Located between Tampa and Orlando, Lakeland is one of Florida’s largest cities. With a warm climate and many lakes, Lakeland attracts residents and visitors who embrace an active outdoor lifestyle. Protecting your vehicle with car insurance is essential in this accident-prone region. This article provides tips for getting the best car insurance quotes in Lakeland along with an overview of required coverage.
Minimum Florida Car Insurance Requirements
To legally drive in Florida, drivers must carry at least:
- $10,000 in Personal Injury Protection (PIP) to cover medical expenses
- $10,000 Property Damage Liability to cover damage to others’ property
- $10,000 Personal Injury Liability for injuries caused to others
For reference, this is written as 10/20/10 coverage. Florida is a no-fault state, meaning your own insurer covers injuries regardless of fault. Florida also requires drivers to carry $5,000 in PIP for motorcycle insurance.
Uninsured Motorist Coverage: This protects you if injured by a driver with no insurance. Florida requires this as equal to your bodily injury liability limits.
Comprehensive & Collision: These optional coverages pay for damage to your own vehicle from theft, vandalism, weather, fire, and accidents. They have deductibles of $500 or $1,000 typically.
Average Car Insurance Rates in Lakeland
The average annual car insurance premium in Lakeland is $1,932 per year or $161 monthly. Rates vary based on factors like:
- Age of driver
- Driving and credit history
- Type of vehicle
- Coverage limits and deductibles
Here are sample annual rates by age for full coverage:
- Teens – $4,943
- 20 years old – $2,985
- 40 years old – $1,544
- 60 years old – $1,233
Top Auto Insurers in Lakeland
The most popular car insurance companies in Lakeland are:
- State Farm
- Progressive
- GEICO
- Allstate
- USAA (for military families)
Nationwide, Travelers, and Liberty Mutual are other major insurers serving the Lakeland market.
How to Save on Lakeland Car Insurance
Increase deductibles: Raise deductibles on collision and comprehensive to $500 or $1,000 to lower premiums.
Drop unnecessary coverage: If your car is old, consider dropping collision and comprehensive.
Compare quotes frequently: Shop rates from new companies as old ones may not match competitors’ discounts.
Maintain good credit: Having a solid credit score makes you look less risky to insurers.
Ask about discounts: Inquire about multi-policy, safe driver, loyalty, and anti-theft discounts.
Use telematics: Enroll in usage-based insurance to get discounts for safe driving habits.
Buy low profile vehicles: Insure sports cars, luxury vehicles, and SUVs often have higher premiums.
Enroll in defensive driving: Completing an approved course can make you eligible for rate reductions.
Reduce mileage: Choosing lower annual mileage when quoting can lower your premium.
Increase liability limits: Ask about discounts for choosing higher liability coverage limits.
Top Local Insurance Agencies
Working with a trusted local insurance agency is recommended to find the right coverage at reasonable rates for your situation. Top agencies in Lakeland include:
- Cramer Insurance Group
- Neff Insurance Agency
- BB&T Insurance Services
- Brightway Insurance
- Ross Fuller Insurance
- Insurance Zone Agency
- Powell Insurance Agency
These agencies represent multiple insurers and help you compare quotes. They provide personalized service for claims and policy questions.
Getting Lakeland Car Insurance Quotes
Follow these steps to get free Lakeland auto insurance quotes:
- Determine the types of coverage you need and desired limits.
- Decide if you want to bundle home or other policies.
- List all household members that drive your vehicles.
- Gather details about your car(s) like year, make, model.
- Check current credit score and history.
- Ask about discounts from each insurer.
- Compare quotes from at least three insurers.
- Review policy details carefully to ensure needed coverage.
- Choose the most affordable policy that meets your needs.
Switching Car Insurance Companies
If switching insurers, be sure to provide written cancellation notice to your current company first. Cancel only once the new policy is in effect to avoid a lapse in coverage. Save a copy of the cancellation notice for your records.
Final Tips
- Avoid letting policies lapse as this can make you look risky.
- Report any coverage or address changes to keep your policy accurate.
- Pay premiums on time to prevent cancellations.
- File small claims with your insurer directly versus paying out-of-pocket.
- Seek quotes every 1-2 years to find potential savings.
Finding the right blend of quality and price on car insurance is vital for Lakeland drivers. Comparing quotes with insurers and local agencies can help you protect your vehicle and finances.
How to Get Cheap Car Insurance in Florida (2023 Cheapest FL Auto Insurance Quotes)
FAQ
Who has the cheapest car insurance rates in Florida?
Who normally has the cheapest car insurance?
Is Geico cheaper than Progressive?
How much is the average car insurance per month in Florida?
Credit Score
|
Average Annual Premium
|
Average Monthly Premium
|
Good
|
$1,632
|
$136
|
Fair
|
$1,993
|
$166
|
Below Fair
|
$2,304
|
$192
|
Poor
|
$2,804
|
$234
|