Many Florida Drivers Are Still Overpaying Or Getting Turned Away
If you have a DUI, a suspended license, or no traditional ID, most big-name insurers will reject your application without a second look. That leaves millions of drivers in Florida either uninsured which is illegal or desperately searching for a company that will work with them.
Amigos Insurance steps into that gap. This Fort Myers, Florida-based agency specializes in covering drivers other companies consider uninsurable, offering affordable premiums starting at $0.99 per day and providing bilingual service to the state’s large Latino community.
But is Amigos auto insurance actually worth it? In this comprehensive review, we break down the costs, coverage options, real customer feedback, BBB ratings, and how Amigos stacks up against the competition so you can make an informed decision.
What Is Amigos Auto Insurance?
Amigos Insurance (formally operating as Preferred Elite Insurance Agency Inc.) is a small, niche auto insurance provider based in Fort Myers, Florida. Rather than writing its own policies, Amigos acts as an intermediary, partnering with local insurance carriers to find coverage for drivers who have been denied elsewhere.
The company has earned a strong reputation in southwest Florida’s Latino community. Its bilingual agents speak English and Spanish, and Amigos explicitly welcomes drivers who lack standard forms of identification, including those without passports, which is a significant differentiator in Florida.
Amigos currently operates out of five physical locations:
- Fort Myers (main office)
- Bonita Springs
- Lehigh Acres
- Port Charlotte
- Naples
While this coverage area is limited, it makes Amigos highly accessible to drivers in southwest Florida’s high-density regions.
What Coverage Does Amigos Auto Insurance Offer?
Amigos does not publish a full list of its coverage options online, but based on Florida’s legal requirements and available customer data, the company is expected to offer the following products:
Florida State Minimum Requirements
- Personal Injury Protection (PIP): Florida is a no-fault state requiring at least $10,000 in PIP to cover your own medical bills regardless of fault.
- Property Damage Liability (PDL): Florida requires a minimum of $10,000 in property damage liability coverage.
Full Coverage Options (Likely Available)
- Bodily Injury Liability: Not required by Florida, but necessary for full coverage and auto loans.
- Collision Coverage: Covers repairs to your vehicle after an accident, regardless of fault.
- Comprehensive Coverage: Covers non-collision damage, including theft, vandalism, and weather events.
- Uninsured/Underinsured Motorist Coverage: Protects you from drivers with inadequate insurance, particularly important in Florida, where roughly 1 in 5 drivers are uninsured.
Specialty Services
- SR-22 Filings: Amigos can complete and submit SR-22 forms required by the Florida DMV for drivers with serious violations or license reinstatements.
For specific coverage details, you will need to speak directly with an Amigos agent, as coverage options vary by carrier partner and individual risk profile.
How Much Does Amigos Auto Insurance Cost?
Amigos advertises auto insurance starting at just $0.99 per day, approximately $30 per month, which is well below Florida’s state average of $150 per month for drivers with a clean record. Naturally, your actual premium will vary based on your driving history, vehicle type, and the coverage level you choose.
The table below compares Florida’s average monthly auto insurance costs against estimated Amigos pricing for various driver profiles:
Florida average costs vs. Amigos estimates by driver profile
| Driver Profile | Florida Avg. Monthly Cost | Amigos Est. Monthly |
|---|---|---|
| Clean Record | $150 | $70–$100 |
| DUI / DWI | $228 | $100–$140 |
| At-Fault Accident | $215 | $90–$130 |
| Speeding Violation | $202 | $85–$125 |
| Suspended License | Often Denied | $80–$120 |
| No Passport / ID | Often Denied | $40–$80 |
Sources: Florida Insurance Research, industry averages. Amigos’ estimates are based on customer-reported data.
Customers consistently report that Amigos offers rates that are hard to beat, especially for drivers with DUIs, traffic violations, or nonstandard identification. If you qualify for the 15% transfer discount (by switching from another insurer) or bundle multiple policies, your costs could drop further.
Amigos Insurance Discounts
Amigos does not publicly list a comprehensive discount catalog, but the following savings opportunities have been confirmed:
- Transfer Discount: Up to 15% off if you switch your coverage from another insurance company.
- Multi-Policy Bundling: Up to 40% savings when combining auto with home or business insurance.
Smaller insurers typically offer fewer discounts than national carriers, but Amigos compensates by offering lower baseline rates for high-risk drivers where major companies often charge a heavy premium.
Amigos Auto Insurance Reviews: What Real Customers Say
Amigos has built a loyal customer base in southwest Florida, particularly among drivers who had previously been unable to obtain coverage elsewhere. Reviews from sources including Google and direct customer feedback highlight several consistent themes.
What Customers Love
- Coverage when others said no: The most common praise is simply that Amigos approved them after multiple rejections from other providers.
- Affordable rates: Many customers confirm that Amigos’ pricing is significantly lower than competitors for high-risk profiles.
- Friendly, bilingual service: In-person experiences are frequently described as helpful, professional, and welcoming.
- SR-22 assistance: Customers who needed an SR-22 filing appreciated that Amigos handles the process directly.
Common Complaints
- Difficult to reach remotely: Multiple reviews note that agents are hard to contact by phone or email; visiting a physical office often produces faster results.
- Automatic withdrawal confusion: Some customers reported unexpected charges or confusion around Amigos’ automatic payment process.
- Limited online presence: The company’s website and digital tools are minimal compared to national carriers.
One reviewer summarized the experience well: Amigos gave them coverage when they had nowhere else to turn but strongly recommended going in person rather than trying to handle things over the phone.
Amigos Insurance BBB Rating and Professional Scores
The Better Business Bureau (BBB) gives Amigos Insurance an A+ rating, the highest possible score. The BBB file was opened in September 2019, and only one customer complaint has been recorded on file, which is remarkable for an insurance agency.
Amigos does not yet have ratings from major insurance industry analysts:
- J.D. Power: Not rated (too small to qualify)
- A.M. Best: Not rated (does not write its own policies)
- BBB Rating: A+
- Florida Department of Financial Services: Licensed (License No. L082312 and W172657)
While the absence of J.D. Power and A.M. Best ratings may be a concern for some buyers; the BBB A+ score and state licensing confirm that Amigos operates as a legitimate, reputable agency.
How Amigos Compares to Other Auto Insurance Providers
Before choosing Amigos, it’s smart to compare your options. Here is how Amigos stacks up against other providers, particularly for high-risk drivers in Florida:
Amigos vs. competitors comparison
| Company | BBB Rating | Best For | Avg. Monthly Cost | Highlights |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Amigos Insurance | A+ | High-risk/FL drivers | $30–$80 | Bilingual, accepts all |
| GEICO | A+ | Clean record drivers | $120–$180 | Wide coverage, discounts |
| State Farm | A+ | Good drivers | $110–$170 | Large network, agents |
| Progressive | A+ | SR-22 / High risk | $140–$220 | Snapshot program |
| The General | A- | High-risk drivers | $150–$250 | Non-standard market |
Amigos stands out for its willingness to accept drivers other companies reject, its bilingual service, and its competitive starting price. However, if you have a clean driving record, a major carrier like GEICO or State Farm will likely offer broader coverage, stronger digital tools, and more discount opportunities at competitive rates.
Amigos Auto Insurance: Pros and Cons
| PROS | CONS |
|---|---|
| ✓ Accepts high-risk and hard-to-insure drivers | ✗ Limited to Florida locations only |
| ✓ Bilingual (English/Spanish) agents | ✗ Hard to reach by phone or email |
| ✓ Insurance starts at ~$30/month | ✗ Limited online information and transparency |
| ✓ 15% transfer discount available | ✗ Small discount catalog vs. major carriers |
| ✓ BBB A+ rating | ✗ No J.D. Power or A.M. Best rating available |
| ✓ Wide product range (auto, home, boat, RV) | ✗ Confusion reported about auto-withdrawal |
Other Insurance Products Offered by Amigos
For a small agency, Amigos offers a surprisingly broad lineup of insurance products beyond auto coverage. This makes bundling attractive for customers who want to consolidate their coverage:
- Motorcycle Insurance: Specialty coverage for motorcycle riders, typically priced higher than auto due to elevated claim risk.
- Commercial Auto Insurance: Designed for rideshare drivers, delivery operators, or small business owners who use vehicles for work.
- Shared / Rental Car Insurance: Useful for Florida tourists and short-term visitors who plan to rent a vehicle.
- Homeowners Insurance: Covers personal belongings and structural damage. Note: Specialty coverage such as flood insurance requires a separate policy.
- Boat Insurance: Coverage starts at the same $0.99/day advertised rate.
- RV Insurance: Specialty coverage for recreational vehicle owners who drive their RVs on Florida roads.
- Business Insurance: Property protection for small business owners against fire, theft, vandalism, and other common risks.
Bundling two or more policies may qualify you for up to a 40% multi-policy discount which can meaningfully offset the higher-risk pricing on your auto policy.
Is Amigos Auto Insurance Right for You?
Amigos Insurance is a strong fit for a specific type of customer. Ask yourself these questions before deciding:
- Have you been denied coverage by standard carriers? Amigos specifically serves drivers rejected by mainstream insurers.
- Do you have a DUI, suspended license, or at-fault accident on your record? Amigos specializes in non-standard coverage.
- Are you a Spanish-speaking driver in southwest Florida? Amigos’ bilingual agents provide seamless service.
- Do you need an SR-22 filing? Amigos handles this process directly.
- Are you located in or near Fort Myers, Naples, or surrounding areas? Amigos’ physical offices are best accessed in person.
If you answered yes to most of these, Amigos may be your best option. If you have a clean driving record and want maximum digital convenience, a larger national carrier will serve you better.
Frequently Asked Questions About Amigos Auto Insurance
Is Amigos Insurance legit?
Yes. Amigos Insurance is a licensed insurance agency in Florida, holding active licenses from the Florida Department of Financial Services (License Nos. L082312 and W172657). It also holds an A+ rating from the Better Business Bureau.
What states does Amigos Insurance operate in?
Amigos Insurance currently operates exclusively in Florida, with office locations in Fort Myers, Bonita Springs, Lehigh Acres, Port Charlotte, and Naples.
Can I get Amigos insurance if I have a DUI?
Yes. Amigos is specifically designed to serve high-risk drivers, including those with DUIs, reckless driving convictions, or other serious violations. This is one of its primary differentiators from standard carriers.
How much does Amigos car insurance cost per month?
Amigos advertises starting rates of $0.99 per day, or approximately $30 per month for state-minimum coverage. Most customers report paying between $70 and $140 per month depending on their driving history and coverage level.
Does Amigos Insurance offer SR-22 filings?
Yes. Amigos can prepare and submit SR-22 forms directly to the Florida DMV on your behalf, which is required for license reinstatement after certain violations.
How do I contact Amigos Insurance?
Amigos can be reached at (239) 362-0270 or by visiting one of their five Florida locations. Customer reviews strongly suggest that in-person visits produce the fastest and most reliable service, as phone and email responsiveness has been inconsistently reported.
Does Amigos offer coverage without a passport or ID?
Yes. Amigos is known for accepting customers who lack traditional forms of identification, including those without passports, making it a critical resource for undocumented or newly arrived residents in Florida who still need to drive legally.
What is Amigos Insurance’s BBB rating?
Amigos Insurance holds an A+ rating from the Better Business Bureau, the highest possible score. Only one customer complaint has been recorded on file since the BBB opened the company’s profile in September 2019.
Final Verdict: Amigos Auto Insurance Review 2026
Amigos Insurance fills a genuine and important gap in Florida’s auto insurance market. For high-risk drivers, undocumented residents, or anyone who has been turned away by mainstream carriers, Amigos is often the only viable option, and it delivers respectable service at an affordable price point.
Its A+ BBB rating, licensed status, and consistent customer praise for in-person service are meaningful indicators of legitimacy. The trade-offs of limited digital tools, remote contact difficulties, and a small geographic footprint are real but manageable if you live in Southwest Florida and can visit an office.
Our recommendation: If you are a high-risk driver in Florida, start with Amigos and compare their quote against other nonstandard carriers like The General or Progressive’s high-risk products. Rates change frequently; comparing quotes today could save you hundreds of dollars annually.
Disclaimer: This article is for informational purposes only and does not constitute professional insurance advice. Coverage options, pricing, and availability are subject to change. Always consult a licensed insurance professional before purchasing a policy.
