Brit renting a car in Miami

Question

Hi, hopefully someone can help me please. I'm from the UK and plan to go to Miami and then drive to Florida Keys. I've made a reservation for a rental car in Miami downtown with Enterprise. My question is what kind of insurance do I need to drive a rental and what is the excess? I've tried going to thier website plus calling customer service but either they dont know or the answers have left me even more confused.

From what I've read Enterprise is legally required to provide $10,000 for bodily injury liability insurance and $10,000 for personal injury protection for driving in Florida. All other insurance or protection is optional. If that is correct then I think I would have met the minimum requirements already? Just in case I am also looking at adding CDW and SLI separately and one company sells Car Hire Excess Insurance which includes these. However I've not managed to find the excess/deductible amount for the rental with Enterprise. Would anybody know what this is please?

Additionally I believe I need to go through toll roads en route from Miami to Florida Keys. I've never used toll roads before, what would you suggest the best thing I do regarding payment for this please? And if there's anything else I should look out for, for someone that's driving for the first time in the US.

Answer

Renting a car in Miami as a UK driver can be straightforward, but it’s important to understand insurance requirements, toll roads, and general driving rules in Florida. Here’s a detailed guide based on standard practices for Enterprise and Florida regulations.

Insurance Requirements:

In Florida, rental companies are required to provide the minimum liability coverage, which generally includes:

$10,000 for bodily injury liability per person
$20,000 for total bodily injury liability per accident
$10,000 for property damage liability
Personal Injury Protection (PIP), typically $10,000

This minimum coverage legally allows you to drive in Florida, but it is very basic and may not cover full damages or theft. Enterprise offers additional optional protections:

Collision Damage Waiver (CDW) / Loss Damage Waiver (LDW): Covers damage to the rental car in case of an accident, theft, or vandalism. This reduces or eliminates your financial liability for the vehicle.
Supplemental Liability Insurance (SLI): Increases your liability coverage beyond the minimum state requirements, often recommended if you want more protection against third-party claims.
Car Hire Excess Insurance: Third-party insurance (from a UK provider) can cover the deductible/excess for CDW/SLI if you choose not to buy Enterprise’s full coverage. The typical excess for Enterprise rentals in Miami ranges from $500 to $1,000, depending on the vehicle and rental agreement.

In short, if you already have UK travel insurance or a credit card that provides rental coverage, you may opt to decline Enterprise’s CDW and SLI, but make sure your insurance covers the US, and check the excess amount carefully.

Toll Roads:

Driving from Miami to the Florida Keys involves toll roads, especially around Miami (like the Florida Turnpike and certain express lanes). Enterprise usually offers a SunPass or electronic toll option:

You can opt in at pick-up for the toll program, which allows automatic toll payment without stopping at toll booths.
Charges are added to your rental bill, usually with a small administrative fee per day or per use.
If you don’t opt in, you may receive a bill in the mail for toll usage, plus additional administrative fees.

Tips for driving in Florida as a first-time US driver:

Drive on the right-hand side of the road and observe speed limits carefully; they are strictly enforced.
Use seat belts at all times; Florida law requires everyone to buckle up.
Be aware of toll roads and plan your route—some GPS apps allow toll-free routes if preferred.
Parking in Miami and Key West can be limited; check for paid lots or hotel parking options in advance.
Keep your rental agreement, license, and insurance documentation with you at all times.
Florida has strict texting and driving laws; use hands-free options for navigation and calls.

In summary, while the minimum liability allows you to drive legally, most travelers opt for CDW/SLI to protect themselves from high repair costs. The typical Enterprise excess is $500–$1,000, which can be covered by third-party excess insurance. For tolls, the easiest is to opt into Enterprise’s SunPass program at pick-up to avoid billing issues. Plan routes carefully and be mindful of parking, speed limits, and local traffic rules for a smooth trip to the Keys.