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Florida has always been known as the state people move to when they’re ready to settle down somewhere new after retirement. DeLand, Florida is one such city that has many appealing traits: beautiful weather, beaches, entertainment, and affordable DeLand, FL auto insurance rates.
There are a lot of different things to consider during the moving process, and one consideration that may be neglected is auto insurance and its rates.
Let’s take a look at what to expect when living in Florida, whether it’s DeLand or somewhere else.
Costs of Living Vary, But Aren’t Much Higher Than Other States
Like any other state, the average costs of living in Florida vary depending on the area you move to. In general, though, the cost of living isn’t much higher than the rest of the country.
One reason why the cost of living is pretty low is that Florida is one of the lowest-taxed states in the country, with no state tax or moderate property tax. Since Florida is so prone to hurricanes, however, you may end up paying more in home insurance costs.
Of course, your personal lifestyle and needs should be considered on top of the cost of living. A smaller family will naturally spend less money on things like groceries than a large family would.
However, the average cost of food and groceries in Florida is slightly higher than the U.S. average, so you may end up spending more in general.
If you are planning to move to Florida to save money, you should also consider where you are moving from. If you’re moving from a more expensive state, living in Florida can seem much cheaper (depending on where you move to). But if you are moving from a relatively inexpensive state, you may end up paying more.
Weather and Home Insurance: Be Ready for Hurricanes
Although Florida is known as the Sunshine State, the weather is much more than sunny and hot weather. If you plan on moving to Florida, you may want to get acquainted with hurricane safety practices. The state as a whole is put at a flood risk due to its frequent thunderstorms, everglades, and rivers.
So naturally, home insurance coverage tends to be higher than normal, especially on waterfront homes.
Flood insurance is required to obtain a mortgage, however, it’s not included in a homeowner’s insurance policy. Most flood insurance is provided through the National Flood Insurance Program, which is handled by the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA).
It’s important to consider hurricane insurance and flood insurance (and whether it’s necessary) when house hunting in Florida. Both policies can be expensive and make your housing budget way higher than you initially planned.
Car Insurance Costs Are on the More Expensive Side
Florida is one of the most expensive states when it comes to the cost of car insurance. Like anywhere else, the exact cost of car insurance depends on several rating factors, including your ZIP code and what kind of coverage you choose.
People living in the bigger cities or coastal areas pay higher premiums due to the higher cost of living in general as well as the increased risk of accidents.
Only a few states have a ban on factoring gender or age into car insurance rates, and Florida is not one of them. In DeLand, Florida, for example, a young man will have a higher insurance premium than an older man. Like in most places, women have lower premiums than men regardless of age.
What You Might Expect to Pay for Car Insurance in Florida
In general, when it comes to car insurance rates, there are many other factors, including your driving record, typical mileage, credit history, and more. Each insurance company has its own unique standards, coverage offerings, discounts, and policies, so each company can have different costs per person.
Here are the average annual full coverage premiums for Florida drivers offered by some of the most popular car insurance companies:
- Allstate: $2,441
- GEICO: $2,085
- Progressive: $2,573
- State Farm: $1,739
The best way to find the most affordable coverage that still meets all your needs is by shopping around. It’s important to remember that having adequate coverage is more than just price.
You should compare coverage offerings, discounts, customer service scores, and financial strength ratings when deciding on what company to go with.
Health Care Is Slightly More Affordable
The cost of health care will vary for a few reasons, including where you live, what insurance is provided by your employer, and your personal health situation. Because everyone’s health needs are different, it’s hard to come up with exact numbers.
Generally, though, the average cost of health care is slightly lower than the U.S. national average.
If you already have a job in mind when you move to Florida, asking about their health insurance details is useful so you can shop around and compare costs.
Florida doesn’t have its own health care exchange, but you can use the federal exchange to buy insurance on the marketplace at healthcare.gov. This option is good for anyone who doesn’t get health insurance through their employer or anyone who is self-employed.
North vs. South Florida Costs of Living
Something people may not consider about Florida is how different the northern and southern parts of the state are. Southern Florida is warm and has a clear Latin American and Caribbean influence, giving it a very diverse culture. South Florida is known for its nightlife scene, especially near Miami.
North Florida, on the other hand, is not always as warm. Some areas in northern Florida can even get snow. Sweaters or jackets may be a bigger part of your wardrobe compared to the rest of the state. Since it’s closer to the Southern states, there is a large Southern influence, which can be seen through the love of barbeque and country music.
West Coast vs. East Coast Differences and Similarities
Similarly, the West Coast and East Coast of Florida are extremely different. Western Florida boasts white, sandy beaches and warm Gulf waters. Some parts of West Florida have fewer people and traffic. West Florida has many beach towns, which are more relaxed and family-oriented.
Eastern Florida has more of the big-city party scene. There are many events that happen on the eastern side of Florida, including sports events and festivals.
The part of Florida you choose to move to depends on your lifestyle. If you’re someone who loves the thrill of theme parks, living near Orlando may be more appealing than living in the northern cities.
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Luke Williams writes and researches for the auto insurance comparison site, 4AutoInsuranceQuote.com. His passions include best practices for insurance and helping others relocate smartly.
