If you’re searching for car insurance in Belleview, Ocala, or anywhere in Marion County, you’re not alone. “Car insurance” and “auto insurance near me” are among the most searched phrases by drivers in the area. At Preferred Insurance, we want to make sure you’re not just finding coverage—you’re getting the right coverage at the best rate.
Why Car Insurance Is Critical in Florida
Florida is a no-fault insurance state, which means your own insurance pays for your injuries regardless of who caused the accident. You may have heard that the state minimum is:
- $10,000 in Personal Injury Protection (PIP)
- $10,000 in Property Damage Liability (PDL)
⚠️ But here’s the truth: That is not the minimum required to drive legally—it’s only the minimum required to keep your car legally registered. It does not protect you if you cause an accident that injures someone else.
Many online and TV ads advertise low monthly payments—sometimes $20/month—because they’re quoting policies that include only PIP and PDL. What they don’t mention is that if you’re found at fault in an accident and someone else is hurt, and you don’t carry Bodily Injury Liability, you may be issued a citation, summoned to court, and required to carry an SR-22 filing to prove financial responsibility moving forward.
➡️ SR-22 filings typically result in significantly higher premiums, and they stay on your record for several years.
It’s confusing, we know. It’s called the “state minimum,” but in reality—it’s the minimum for registration, not for real protection.
✅ That’s why at Preferred Insurance, our recommended coverage levels are:
- $100,000 per person / $300,000 per accident for Bodily Injury Liability
- $100,000 for Property Damage Liability
Or, for even better protection:
- $250,000 / $500,000 / $100,000 for high-limit coverage
These limits offer stronger financial protection for you, your assets, and anyone injured in an accident.
Additionally, we strongly recommend including Uninsured/Underinsured Motorist (UM) coverage. Florida does not require UM coverage, but it can protect you and your passengers if you’re hit by a driver with no insurance or not enough coverage. With so many uninsured drivers on Florida roads, this coverage is an essential part of a smart policy.
What Affects Your Car Insurance Rate
Several factors influence your premium, including:
- Your age and driving history
- Vehicle make, model, and year
- ZIP code (yes, rates differ between Belleview and Ocala!)
- Credit score (in most cases)
- Previous claims or accidents — yes, even not-at-fault accidents can raise your premium
Even where you park your car at night can make a difference in your quote.
So You Don’t Want Minimum Coverage… You Want Full Coverage!
When it comes to car insurance, there’s a big difference between being barely legal and being fully protected.
A lot of people hear “full coverage” and think it’s a specific policy—but it’s really a combination of multiple coverages that protect you, your vehicle, and others involved in an accident.
Here’s what we mean by Full Coverage:
- Liability Coverage: Covers injuries and damages you cause to others
- Comprehensive Coverage: Protects your car from theft, storms, animals, and vandalism
- Collision Coverage: Pays for your car if you’re in an accident, regardless of fault
- Uninsured/Underinsured Motorist Coverage: Protects you if the other driver doesn’t have enough insurance
- Medical Payments or PIP: Covers some of your own medical bills regardless of fault
It’s also important to know that liability limits can vary widely under a “full coverage” policy. Coverage can range from 10/20/10 (which we do NOT recommend) all the way up to 250/500/250—and even include combined single limit policies. So even the term “full coverage” is often misunderstood.
There isn’t a formal legal definition of ‘full coverage’ in Florida, but the term is commonly used to describe a policy that includes liability, comprehensive, and collision coverage. While it’s not technically accurate, it’s a widely recognized term among drivers and lenders.
Full coverage isn’t legally required—but it’s often required by lenders, and it’s always smart if you want peace of mind on Florida roads.
💡 What lenders really mean when they say you need ‘full coverage’: They’re actually requiring you to carry Comprehensive and Collision coverage in addition to your Liability (BI and PD), and PIP. These coverages protect the vehicle itself, which is important to lenders who hold a financial interest in your car until it’s paid off.
Not sure what makes the most sense for your situation? That’s what we’re here for—we’ll help you choose the right protections without overpaying.
Tips to Lower Your Car Insurance Premium
Want to save money? Here are a few tips:
- Bundle your home and auto policies (We love to help you with this!)
- Ask about discounts (good driver, multi-car, veteran, student)
- Increase your deductible (if financially safe to do so)
- Use telematics or safe-driver tracking programs
- Work with a local agency that compares rates for you (like us!)
Why Locals Choose Preferred Insurance
We’re not a 1-800 number. We’re your neighbors.
- Located near Belleview and Ocala, FL
- Over 260+ 5-star reviews
- Veteran-owned and proud to serve Marion County
- We work with multiple carriers to find you the best rate
You don’t need to spend hours online comparing quotes. We do the hard work for you.
Get a Fast, Local Quote Today
Whether you’re driving through Ocala, commuting from Belleview, or just bought your first car—we’re here to help. Call us today for a free, no-obligation quote and let us help you protect what matters.
📞 Call Now: 844-329-1444 or 352-3291444
🌐 www.PreferredInsurance.llc
Preferred Insurance is not affiliated with any one carrier—we work for YOU. Let us shop the market and find the right fit for your needs and budget
