What Happens If Your Car Insurance Lapses in Florida
If you’re a driver in Florida, you likely have car insurance. But what happens if your policy lapses? In short, you may be responsible for any damages that occur as a result. This is especially true if you were at fault for the lapse—in other words, if you left your car parked on the side of the road without insurance. This is why it’s important to keep up with your policy renewal dates and make sure you have the appropriate coverage. If something does happen and you’re not covered, there’s little you can do to get reimbursed. That said, there are ways to minimize your risk when it comes to car insurance in Florida. Read on to learn more about staying safe on the roads.
What Types of Coverage Does Car Insurance Include in Florida?
In Florida, car insurance policies include protection for vehicle damage, loss of use, and personal injury. In addition, most policies provide coverage for property damage and uninsured motorists. If your car insurance policy is cancelled or lapses in Florida, you may be eligible for a number of government benefits to help you recover financially. You may also be able to receive compensation from the at-fault driver’s insurance company.
What Happens If Your Car Is Lost or Stolen in Florida?
If your car is lost or stolen in Florida, you’ll need to report the theft to your insurance company as soon as possible. If you don’t report the theft within a certain timeframe, your insurance company may not be able to provide coverage for any damages that occur as a result of the car being stolen. In addition, if you don’t have valid car insurance, you could be fined by law enforcement and/or face criminal charges.
How to Get Car Insurance When Your Policy Lapses in Florida
If your car insurance policy lapses in Florida, you will be required to either obtain new car insurance or make a payment plan with the previous insurer. If you cannot afford to make a payment plan, you may be able to get temporary insurance from a third-party provider.
If you have auto liability insurance, your policy will still cover damage done to other people’s vehicles while you are driving without your insurance. Make sure to inform any potential insurers that you have this coverage before your policy lapses so that they are aware of your circumstances.
If you do not have auto liability insurance, contact the police department in the town where the accident occurred and report the lapse in coverage. The police may be able to help you find temporary coverage or connect you with a local charity that provides uninsured motorists assistance.
Conclusion
If you live in Florida and your car insurance lapses, there are some things that you need to know. First and foremost, if your car is registered in Florida, the state assumes ownership of it. This means that if you don’t have appropriate insurance on your vehicle, the state can impound it and hold it until the insurance company pays up or a court decides what should happen with it. Secondly, even if your car is not registered in Florida, the state still has rights to it (such as when it’s being used for commercial purposes). If you get into an accident while your car is uninsured or under insured, the other driver may be able to sue you for damages. Finally, make sure that you keep accurate records of all of your mishaps so that you can prove who was at fault in any potential legal disputes.
