If you're driving in Weston, Florida, you're navigating one of Broward County's most family-friendly communities—but also one of the state's most expensive insurance markets. With direct access to I-75 and I-595, you're connected to the entire South Florida region, which is great for commuting but comes with traffic and accident risks that affect your insurance rates. Here's what you need to know about protecting yourself and your wallet.
The good news? Florida's insurance market is finally stabilizing after years of dramatic increases. The confusing news? Major changes to the state's no-fault system could be coming in 2026. Let's break down what you're dealing with right now and what might change.
Understanding Florida's No-Fault Insurance System
Florida operates under a no-fault insurance system, which means your own insurance covers your medical bills after an accident, regardless of who caused it. The state requires every driver to carry at least $10,000 in Personal Injury Protection (PIP) and $10,000 in Property Damage Liability (PDL). That's it—no bodily injury liability required unless you've been at-fault in a previous accident that caused injuries.
Your PIP coverage pays 80% of medical expenses up to $10,000, no matter who's at fault. This system was designed to reduce lawsuits and get people treated faster. The reality? It's been controversial. That $10,000 doesn't go far when you're dealing with serious injuries, and the system has been plagued by fraud that's driven up costs for everyone.
Here's what could change: House Bill 1181 and Senate Bill 1256 propose eliminating Florida's no-fault system entirely, effective July 1, 2026. If this passes, PIP goes away. Instead, you'd need to carry bodily injury liability coverage with minimums of $25,000 per person and $50,000 per accident. Your health insurance would become your primary protection, and you'd pursue the at-fault driver's liability coverage for damages. It's a complete reversal of how the system works now.
What Weston Drivers Actually Pay
Let's talk numbers. Weston drivers aren't getting deals. Broward County auto insurance averages around $4,356 annually—well above the state average. If you're a teenage driver in Weston, you're looking at around $4,228 per year. Adult men average $2,768, while seniors pay about $2,483. These figures reflect full coverage, not just the state minimums.
Why so high? Broward County deals with dense traffic, high accident rates, expensive medical costs, and litigation risks. South Florida's urban environment simply costs more to insure than rural areas. The I-595 corridor alone ranked ninth statewide for fatal crashes between 2019 and 2023, with 23 deaths over five years. When you're commuting on I-75 or I-595 daily, you're exposed to these risks constantly.
There's a silver lining: after years of brutal rate increases, Florida's auto insurance market is stabilizing. The average cost for full-coverage dropped from about $3,200 in 2024 to around $2,900 in 2025 statewide. Florida's top insurers showed an average rate decrease of 6.5% for 2025. It's not dramatic relief, but it's movement in the right direction after rate hikes exceeding 21% in previous years.
Why Minimum Coverage Isn't Enough
Here's the uncomfortable truth: Florida's minimum coverage requirements are dangerously low. At $10,000 PIP and $10,000 property damage, you're barely protected. If you cause a serious accident, you could be personally liable for hundreds of thousands of dollars in damages. A single night in a hospital can exceed $10,000. Repairing a newer vehicle? Easily $10,000 or more.
Even more concerning: Florida doesn't require bodily injury liability coverage for most drivers. That means if you injure someone in an accident you caused, you have nothing protecting you from a lawsuit unless you've voluntarily added bodily injury coverage. And if you're at-fault in an accident that causes injuries, you'll suddenly need 10/20/10 coverage ($10,000 per person, $20,000 per accident for bodily injury, plus $10,000 property damage). Most experts recommend carrying at least 100/300/100 coverage—ten times the minimum.
In Broward County specifically, the litigation environment makes underinsurance especially risky. This is a county where personal injury attorneys are plentiful and juries award substantial damages. Carrying only minimum coverage is like playing Russian roulette with your financial future. Add uninsured motorist coverage too—Florida has one of the highest rates of uninsured drivers in the nation.
Navigating I-75 and I-595: What You Should Know
Weston's location gives you easy access to two of South Florida's major highways: I-75 running north-south through the western suburbs, and I-595 connecting you east to Fort Lauderdale and the coast. These are your lifelines for commuting, but they're also high-risk corridors. Florida consistently ranks among the worst states for traffic crashes, with highways like I-75, I-95, and I-4 seeing frequent collisions.
I-595's fatal crash record speaks for itself. The traffic patterns are complex—many Weston residents commute longitudinally to Fort Lauderdale, Miami, or West Palm Beach, creating morning and evening rush hour congestion. Accidents involving tractor-trailers are common, causing hours of delays. Florida averages around 250,000 injury accidents annually, and you're statistically more likely to be involved in one if you're commuting daily on these routes.
What does this mean for your insurance? Tell your agent about your commute. Some insurers offer usage-based programs that could reduce rates if you're driving during lower-risk times. Consider higher collision and comprehensive deductibles if you can afford them—it'll lower your premium. And seriously consider adding rental car reimbursement coverage. When there's a major accident on I-75 and your car is totaled, you'll need wheels while you're dealing with the claim.
How to Get the Right Coverage for Weston
Start by getting quotes from multiple insurers. Rates vary wildly in Florida—sometimes by thousands of dollars for identical coverage. Don't just compare premiums; look at the actual coverage limits and deductibles. Ask specifically about bodily injury liability, uninsured motorist coverage, and medical payments coverage. These aren't required, but they're essential.
If the proposed 2026 changes pass, you'll need to rethink your entire coverage strategy. Without PIP, your health insurance becomes critical. Review your health plan's deductibles and out-of-pocket maximums. If they're high, you might want to consider medical payments coverage as a supplement. And that bodily injury liability requirement? Don't just meet the minimum. Carry enough to protect your assets.
Finally, consider bundling your auto insurance with homeowners or renters insurance. Most insurers offer significant multi-policy discounts. Given Weston's high property values, you're probably already carrying substantial homeowners coverage. Bundling could save you 15-25% on your auto premium. In Broward County's expensive insurance market, that's real money back in your pocket.
