From Florida to Anywhere: Navigating Auto Insurance Across State Lines

If you're a Florida driver planning a road trip beyond state lines, it's important to understand how your auto insurance works once you leave Florida. While your coverage follows you, different state laws and insurance requirements can affect your protection. Here’s what you need to know:

Your Florida Policy Stays with You, But It Adapts

Florida requires drivers to carry $10,000 in Personal Injury Protection (PIP) and $10,000 in Property Damage Liability (PDL). However, many other states have higher minimum coverage requirements, particularly for Bodily Injury Liability (BIL). If you drive in a state with stricter requirements, your policy will typically adjust to meet that state’s minimum while you’re there.

For example, Georgia requires $25,000 per person/$50,000 per accident in Bodily Injury Liability. Even if you don’t carry that coverage in Florida, your insurance will temporarily extend to meet Georgia’s requirements.

We strongly recommend that you carry more than state minimum insurance – see our article on why state minimums simply aren’t enough.

No-Fault Rules Don’t Apply Everywhere

Florida follows a no-fault insurance system, meaning your PIP coverage pays for medical expenses regardless of who caused the accident. But once you cross into a state that follows an at-fault system, the other driver’s liability insurance—or yours, if you're at fault—will be responsible for medical costs. If you don’t have Bodily Injury Liability coverage, you could be financially exposed in an accident.

For example, Georgia is an at-fault state, meaning the driver who caused the accident is financially responsible for the injuries and damages. If you don’t have Bodily Injury Liability coverage in an at-fault state like Georgia, you could be financially exposed in an accident and face out-of-pocket expenses

Driving into Mexico? Your U.S. Insurance Won’t Be Enough

If your road trip takes you across the border into Mexico, your Florida auto insurance will not cover you. Mexico requires drivers to have liability insurance from a Mexican provider. Without it, you could face fines, vehicle impoundment, or even legal trouble if you're in an accident.

Before driving into Mexico, purchase a temporary Mexican auto insurance policy that meets local legal requirements. Many U.S. insurance providers partner with Mexican insurers to offer short-term coverage.

Your Florida auto insurance provides some flexibility when driving out of state, but it’s important to know its limits. Understanding how your coverage adapts and where it falls short, especially in at-fault states or when driving internationally, can help you avoid unexpected costs and legal issues. If you’re planning a trip, review your policy or speak with your insurance agent to ensure you have the right protection for the road ahead.