Yeah, that’s the risk. Florida’s minimum only covers property damage and your own injuries, not anyone else’s medical bills. If you cause a bad accident, you’re wide open to lawsuits. Like you said, wage garnishment is real.
Honestly, saving a few bucks on premiums isn’t worth that kind of headache in my book.“He didn’t lose his house or anything, but his wages got garnished for a while.”
Yeah, that’s the thing—Florida’s minimums sound okay until you’re actually in a serious accident. Here’s how I look at it: if you only carry the bare minimum, you’re basically betting nothing major will ever happen. But if it does, and you’re at fault, your insurance won’t pay for the other person’s injuries. That means their medical bills could come straight out of your pocket.
I’ve seen folks try to save a few bucks upfront, but end up paying way more later—sometimes for years. If you own a house or have savings, those are at risk too. Personally, I’d rather pay a little extra each month for peace of mind than roll the dice like that.
Yeah, you nailed it with this:
That’s exactly how I see it too. I mean, I love my old cars, but if someone rear-ends me and their insurance is the bare minimum, I’m not trusting that to cover a new fender—let alone hospital bills.if you only carry the bare minimum, you’re basically betting nothing major will ever happen.
I get wanting to save a few bucks (trust me, after buying parts for a ‘72 Chevelle, I’m always looking for ways to cut costs), but insurance isn’t where I’d gamble. One bad day and suddenly your savings or even your house could be on the line. It’s wild how fast things can go sideways.
Honestly, peace of mind is worth a lot. I’d rather spend a little more now than end up selling my project car to pay off someone’s medical bills later.
Title: What happens if you only carry the bare minimum car insurance in Florida?
if you only carry the bare minimum, you’re basically betting nothing major will ever happen.
That line really sums up my main worry. I’ve actually been on both sides of this—once I was rear-ended by a guy who only had the state minimum, and it barely covered my bumper, let alone the time I missed at work. I get why people go for the cheapest option, especially with how expensive everything’s gotten, but is it really worth the risk?
I keep asking myself if it’s just paranoia or if it’s practical. Like, what are the odds you’ll get into a big accident? But then again, it only takes one. I’ve got a buddy who thought he was saving money, then got sued after a fender bender because the other driver’s injuries went way past his coverage. He’s still paying that off.
Is there any scenario where minimum coverage actually makes sense? Or is it just a false sense of security? I’m always trying to save where I can, but this one feels like a trap...
Is there any scenario where minimum coverage actually makes sense? Or is it just a false sense of security?
Honestly, I’ve seen folks get burned by the bare minimum more times than not. Had a client years ago who thought he was being smart with the cheapest policy—then his teenage son rear-ended someone and the bills just kept coming. The minimum didn’t even scratch the surface, and they ended up dipping into savings. I get wanting to save, but in Florida, with medical costs and lawsuits, that “savings” can disappear real fast if you’re unlucky. Sometimes it’s just not worth rolling those dice.
