Auto insurance is the coverage you're legally required to carry in both Washington and Florida — but the state minimum is rarely the coverage you actually want. A single at-fault accident with injuries can generate medical bills and legal claims that dwarf minimum liability limits, and the difference comes straight out of your savings. As an independent agency, Maru compares full-coverage and liability-only quotes from multiple carriers so you land on the right protection at the right price, whether you drive I-5 through Seattle or I-95 through Fort Lauderdale.
What auto insurance actually covers
Every auto policy is a bundle of separate coverages. Understanding each one is the key to buying smart — some are legally required, some are optional but strongly recommended, and a few are easy money-savers or money-wasters depending on your situation.
| Coverage | What it pays for | Who needs it |
|---|---|---|
| Bodily injury liability | Others' medical bills & legal costs when you're at fault | Required — buy well above the minimum |
| Property damage liability | Damage you cause to other cars and property | Required in both states |
| Personal injury protection (PIP) | Your own medical costs regardless of fault | Required in FL; optional (PIP/MedPay) in WA |
| Uninsured/underinsured motorist | Your costs when the at-fault driver has no/low coverage | Highly recommended — ~1 in 8 FL drivers is uninsured |
| Collision | Repairs to your car after a crash | Required if financed/leased; optional otherwise |
| Comprehensive | Theft, fire, flood, hail, falling trees, animal strikes | Recommended, especially in flood/storm zones |
| Roadside & rental reimbursement | Towing and a rental while your car is repaired | Low-cost convenience add-ons |
Washington vs. Florida minimum requirements
Here's what the law requires today. We show it so you can see how thin the minimums really are — and why we almost never recommend stopping there.
| Requirement | Washington | Florida |
|---|---|---|
| Bodily injury liability | $25,000 per person / $50,000 per accident | Not required as BI (see note) |
| Property damage liability | $10,000 | $10,000 |
| Personal injury protection | Not required | $10,000 PIP required |
| System type | At-fault (tort) | No-fault |
| Uninsured motorist | Offered; can be declined in writing | Offered; can be declined in writing |
Note: Florida is unusual in not mandating bodily injury liability for most drivers, relying instead on PIP and property damage. This is precisely why we urge Florida clients to add bodily injury and uninsured-motorist coverage — the state floor leaves you badly exposed if you injure someone.
What drives your auto premium
What auto insurance costs in WA and FL
Florida is consistently one of the most expensive auto insurance states in the country, driven by high litigation rates, dense traffic, uninsured drivers, and catastrophe exposure. Washington sits closer to the national average. These are broad market figures — your actual rate depends on the factors above, which is exactly why comparison shopping pays off.
Estimated average full-coverage annual premium
How to lower your premium (without cutting real protection)
There's a right way and a wrong way to save. Cutting liability limits to the minimum saves a little now and risks everything later. These moves save money without gutting your coverage:
- Bundle home/renters/condo with auto — typically 10–25% off both policies.
- Raise your deductibles on collision and comprehensive if you have the savings to cover them.
- Ask about telematics — safe-driving programs can cut rates for low-mileage and careful drivers.
- Keep continuous coverage — even a short lapse raises your rate for years.
- Re-shop at renewal — loyalty is rarely rewarded. This is the single biggest lever, and it's what an independent agent does for you automatically.
- Bundle multiple vehicles and drivers on one policy, and add good-student and defensive-driving discounts where eligible.
Why buy auto insurance through Maru
You can buy directly from a single carrier, but you'll only ever see that one company's price. When it rises — and in Florida especially, it will — you're on your own. Maru re-shops your policy across our carrier network at every renewal, applies every discount you qualify for, and gives you a licensed local advisor instead of a call-center queue. It costs you nothing extra, because our compensation is already built into standard rates.
Frequently asked questions
Is Florida a no-fault state for car insurance?
How much car insurance do I really need?
Why is car insurance so expensive in Florida?
Does Washington use my credit score to set my rate?
Can I get same-day auto coverage?
Licensed independent insurance agent · WA & FL
Written and reviewed by a licensed Maru advisor. Maru Insurance is an independent agency (License #22261820) representing multiple A-rated carriers across Washington and Florida.
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