A Higher Accident Deductible does not Equal Savings for Florida Drivers

Automobile accidents are common occurrences, so it is advisable for drivers to protect themselves and those around them by maintaining adequate insurance. The increasingly high cost of automobile insurance leads many drivers to seek ways to reduce their premiums. One popular method is selecting a higher deductible, which is the amount you pay out-of-pocket in the event of an automobile accident. However, research shows that this tactic is reportedly not giving drivers the financial results they were expecting, at least not Florida drivers. According to InsuranceQuotes.com, Florida ranks near the bottom for the amount of money saved by choosing a higher deductible. While drivers in other states may see savings as high as 17% percent, Florida residents only receive an average savings of four percent by choosing a higher deductible.

There are reportedly two circumstances leading to this disparity:

One is personal injury protection (PIP) coverage. Florida statute requires that all residents include PIP in their car insurance policies. When an accident occurs, PIP pays 80 percent of your medical expenses and lost wages with a maximum payout of $10,000. The primary purpose of PIP coverage is to facilitate the speedy payment of medical expenses, regardless of who is at fault in the accident. This added protection, reportedly, drives up the cost of insurance for Florida drivers.

In addition, Florida also has a high rate of automobile accident related fraud. Perpetrators work together to fake car accidents in order to generate false claims and collect money from an insurance carrier. Insurance companies claim that these illegal activities drive up their costs, resulting in increased costs for all consumers.

Carrie Noble is a spokesperson for AAA. Speaking to WTSP News, she advises drivers to take other measures to lower their insurance costs, like skipping the roadside assistance option. She notes that most drivers don’t realize that each roadside assistance incident counts as a claim against the policy which can increase future insurance costs. She also suggests paying your insurance costs on a yearly basis, instead of every six months. “An annual policy is ultimately better for you to have in the long run so that way you can keep your rate locked in,” said Noble.

InsuranceQuotes.com offers additional suggestions for saving money on car insurance costs:

• Shop around. Use the internet and local agents to collect quotes for comparison with another. Don’t choose the first quote you receive without considering other available options.

• Create a plan. Increasing your deductible means that you will need to come up with extra money in the event of an accident.  Budget your deductible amount into your emergency fund, so you are prepared to cover deductible amount.

When an Accident Occurs

Every driver is likely to become involved in an automobile accident at some point. When it occurs, an experienced personal injury attorney can assist you to secure the compensation that you deserve from the insurance company of the at-fault driver or, if necessary, your own insurance company.

The attorneys of The Pawlowski//Mastrilli Law Group possess the experience and knowledge to assist you with your case. Contact our office at 813-242-4404 for a free evaluation of your automobile accident case. Our attorneys are ready to fight for your interests and guide you through the court process.