How to Save on Auto Insurance Before Florida’s Summer Driving Season

Florida’s summer driving season is around the corner—and while that means sun, road trips, and beach days, it also means congested highways, soaring temps, and some of the highest insurance rates in the country.  

With more drivers hitting the roads and seasonal risks (like hurricanes, tourists, and the occasional afternoon monsoon), your auto insurance policy must be comprehensive and cost-effective. 

Here’s the good news: you can save big on auto insurance without sacrificing coverage—if you know where to look and what to ask.  

Whether you’re a commuter in Orlando, a retiree in Sarasota, or a college student in Gainesville, this Florida-specific guide will walk you through actionable ways to trim the fat from your premiums and prepare your policy for the summer surge. 

Why Auto Insurance in Florida Is So Expensive 

Let’s rip the Band-Aid off: Florida consistently ranks among the top three most expensive states for auto insurance. Why? Several unique-to-Florida factors drive rates sky-high: 

• High number of uninsured drivers (about 20% of Floridians drive without insurance) 

• High rate of accidents and injury claims, particularly in urban areas like Miami, Tampa, and Jacksonville 

• No-fault insurance laws that require Personal Injury Protection (PIP) coverage 

• Weather-related risks, from flooding to hurricanes 

• A Litigious environment, meaning more lawsuits and higher settlements 

These factors make Florida a high-risk environment for insurers, which translates to higher premiums for drivers. But while you can’t control the market, you can control how you navigate it. 

Start with a Coverage Review—Are You Overpaying for What You Don’t Need? 

Auto insurance isn’t one-size-fits-all. A policy that made sense five years ago—or even last year—may not match your current driving habits, car value, or lifestyle. The first step to saving? A thorough coverage review. 

If your car is older and paid off, consider whether you still need comprehensive and collision coverage. If you’ve recently moved, your ZIP code could significantly impact your rate (for better or worse). Drive less than you used to? That could qualify you for low-mileage discounts. 

Shapiro Insurance Group can do a complimentary policy audit to ensure you’re not overinsured or underinsured. We’ll help you strip away unnecessary coverage while keeping essential protections intact—especially as summer travel kicks into gear. 

Take Advantage of Florida-Specific Discounts 

Most drivers know the basics—bundling policies, maintaining a clean driving record, and setting a higher deductible. But Florida drivers have access to some lesser-known, state-specific discounts that can lead to substantial savings: 

• Defensive Driving Course Discounts: Florida offers state-approved courses that can reduce your rate by up to 10%. 

• Retiree or Mature Driver Discounts: Florida insurance companies often offer lower rates for drivers over 55 who complete approved safe driver programs. 

• Low-Mileage Discounts: If you’re a seasonal resident or work from home, your reduced road time could save you money. 

• Usage-Based Insurance (UBI): Programs that monitor your driving habits via an app or device and offer customized savings for good behavior. Ideal for careful, infrequent drivers. 

• Multi-Vehicle Discounts: Useful for Florida families with multiple drivers under one roof. 

Let our team shop these discounts for you. Sometimes, simply updating your insurer with new driving habits can unlock hundreds in savings. 

Bundle Up: Multi-Policy Discounts for Florida Households 

Home, renters, boat, motorcycle, and umbrella policies—if you’ve got more than one type of insurance, bundling them together can lead to serious discounts. Florida homeowners in particular can save a substantial amount by bundling home and auto coverage. 

Why does bundling work? Insurance companies love loyalty. When you hold multiple policies with one provider, they’re more likely to reward you with reduced premiums, easier claims processes, and consolidated billing. 

Shapiro Insurance Group specializes in finding the best-value bundles tailored to Florida lifestyles. Whether you’re protecting a beachside home, a fishing boat, or an RV, we’ll help you tie it all together without overpaying. 

Choose the Right Car for Florida Driving—and Your Insurance Bill 

Believe it or not, your car model greatly affects how much you’ll pay for insurance. High-performance vehicles, luxury models, and cars with expensive parts (think European brands) will always cost more to insure. On the other hand, vehicles with high safety ratings, anti-theft features, and lower repair costs can earn you substantial discounts. 

Consider how your car holds up to heat, flooding, and long highway drives in Florida. Hybrids, sedans, and vehicles with built-in safety tech like lane assist, backup cameras, and collision detection often enjoy lower premiums. 

Bonus tip: Before you buy your next car, check the insurance quote first. Shapiro Insurance Group can help you estimate how your premiums will change with a different make or model. 

Raise Your Deductible (But Do It Wisely) 

Increasing your deductible is one of the fastest ways to lower your monthly premium. In Florida, where rates are already steep, raising your deductible from $500 to $1,000 could shave 10%–20% off your premium. 

But here’s the caveat: Make sure you can afford the higher deductible in case of an accident or storm damage. Set aside an emergency fund so that your cost-saving strategy doesn’t backfire when you need it most. 

This move is ideal for safe drivers with a clean record, or those who don’t drive often. Shapiro Insurance Group can run side-by-side comparisons to show how much you’ll save with different deductible levels. 

Use Technology to Your Advantage: Telematics & Insurance Apps 

Usage-based insurance (UBI) programs are gaining popularity in Florida, and for good reason. These apps track your driving behavior—speed, braking, acceleration, time of day—and reward safe habits with lower premiums. 

While some people find this a bit Big Brother-ish, others enjoy the transparency and control it gives them. This could be your golden ticket to savings if you’re a cautious driver who avoids late-night travel or aggressive maneuvers. 

Shapiro Insurance Group can help you evaluate which telematics programs are available in Florida and whether they’re worth it for your lifestyle. 

Mind the Gap: Protect Yourself Without Paying Extra 

Consider gap insurance if you’re leasing a vehicle or have a loan. This covers the difference between your car’s worth and what you still owe if it’s totalled in an accident or storm. 

Some Florida drivers overpay for gap insurance through the dealership or loan provider, when it can often be added to your existing auto policy for much less. Shapiro Insurance Group can help you compare and ensure you’re not wasting money. 

Summer is the peak season for storms and accidents, so now is the perfect time to double-check this critical layer of protection. 

Keep Your Record Clean: Florida’s Points System & Insurance Impact 

Florida’s Department of Highway Safety and Motor Vehicles (DHSMV) uses a points system for traffic violations. Speeding, reckless driving, and even failing to yield can rack up points fast—and drive your insurance premiums higher than a July afternoon. 

Avoiding citations keeps your record squeaky clean and qualifies you for safe driver discounts. Some insurance companies offer “accident forgiveness” after several clean years, so ask if your insurer rewards a good driving history. 

Have you been in an accident? Don’t panic. Shapiro Insurance Group can help you explore options like switching carriers, taking defensive driving courses, or adjusting coverage to offset premium increases. 

Pay in Full, Go Paperless, and Set Up Auto-Pay 

These small administrative changes can add up to real savings. Many Florida insurers offer discounts for drivers who: 

• Pay their annual premium in one lump sum 

• Enroll in paperless billing 

• Set up automatic payments 

These may sound minor, but they show insurers you’re a responsible, low-risk customer—and that often comes with rewards. 

Watch for Summer-Specific Risk Factors 

Summer in Florida means more than just sunshine. It brings a spike in: 

• Tourist traffic 

• Teen and student drivers 

• Hurricane season (officially June 1 to November 30) 

• Vehicle thefts from beach parking lots or crowded events 

Make sure your policy accounts for these seasonal risks. Comprehensive coverage is important in the summer, protecting against non-collision losses like flooding, storm damage, and theft. 

Let your insurer know if you’re parking your vehicle at the airport or taking a summer road trip. Certain usage changes could lower your rate—or help you avoid denied claims later. 

The Shapiro Insurance Group Advantage: We Shop Florida Rates for You 

As a Florida-based agency, Shapiro Insurance Group understands the state’s unique driving risks and regulatory landscape. We work with multiple top-rated insurers, which means we do the rate shopping, so you don’t have to. 

Here’s what we offer: 

• Florida-specific policy audits and advice 

• Access to exclusive carrier discounts 

• Help bundle your home, boat, and auto for maximum savings 

• Support navigating claims and coverage changes before and after summer 

Whether you’re prepping for a Keys road trip or just trying to lower your monthly expenses, we’ve got your back. 

Get Summer-Ready Auto Insurance Today 

Before you crank up the A/C and hit the open road, prep your insurance policy for Florida’s wild and wonderful summer season. You can enjoy peace of mind without overpaying with the right mix of strategy, discounts, and local expertise. 

Call Shapiro Insurance Group at 1-800-563-5467 to schedule your free summer policy checkup. We’ll help you lower your premiums, optimize your protection, and confidently drive into summer.