Living in Plantation means you're part of one of Broward County's most established suburban communities—but it also means navigating Florida's unique insurance landscape. Whether you're a longtime resident or just moved to the area, understanding your insurance options can save you thousands of dollars and ensure you're properly protected. The good news? Plantation's inland location gives you some advantages when it comes to insurance rates, especially compared to your neighbors closer to the coast.
This guide walks you through everything you need to know about insurance in Plantation, from Florida's no-fault auto insurance requirements to hurricane preparation and finding competitive rates in your area.
Understanding Florida's No-Fault Auto Insurance
Here's what catches most people off guard about Florida auto insurance: it doesn't matter who caused the accident. Florida is a no-fault state, which means your own insurance pays for your medical bills and lost wages after a crash, regardless of who was at fault. Every driver in Plantation must carry at least $10,000 in Personal Injury Protection (PIP) and $10,000 in Property Damage Liability.
Your PIP coverage pays 80% of your medical expenses up to $10,000, plus 60% of your lost wages. But there's a critical deadline you need to know: you must receive initial medical treatment within 14 days of the accident to qualify for benefits. Miss that window, and you could lose coverage entirely. This is why many Florida residents head to the doctor immediately after even minor accidents—it's not just about health, it's about protecting your insurance coverage.
There's another catch: if a healthcare provider determines you didn't have an emergency medical condition from the accident, your PIP coverage drops to just $2,500 instead of the full $10,000. The full amount is only available for emergency medical conditions. While Florida's no-fault system can seem confusing, it's designed to get you medical care quickly without waiting for fault determination. You can still sue the at-fault driver if you suffer serious permanent injury, significant scarring, or death.
Homeowners Insurance: Your Inland Advantage
The average homeowners insurance in Plantation runs about $7,655 annually—significantly higher than the Florida state average of $2,924, but here's the important context: you're still paying less than coastal residents. Miami homeowners average $5,315 annually, while waterfront properties can pay even more. Your inland location in Broward County provides meaningful savings because insurers view hurricane risk differently based on proximity to the coast.
If your home was built after 2001, you're in an even better position. Florida updated its building codes that year to improve hurricane resistance, and homes built to these standards qualify for significantly lower premiums. Older homes can still get discounts through wind mitigation improvements like hurricane shutters, reinforced roof attachments, and impact-resistant windows. Many Plantation homeowners who invest in these upgrades see their premiums drop by 20% or more.
The Florida insurance market showed remarkable improvement in 2024, with average rate increases of just 1%—the lowest in the country and essentially flat compared to previous years. This represents a significant turnaround after years of dramatic rate hikes. While the statewide average for 2024 homeowners insurance is projected at $11,759 (up 7% from 2023), Plantation residents shopping among multiple carriers can often find better rates, especially with local independent agents who can compare quotes from numerous insurers.
Hurricane Preparation and Coverage
Broward County sits in a very high-risk hurricane zone, and while Plantation's inland location offers some protection compared to beachfront properties, you're still vulnerable. Since 1930, 88 hurricanes have been recorded in Broward County. Hurricane season runs from June 1 through November 30 every year, and preparation isn't optional—it's essential.
Your standard homeowners policy typically covers wind damage from hurricanes, but there's often a separate hurricane deductible that's higher than your regular deductible—usually 2% to 10% of your home's insured value. On a $300,000 home, a 5% hurricane deductible means you'd pay $15,000 out of pocket before insurance kicks in. Understanding this is crucial for your emergency fund planning.
Citizens Property Insurance: When to Consider It
Citizens Property Insurance is Florida's insurer of last resort, and it's available when you can't find affordable coverage in the private market. To qualify, private insurers must have quoted you rates at least 20% higher than a comparable Citizens policy. For most of Plantation, Citizens covers homes with dwelling replacement costs up to $700,000 (higher limits apply in Miami-Dade and Monroe counties).
Starting in 2024, Citizens implemented new flood insurance requirements. Many policyholders with wind coverage must now carry flood insurance to remain eligible. However, the requirement has been simplified—you only need to purchase dwelling coverage, not personal contents coverage, to meet the flood insurance condition. This change has made compliance more affordable for many homeowners.
Before turning to Citizens, work with an independent agent to thoroughly shop the private market. Many Plantation residents find competitive coverage through private insurers, especially if their home has wind mitigation features. Citizens should be your backup plan, not your first choice, as the state actively works to move policies back into the private market when possible.
Finding Competitive Rates in Plantation
Plantation has a strong network of independent insurance agents who can compare quotes from multiple carriers on your behalf. Local agencies like GreatFlorida Insurance, Setnor Byer Insurance & Risk (serving the area for over 30 years), and national agencies like Goosehead, Allstate, and State Farm all operate in Plantation. The key is shopping around—rates can vary dramatically between carriers for the same coverage.
When getting quotes, provide the same information to each agent so you can make accurate comparisons. Ask about available discounts: bundling auto and home insurance, installing security systems, having a claims-free history, and wind mitigation improvements can all reduce your premiums. Don't just focus on price—make sure you understand your deductibles, coverage limits, and any exclusions in the policy.
Review your insurance annually, especially before hurricane season. Your home's value, your possessions, and the insurance market all change over time. What was the best deal last year might not be competitive now. Setting a calendar reminder each spring to shop your insurance ensures you're always getting the best value for your coverage. Living in Plantation gives you access to a competitive insurance market—take advantage of it by staying informed and comparing your options regularly.
