Snowbirds Should Double-Check Auto Coverage

Recent studies have revealed that many snowbirds who drive to warmer states throughout the winter may not have the auto insurance coverage they need as they move from one region of the country to the next.

Every year, there are approximately one million people who come to Florida for the winter.  While many are coming from Canada and northern portions of the United States using their own vehicles, many often neglect to look into the auto insurance requirements in each state which they may pass through along the way, as well as their final destination.

Confirming your coverage with your insurer will help make certain that a vehicle has adequate auto insurance and that it will be valid for the entirety of the drive.  It’s rare that a car is allowed to be insured in two different states, and normally drivers must make a determination whether to register their vehicle in their winter state or home state.

For example, if a vehicle is kept in Florida for 90 or more days per year, whether or not consecutive, the coverage will need to comply with that state’s requirements.  However, Florida allows snowbirds to keep their home state driver’s licenses without any issue.  If a vehicle is registered at the winter residence, then the auto insurance must also be purchased through a licensed insurer of that state.

Whether a snowbird or a full-time resident, it is always critical to know the exact coverage your vehicle carries.  Furthermore, because Florida is a state that has many uninsured and underinsured drivers, it is important to look into uninsured/underinsured motorist coverage.  This will protect you and possibly others in your household who are involved in an accident with someone who has minimal coverage or no insurance at all.  Always elect uninsured motorist coverage at the highest amounts offered and utilize the stacking option to maximize protection.

For further discussion on this topic or any other, feel free to contact the Schulman Law Group at (954) 349-3300 or at info@www.schulaw.com.