• Florida residents must maintain the proper auto insurance to operate on the roadways.auto image by jasmina nemanjic from Fotolia.com
  
  The state of Florida has put insurance laws into place in order to ensure that residents maintain proper insurance coverage. Florida has placed mandatory insurance coverages on auto insurance for any vehicle that has four wheels and is to be registered in the state of Florida. Insurance must be maintained the entire time the vehicle is registered in Florida.
  
  

Florida Coverage

• Florida residents who wish to register a vehicle and drive on Florida roadways must obtain insurance from a company that is licensed by the Florida Department Of Financial Services. The minimum required insurance must be issued through a Florida insurance agent. Those who move to Florida from another state must have their agent transfer their current insurance to Florida or they must purchase a new policy from a licensed Florida agent. Insurance coverage must be maintained on all vehicles throughout the entire registration period, even if the vehicle is not being used on a regular basis.
  
  

PIP Coverage

• Florida requires that drivers maintain the minimum coverage of $10,000 personal injury protection (PIP). The personal property damage liability or PDL minimum is also $10,000 as long as the vehicle has a valid license plate. According to The Florida Department Of Highway Safety And Motor Vehicles, PIP insurance covers the driver regardless of who is at fault in the accident up to the limits set forth in the policy. PIP also covers children, spouses, members of the household and certain passengers that do not have PIP insurance coverage. This applies if those passengers do not own a vehicle. PIP insurance also covers those riding in other vehicles or if injuries are received while walking or riding a bicycle. The Florida No-Fault Law requires all drivers to carry PIP insurance on all registered vehicles.
  
  

BIL Coverage

• Bodily injury liability coverage is also required by law in the state of Florida for all registered vehicles. This coverage pays for serious injuries, permanent injuries or death that results from an auto accident. Florida insurance companies will pay up to the limits set forth in the policy as well as represent the driver if a lawsuit occurs. BIL coverage will pay for any injuries caused by the insured or members of the insured's household, even if they are driving a car that does not belong to them. This type of coverage also covers others that drive the insured's car.
  
  

Penalties

• Florida imposes penalties for those who fail to maintain adequate insurance coverage on their vehicles. According to the Florida Department Of Safety And Motor Vehicles, those who do not comply with Florida insurance laws may have their driver's license suspended for up to three years or until the driver provides proof of insurance. There is a penalty fee imposed for reinstatement of a driver's license because of lack of insurance. Fees range from $150 to $500, which must be paid at the time the proof of insurance is provided.