers any sort of auto insurance discounts.

Shout out to Allstate customers who use our Drivewise app! A national survey found, on average, Drivewise customers:
📞 handle their phones 44% less while driving
🚀 spend 23% less time driving at high speeds
🚙 have an 11% lower rate of hard braking https://t.co/5GeR2nydjm

— Allstate (@Allstate) April 19, 2024

There are plenty of ways to save money on your auto insurance in addition to making sure you’re fully covered for the time you’ll spend as a snowbird. Find the best auto insurance company near you by entering your ZIP code into our free quote tool below.

Free Auto Insurance Comparison

Enter your ZIP code below to view companies that have cheap auto insurance rates.

 Secured with SHA-256 Encryption