Why Fort Myers Drivers Should Think Twice: Uninsured Motorists and Construction Chaos Make Vehicle Storage a Smart Move
Florida’s Uninsured Driver Crisis Is Putting Everyone at Risk
Driving in Florida has always required a level of caution, but the stakes have recently grown even higher. According to a recent report from Fox 4, the state has experienced a 10% increase in uninsured and underinsured drivers since 2017. That surge places Florida among the worst states in the country for driving uninsured, with only Mississippi showing higher numbers. By 2022, roughly 14% of Florida’s drivers were estimated to be operating vehicles without sufficient coverage. This is more than just a statistic; it means that nearly one in seven cars on the road could leave you paying out of pocket after an accident.
These numbers directly impact insured, responsible drivers. As insurance companies offset their risk, premiums for insured drivers skyrocket. Florida already has the third-highest car insurance premiums in the nation, with average rates exceeding $2,500 annually. For drivers in Fort Myers, this has led to a frustrating choice: pay exorbitant premiums or risk being uninsured themselves. Unfortunately, many choose the latter, adding to the cycle of risk on Florida's highways and side streets alike.
Road Construction Is Making Traffic Worse — And More Dangerous
On top of the growing number of uninsured drivers, Fort Myers residents are facing the additional hazard of widespread roadway construction. Projects under the Florida Department of Transportation (FDOT) are ramping up across the region. For instance, major changes are underway along US-41, where FDOT is planning to redesign intersections and improve traffic flow. While the long-term goal is a safer and more efficient road system, the short-term impact has been constant lane closures, detours, and traffic backups stretching through morning and evening rush hours.
Similarly, in areas just outside Fort Myers, such as North Port and Englewood, the FDOT is considering major design modifications to address traffic delays along busy stretches of US-41. These disruptions not only increase commute times, they raise the probability of accidents. Impatient drivers, changing traffic patterns, and sudden stops create a perfect storm for fender benders and more serious collisions. When those collisions involve uninsured drivers, the cost and consequences fall squarely on the shoulders of the insured. Additionally, bridge improvements, such as the work being done on the Caloosahatchee Bridge, continue to restrict access and slow traffic between Fort Myers and neighboring communities. What once may have been a 10-minute drive now stretches into 30 or more during construction periods. For residents with valuable or rarely used vehicles, navigating these daily hazards may not be worth the risk.
Why Fort Myers Drivers Are Turning to Great American Self Storage
With all of these stressors combined — uninsured drivers, costly premiums, and unpredictable traffic snarls — more and more Fort Myers residents are opting to take their valuable vehicles off the road and into storage. Whether it’s a classic car, a seasonal-use convertible, a motorcycle, or even a daily driver you want to protect from Florida’s chaos, storing your vehicle is a practical solution that saves both money and peace of mind. At Great American Self Storage, we provide clean, secure, and climate-controlled storage units that are designed to protect your vehicle from both environmental damage and the unpredictability of Florida’s roads. Our Fort Myers facility is equipped with 24-hour surveillance and gated access to ensure that your vehicle is always safe and sound. Rather than letting it sit exposed in a driveway or risking it in an environment full of traffic delays and uninsured motorists, storing your vehicle with us is a way to take control in an otherwise uncertain driving climate. Storing your vehicle isn’t just about avoiding accidents — it’s about making a smart, strategic choice. With rising insurance costs, frequent construction delays, and an increasing number of drivers who can’t cover the cost of an accident, removing your vehicle from the daily traffic equation is a move that many are finding financially and emotionally worthwhile.
Make the Smart Move Before It’s Too Late
The roads in and around Fort Myers aren’t getting easier to navigate. Between the long-term construction plans and the surge in uninsured motorists, driving today is more stressful and risky than ever. But you don’t have to subject your car — or your finances — to those risks every day. Great American Self Storage offers a practical, affordable, and safe alternative. Check out the size guide available on our self storage website to better understand which unit best fits your needs. If you have a vehicle that deserves better than bumper-to-bumper gridlock and uninsured drivers, now is the time to store it securely. Visit Great American Self Storage in Fort Myers today to learn about our unit availability, pricing, and secure vehicle storage options. Or visit the storage tips page on our site to better understand your self storage unit and its various uses. Don’t wait for an accident or another frustrating delay — protect your vehicle before the risks become reality.
