St. Petersburg Car Insurance
St. Petersburg, Florida is one of the state’s largest cities, with an estimated population of nearly 250,000 residents according to the United States census. Although St. Petersburg’s economy was originally based on fishing, it’s currently a major vacation spot due to its perpetually sunny climate. It is home to quite a few drivers, and the cost of owning a car is a major expense for many households in St. Petersburg. It’s always possible to find lower rates on car insurance, which can make a major dent in a driver’s car budget, but first it’s helpful to understand a few of the factors that affect St. Petersburg auto insurance quotes.
Florida car insurance costs are low compared to the national average, in part due to the state’s low minimum insurance requirements. The state insurance commission requires that drivers have policies that include $10,000 in personal injury protection and $10,000 in property damage liability. Many drivers only buy the minimum coverage levels, which shifts the average cost for the state at large. This isn’t a great idea, though; most states other than Florida require other coverage for a good reason, as a major accident can quickly bankrupt a driver. However, Florida also follows a no-fault system, which means that costs of all accidents under a certain amount are split between the insurance companies of involved drivers. As such, buying more than the minimum amounts is always a good idea, especially under this type of system.
St. Petersburg is also a fairly high traffic city, and because of this, St. Petersburg car insurance quotes can easily become more expensive than in other areas of Florida. Drivers can have an impact on their own rates, though, by parking in a safe location at night and taking defensive driving courses. Many St. Petersburg car insurance companies offer discounts for drivers that take these steps to reduce their risks, and the savings can be especially significant if a driver is paying for comprehensive coverage (which is usually required when buying a car through a bank loan).
The fastest and most effective way to lower your car insurance rates is to get several quotes, and compare coverage levels, coverage add-ons, and premiums. Whether you’re looking for a new policy or trying to negotiate with your insurer to get preferential rates on an existing policy, collecting quotes is a great first step. We offer a tool for drivers in St. Petersburg that allows several quotes to be generated instantly by inputting a zip code. It’s a great way to compare the pros and cons of different policies and well worth the time. Try it today to get the most out of your coverage.
