Auto insurance rates in Florida have been the subject of steep rises in recent years, and some road users choose to bypass state law by refusing to purchase a policy at all. Naturally, this has a further knock-on effect as far as auto insurance rates are concerned, and those who religiously pay for their policies on an annual basis ultimately have to absorb the cost of those who avoid paying for coverage.

The mandatory auto insurance requirements for Florida are $10,000 worth of bodily injury liability per person, $20,000 worth of bodily injury liability per accident and $10,000 worth of property damage liability. There are no obligations for road users to purchase uninsured/underinsured motorist coverage or personal injury protection. In an increasingly desperate bid to secure cheap auto insurance rates, many Florida road users settle for inferior coverage that only provides the minimum level of protection. However, a series of simple money saving tricks are available that can significantly reduce the cost of auto insurance quotes without having to compromise on the quality of a policy:

Building a Safe Driving History

Always pay attention to your aptitude as a driver, and apply a conservative approach to vehicle use. The more conscientious a driver is, the less chance there is of being involved in an accident. Over time, this helps to build up a safe driving history and most auto insurance companies will reward careful drivers with cheaper rates.

Watching your Credit Score

Although some states outlaw the use of credit scoring as a means of determining auto insurance rates, road users in Florida can find themselves paying more for coverage if they have a poor track record of making payments on their credit obligations. By obtaining a credit report, consumers can see where their financial history might be causing problems. If new payment arrangements are made and adhered to, a stronger credit rating is achieved and this helps road users to qualify for discounts when they apply for online auto insurance quotes.

Improving Driving Skills

Auto insurance companies are always on the lookout for signs of responsibility in their customer bases, and nothing shows more regard for safe road use than taking an advanced driving course. As well as refining motoring skills, an advanced driving course teaches a defensive attitude to driving that helps to anticipate the behavior of other road users. This significantly decreases the chances of an accident happening and will qualify participants for a reduction when auto insurance quotes are applied for in the future.

Keeping it Safe

In an age where vehicle theft and vandalism are reaching all-time highs, vehicle security has become a hot topic amongst most auto insurance companies. Naturally, many vehicle owners enjoy preferential auto insurance rates because they are able to keep their cars in a secure location overnight. However, it is still possible to qualify for discounts if additional security features are fitted to a vehicle, even if it remains parked on a roadside overnight. Immobilizers, satellite tracking systems and security-etched windows act as a deterrent to potential car thieves but make an attractive proposition to auto insurance companies.

Bundling Policies

Most households now have multiple insurance policies. As well as purchasing auto insurance, coverage is also needed for homes, household contents and other expensive possessions such as caravans, trailers or boats. By pooling all of your insurance requirements together into a bundle with the same company, an additional discount can be applied that can reduce annual policy costs by up to 20%.

Comparing Polices Regularly

Many road users make the mistake of only comparing their auto insurance policies on an annual basis. However, many carriers introduce special discounts periodically throughout the year, or simply place reduced auto insurance rates on the first year of coverage before hiking up their prices again. By monitoring the auto insurance marketplace on a regular basis, motorists can enjoy preferential deals and discounts all year round.

Minimizing Mileage

By keeping mileage down to less than 6,000 miles each year, road users can enjoy significantly cheaper auto insurance quotes. All too often, vehicle owners use their cars without thinking about whether they actually need to. Taking a short walk to nearby shops not only helps to reduce mileage and save money on your auto insurance rates, but it also contributes to a healthier lifestyle. Mileage can be reduced further by forming car pools with fellow employees if you are commuting into work, and public transport can also be used. Staying below the 6,000 mile limit is a great way to start enjoying cheap auto insurance quotes.