A combination of factors is responsible for making Miami auto insurance quotes and rates unique from any other city. These situations materially affect the auto insurance premium.

Traffic

As the only city in Florida to make the top 10 list for traffic congestion, Miami was ranked No. 9 in a report by the Texas Transportation Institute. A greater number of moving cars increases the chance of accidents. Also, traffic leads to driver aggression caused by frustration and impatience and this also increases the chance of accidents.

tourists

The subtropical climate in Miami makes it different from other major US cities. Approximately 12 million visitors per year rank Miami, FL as one of the nation’s top vacation destinations. Florida’s tourism industry offers a huge car rental market. Thousands of people driving in unfamiliar vehicles and surroundings are a combination that increases the probability of accidents.

The foreigners

There are a staggering number of people from another country who live in Miami, Florida permanently. In 2006, Miami-Dade County, Florida, had the highest percentage (50.3 percent) of foreign-born residents relative to the state’s total population (Immigration Policy Institute). Many of these drivers don’t speak English, don’t understand the “rules of the road,” and never get a Florida driver’s license. These realities increase the risk of car accidents.

Old people

Miami, FL’s weather not only attracts tourists and expats, but is a senior citizen’s paradise. As older drivers age, experience and caution do not fully compensate for impaired eyesight and slow reflexes. Once again, the chances of an accident are increased by this fact.

car theft

According to the National Insurance Crime Bureau (NICB), Miami, Florida is the number one city for auto theft. The Port of Miami and a high number of high-profile vehicles in the area contribute to this disturbing statistic. Higher risk necessarily translates into a higher insurance premium.

Fraud

Fraud and abuse have permeated the Personal Injury Protection (PIP) coverage required by Florida law. The escalating medical, legal and other costs associated with PIP materially affect the auto insurance premium in the Miami, Fl area. The Florida Department of Insurance has fought this fraud for decades without much success.

Not all aspects described are unique to the Miami, Fl area; however, the combination of them makes Miami auto insurance quotes and rates unique.