Why Cheap Auto Insurance Could Cost You More Than You Think
When you're constantly bombarded with ads promising rock-bottom car insurance rates, it’s easy to assume cheaper is better. But in many cases, that low monthly premium comes with bare-bones coverage that may not protect you when disaster strikes.
We think your auto insurance should focus on what truly matters: making sure your coverage fits your life, your risks, and your goals. Every driver’s situation is different. When you work with aa knowledgeable local agent is a smart way to choose the right coverage— and not just the cheapest coverage. And here’s the best part: working with a licensed insurance agent doesn’t cost you extra. You get expert advice, personalized service, and access to multiple top-rated companies—all at no additional cost to you.
Let’s walk through some of the most common types of auto insurance coverage and help you understand which ones may—or may not—be essential based on your individual needs. Every driver’s situation is different, and the right coverage depends on factors like your vehicle, your budget, and how much financial risk you're willing to take on. That’s where we come in—to guide you through these options and help you make confident, informed choices.
A Look at Key Auto Insurance Coverages Often Cut to Lower Premiums
Some of the most important protections in an auto insurance policy are the very ones that get removed in the name of "saving money." While cutting these coverages may reduce your premium short-term, it can leave you financially exposed when something goes wrong.
Here are four auto insurance coverages that are often skipped or removed when trying to lower insurance costs. Remember to closely look at your quotes or policies to compare them to what you need. We recommend you call and discuss these with your licensed agent. We’re here to help you understand which coverages are right for your specific situation and budget.
Collision Coverage
Collision pays to repair or replace your own vehicle if you're in an accident—regardless of who was at fault. If you drive a newer or higher-value car, this coverage is especially important. Without it, you could be left covering thousands of dollars in repairs—or worse, the cost of replacing your car—out of pocket.
Comprehensive Coverage
Comprehensive (or “other-than-collision”) covers damage to your vehicle from events like theft, fire, vandalism, falling objects, or hitting an animal. It’s an affordable way to protect your car from life’s unexpected moments—and often overlooked when policies are stripped down to bare minimums.
Physical Damage Liability
While Comprehensive and Collision cover damage to your car, Property Damage Liability pays for damage you cause to someone else’s vehicle. In Florida, the state only requires $10,000 in property damage liability coverage—but think about it: how many cars on the road today cost more than that? Most do. If you cause an accident and the repairs to the other car exceed your limit, you’re on the hook for the difference. Cutting this coverage to save a few bucks might feel smart now, but it could cost you thousands later.
Medical Payments
Medical Payments coverage helps pay for medical expenses after an accident, no matter who caused it. Even if you have health insurance, MedPay or PIP can cover ambulance fees, ER visits, and deductibles that would otherwise come out of your pocket. It’s a layer of protection that many people regret not having—especially in high-injury crashes.
Uninsured & Underinsured Motorist (UM) Coverage in Florida
Florida ranks among the top states for uninsured drivers. If you’re injured in an accident caused by someone with no insurance or not enough, Uninsured Motorist (UM) coverage helps pay for your and your family's medical expenses, lost wages, and pain and suffering—costs that would otherwise come out of your own pocket.
Even if the at-fault driver has insurance, it may not be enough. In Florida, UM coverage also includes underinsured motorist coverage stepping in when the other driver’s bodily injury limits are too low to fully cover your damages.
Without UM, you could be left facing major medical bills simply because someone else chose inadequate coverage. To learn more about UM coverage, please read our blog on Uninsured Motorist Coverage in Florida
Real-Life Examples: When Cheap Insurance Isn’t Enough
Example 1: The Hidden Cost of Low Property Damage Limits
You choose a state minimum liability policy with $10,000 in property damage coverage to save on your premium. Then, one day, you rear-end a brand-new Toyota Camry worth $33,000, and total it. Your insurance covers only $10,000—leaving you personally responsible for the remaining $23,000. That’s a big financial hit just to save a few dollars a month.
Example 2: Out-of-Pocket Medical Bills After a Crash
Imagine you're hit by a driver who has no insurance. You suffer serious injuries and end up with $50,000 in medical bills. But your auto policy only includes $10,000 in personal injury protection. That leaves you with a $40,000 gap—and unless you have strong health insurance or uninsured motorist coverage, you're stuck paying the difference or pursuing a costly legal battle to recover it.
How to Protect Yourself Without Overpaying
While cutting coverage can reduce your monthly premiums, it often increases your risk dramatically. Instead, work with a trusted advisor who can guide you toward the best combination of affordability and protection.
At Augustyniak Insurance Group, we make it easy to compare multiple quotes from top-rated carriers like:
- Nationwide
- AAA
- Travelers
- Hartford
- Auto-Owners
- Safeco / Liberty Mutual
- Progressive
- Geico
- And many others
🎯 Ready to Get Started?
Tired of getting bombarded with endless calls after filling out one online form? At Augustyniak Insurance Group, we do things differently. When you request a quote from us, your information stays secure—no spam, no sales pressure, and no surprise phone calls from multiple agents. You’ll get expert guidance, personalized coverage recommendations, and multiple quotes from top companies like Nationwide, Travelers, Auto-Owners, Safeco, and more—all from one trusted local agency. Let us help you find the right protection, not just the lowest price.
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📞 Or give us a call at 904-268-3106 to speak with a friendly local agent today!