Since 1997, our team has been helping seasonal residents of Florida find affordable car insurance that fits their unique needs. Whether you’re spending your winters in Florida or just need to park your car for an extended period, we make it easy for you to save on premiums and adjust your coverage. Our goal is to help you find a simple, effective solution for car insurance when you’re not on the road.
It’s Time to Save on Your Car Insurance for the Winter
Are you a snowbird getting ready to pack up your Florida winter home and head back north? If so, you can take advantage of seasonal car insurance options that can save you hundreds of dollars while your car is parked and not being driven.
Whether you’re heading back to the north or elsewhere, there’s no reason to keep paying for full coverage on a vehicle that’s parked for months. Instead, call us at the Cathy Sink Agency, where our local insurance agents specialize in offering customized car insurance solutions for seasonal Florida residents.
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How You Can Save on Car Insurance While Your Vehicle is Parked
It’s easier than you think to lower your premiums while your car sits idle for the season. The key is to adjust your coverage based on your specific needs. Here’s how:
- Suspend Coverage: If you’re not driving your car daily, you can suspend your coverage while you’re away. This can cut your rate by more than half.
- Keep the Basics Covered: While you’re not on the road, you can still maintain the essential coverage your car needs. That includes keeping your comprehensive coverage active, which protects your car from things like fire, theft, vandalism, or weather-related damage while it’s parked.
- State-Mandated Minimums: You can also adjust your policy to include only the bare minimum required by law in Florida, which may save you even more money.
Why You Should Consider Suspending Your Car Insurance
Many snowbirds who leave Florida for the summer or winter mistakenly think that they need to keep their insurance policy in full effect. The truth is, if your car is parked for more than 30 days or longer, you don’t need to continue paying for full coverage.
Here’s how it works:
- Suspending your policy is a quick process that can be done over the phone or online. It allows you to pause your comprehensive coverage or any other part of your policy that’s not necessary while your car is in storage.
- State minimums are required to keep your vehicle legally registered in Florida. These minimums typically include liability coverage, which is less expensive than full coverage.
- Comprehensive coverage (which protects your car from theft, fire, vandalism, etc.) can remain active during the suspension period to protect your vehicle while it’s parked.
How to Manage Your Car Insurance as a Snowbird in Florida
As a snowbird, you have special car insurance needs while spending the winter in Florida. Here are some tips to help you save and avoid unnecessary costs:
- Florida Registration: If you spend more than 90 days in Florida, even if they’re not consecutive, Florida law requires that you register your vehicle in the state and carry Florida car insurance. Even if your car is sitting in the garage while you’re away, you’ll still need to make sure it’s insured through a licensed Florida provider.
- Suspending Coverage: If your car will be stored for 30 days or more, talk to your agent about temporarily suspending your coverage. You’ll still be protected from certain risks (like theft and fire) while saving on unnecessary coverage.
- Reinstating Coverage: Once you’re ready to drive again, simply call your agent to reinstate the coverage on your vehicle. If you know your return date in advance, you can schedule the reinstatement so you’re ready to hit the road the moment you get back to Florida.
How to Avoid Gaps in Your Insurance Coverage
One common mistake snowbirds make is canceling their car insurance while their car is parked. While this may seem like a good way to save money, it’s important to understand the risks:
- Insurance gaps: Canceling your policy can create a gap in your insurance history, which may cause your rates to increase when you return home. Insurance companies often penalize drivers who have lapsed coverage, as it can suggest a higher risk.
- Maintaining continuous coverage: By suspending your policy instead of canceling it, you maintain continuous coverage, which is critical for keeping your rates low and avoiding issues with future insurance.
- Loan and lease requirements: If you’re still making payments on your car, your lender may require that you keep certain types of coverage active (such as comprehensive or collision). Be sure to talk with your agent about your specific situation.
The Simple Process to Save on Seasonal Car Insurance
It only takes a few minutes to adjust your coverage, and we’re here to guide you every step of the way. Here’s what you need to do:
- Call or Visit Our Website: Let us know you’re ready to suspend your car insurance for the winter months while you’re away. If you have a specific return date, we can set up your policy to automatically reinstate at that time.
- Decide What Coverage You Need: You may want to keep only the state-required coverage and comprehensive coverage. Our agents can help you tailor a policy that fits your specific needs.
- Save Money: Once your policy is adjusted, you’ll enjoy reduced premiums for the duration of your absence, allowing you to save hundreds of dollars while you’re away.
Contact Us Today for Snowbird Car Insurance in Florida
At Cathy Sink Agency, we understand the unique needs of snowbirds, and we’re dedicated to helping you find the most affordable car insurance while you’re in Florida for the winter.
Our team is available 24/7 to assist with your seasonal car insurance needs. Whether you’re new to Florida or have been spending winters here for years, we’ll ensure that you have the right coverage at the right price.