HOMEOWNERS
AUTO
BOAT
MOTORCYCLE
RENTERS
COMMERCIAL
UMBRELLA
HEALTHCARE
FLOOD
UBER

850-378-2500

6705 Pine Forest Rd - Suite 300
Pensacola, FL  32526
Fax : 850-807-5071

Contact your local Agent
Call : 850-378-2500 or

Commercial Auto Insurance

What is Commercial Auto Insurance?

GreatFlorida Insurance offers commercial auto insurance (e.g., truck insurance) policies to protect against liabilities for property damage and bodily injury.

You can’t control what people do behind the wheel, but you can give yourself optimum protection with a sound insurance policy.

Florida commercial auto insurance insures your vehicles for physical damage and liability coverage for amounts, situations and usage not covered by a personal auto policy.

This type of business insurance covers a variety of vehicles and is also referred to as commercial car insurance, truck insurance, or fleet insurance.

Whether you currently own a business or are a prospective business owner, you can get a Free Commercial Auto Insurance quote today. 

Simply call 850-378-2500 or complete our online quote request form.

Our Agents at GreatFlorida Insurance will help you find affordable Florida Commercial Auto Insurance to protect you and your business.

Why do you need Commercial Auto Insurance?

In general, if an auto is used in tasks related to the operator's occupation, profession or business, other than commuting, a commercial policy is necessary. 

This is because many business uses and auto types may be excluded from personal policies.

• If you are using your auto to transport goods or people for a fee or if you use your auto to conduct a service, you may need a commercial auto insurance policy.
  
  
• A commercial auto policy may be appropriate if you need higher limits of liability because of the nature of your work.
  
  
• Hauling a considerable weight in tools or equipment or towing a trailer used to conduct your business may require a commercial auto insurance policy.
  
  
• A commercial insurance policy may be needed if employees operate the auto or if ownership is in the name of a corporation or partnership.

Your GreatFlorida Insurance Agent in West Pensacola can help you determine the coverage you need based on how your vehicles are used in conducting your business and who will be driving your vehicles.

What does Commercial Auto Insurance cover?

Florida Commercial Auto insurance, like your personal auto policy, provides similar coverages such as liability, collision, comprehensive, medical payments (or personal injury protection) and uninsured motorists coverage.

However, there are also differences between a commercial auto insurance policy and your personal auto policy that may include eligibility, definitions, coverages, exclusions, and limits. Most Commercial Auto policies are "named driver only" policies, meaning only those drivers listed on the policy can operate a covered auto.

What are the coverages?

• Bodily injury liability coverage – This pays for bodily injury or death resulting from an accident for which you are at fault and provides you with a legal defense.
  
  
• Property damage liability coverage – Property damage liability coverage provides you with protection if your car accidentally damages another person’s property. It also provides you with a legal defense.
  
  
• Combined single limit (CSL) – Liability policies typically offer separate limits that apply to bodily injury claims for property damage. A combined single limits policy has the same dollar amount of coverage per covered occurrence whether bodily injury or property damage, one person or several.
  
  
• Medical payments, no-fault or Personal Injury Coverage – This extremely important coverage usually pays for the medical expenses of the driver and passengers in your car incurred as a result of a covered accident regardless of fault.
  
  
• Uninsured motorist coverage – This coverage pays for your injuries and, in some circumstances, certain property damage caused by an uninsured or a hit-and-run driver. In some cases, underinsured motorist coverage is also included. This is for cases in which the at-fault driver has insufficient insurance.
  
  
• Comprehensive physical damage coverage – This pays for damage to or replacement of your car from theft, vandalism, flood, fire, and other covered perils.
  
  
• Collision coverage – Just like the name sounds, this pays for damage to your car when it hits or is hit by another object.

Are there commercial truck insurance policies available?

Yes. Your GreatFlorida Insurance Agent in West Pensacola wants to protect you from liabilities related to your commercial truck(s). Your business may qualify for coverages such as:

• Tow truck insurance: If your business involves towing vehicles, you’ll need special policies in place. These include On Hook Towing (to cover damages caused to vehicles that you tow) and Garagekeeper’s Legal Liability (covers your business when you store cars for parking or service).
  
  
• Bobtail or non-trucking liability insurance:  This type of coverage protects your vehicle if you’re using it for personal use and you are involved in an accident.
  
  
• Motor truck cargo insurance:  Does your business involve moving cargo? You’ll need a special policy to protect you in the event that damages are caused to the cargo.

Types of vehicles covered

Commercial Auto Insurance covers a variety of vehicles that you rely on to serve your customers.  Often times, these vehicles include trucks such as:

• Garbage trucks
• Dump trucks
• Flatbed trucks
• Box trucks
• Tank trucks
• Tow trucks
• Front loader trucks
• Pickup trucks
• Semi trucks

Additional vehicles include:

• Vans
• Cargo vans
• SUVs
• Cars

Contact GreatFlorida Insurance for a complete list of commercial and truck insurance vehicle coverages.

Are there limits on who can be covered by a commercial auto insurance policy?

Yes. To secure a commercial auto insurance policy or truck insurance policy for your business, your employees will need to have clean driving records (i.e., no violations or points on the license). 

Flexible payment plans

GreatFlorida Insurance offers a variety of payment options to keep your business on the move.  Commercial auto insurance and truck insurance policies don’t have to financially inconvenient. Our policyholders benefit from premium payment plans.

Additionally, we accept several forms of payment.

Get a Quote Online

About Commercial Auto Insurance in West Pensacola, FL

Whether you use your own car or oversee a fleet of vehicles, GreatFlorida Insurance offers commercial auto insurance to keep things moving forward when the unexpected occurs.

Our experienced agents in West Pensacola can present you with options for commercial auto coverage limits and deductible amounts to fit your budget and needs.

Even if you do not own company cars but an employee uses their own vehicle for work, you could be responsible for any accidents they cause.  

Keep your business and employees protected by signing up for dependable and affordable commercial auto insurance in West Pensacola.

Do not let your business skip a beat when an accident occurs. GreatFlorida Insurance can partner with you to have a secure commercial auto policy in place.

GreatFlorida Commercial Auto or Truck Insurance can guard your business by helping you invest into the right insurance policy. If you are using your own car for small tasks or you own a fleet of vehicles, Donna Creel at GreatFlorida Insurance West Pensacola, FL has options to conform to your long term business goals.

GreatFlorida Insurance can guide you through the process of setting up suitable Commercial Auto or Business Insurance coverage for your company. We offer competitive rates from A+ rated insurance companies to fit into your business' needs.

Your local GreatFlorida Insurance Agent in West Pensacola can help you find the right Commercial Auto or Truck Insurance policy at the right price.

by GreatFlorida Insurance

5/16/2018

The 2018 Atlantic Hurricane season begins June 1 and runs through November 30. “Current research proves hurricanes are growing stronger and occurring more frequently,” says Ellsworth Buck, Vice President of GreatFlorida Insurance, Florida’s largest independent auto insurance agency.

Colorado State University predicts a slightly above average Atlantic hurricane season, with 14 named storms, seven hurricanes and three major hurricanes. Whereas, The Weather Channel, is predicting 13 named storms, six hurricanes and two major hurricanes.

While thunderstorms commonly occur in Florida, hail is not as common. It is a type of frozen precipitation that occurs within strong to severe storms any time of the year. Hail causes approximately $1 billion in property damage annually nationwide.

Hail can dent your automobile’s hood, trunk and doors. It can break and crack mirrors and windows and cause damaged or stuck doorjambs.

“It is really tempting to observe the novelty of anything frozen falling from the sky but hail can be dangerous, especially if it is sizable,” reminds Ellsworth Buck, Vice President of GreatFlorida Insurance, Florida’s top independent auto insurance agency.

If you are out driving when a hailstorm hits, don’t panic. Below are tips to stay safe on the road.

Slow down and be aware of other drivers around you who make not know how to react when driving in a hailstorm.

Create distance between you and the driver ahead of you.

Safely, get off the road. The impact of hail is greater on a moving object, so your car is at greater risk of damage when it is moving forward.

Look for coverage close by such as a gas station awning or garage.  Avoid trees, falling branches can cause more damage.

If you stop under a bridge or overpass be sure to pull completely out of traffic lanes and onto the shoulder.

Do not leave your car.

Try and keep your car at an angle so hail hits it from the front. Windshields are reinforced to withstand pelting objects. Side windows and back glass are not, they are much more vulnerable to shatter or break.

If the hail is severe, cover your eyes or the eyes of any passengers with a blanket. Get face down in the backseat or floor, face away from any windows.

Stay clear of culverts or ditches that quickly fill with water.

Most comprehensive auto insurance policies will cover hail damage. Once the hail damage is accessed, work with your insurance agent to file a claim and get your car into an auto body shop to repair any dents or other damage caused by the storm.

The post Protect Your Car from Hail Damage This Storm Season appeared first on The GreatFlorida Insurance Blog.

by GreatFlorida Insurance

5/9/2018

Hawaiian lawmakers recently passed a bill prohibiting the sale of sunscreen containing chemicals known to harm coral reefs.

“Once signed by governor David Ige, it will be the first law of its kind,” says Ellsworth Buck, Vice President of GreatForida Insurance, Florida’s largest independent boat insurance agency.

The chemicals contributing to the destruction of coral reefs and other ocean wildlife are oxybenzone and octinoxate. These are common ingredients found in over 3,500 popular sunscreens such as Coppertone, Hawaiian Tropic and Banana Boat.

Oxybenzone and octinoxate are chemicals that filter and absorb UV light, blocking out the sun’s radiation and extending the amount of time a person can spend in the sun. However, like most topical products, they wash off in the water causing damage to coral and fish. According to coral reef advocates, Be Reef Safe, 4,000 to 6,000 tons of sunscreen end up on coral reefs every year.

A 2015 study conducted by a group of scientists of coral reefs in Hawaii, the U.S. Virgin Islands and Israel found oxybenzone and octinoxate leach nutrients from coral, bleach it white and reduce its resiliency. The chemicals are known endocrine disrupters, even a tiny amount can damage coral.

“The largest coral reef in the continental U.S. is the Florida Reef, found in the Keys,” reminds Ellsworth Buck, Vice President of GreatForida Insurance, Florida’s top independent boat insurance agency.

It is the third largest barrier reef ecosystem in the world. It too is being threatened by using these chemicals. In order to protect the future of Florida’s reef tract a similar bill could be passed in Florida. As the public becomes aware of the threat these chemicals pose to coral reef and underwater wildlife, it could prompt action to preserve our beloved reef.

Best thing to do now is read sunscreen labels and avoid oxybenzone and octinoxate. There other ingredients available in sunscreens that can effectively protect your skin. Most importantly, cover up. Sunscreen, should be the last line of defense.

The post Could Florida Ban Sunscreen? appeared first on The GreatFlorida Insurance Blog.

by GreatFlorida Insurance

4/18/2018

2018 Earth Day is this Sunday, April 22. The theme for this year’s Earth Day focuses on ending plastic pollution. Single-use plastic is believed to be the biggest source of trash in and around water worldwide.

We use plastic everyday- plastic bags, toothbrushes, water bottles, product packaging. It’s hard to go a day without plastic,” says Ellsworth Buck, Vice President of GreatFlorida Insurance, Florida’s leading independent boat insurance agency.

Some alarming statistics about plastic include the following:

2.5 million plastic bottles are used every hour in the U.S. (Recycle Across America)

8 million metric tons of plastic enter the ocean every year (Recycle Across America)

The Great Pacific Garbage Patch, the world’s largest collection of floating trash has grown to 600,000 square miles, twice the size of Texas. (Scientific Reports)

According to the website, Earthday.org, plastic poisons and injures marine life, disrupts human hormones, litters beaches and landscapes and clogs our waste streams and landfills. The movement is hoping to inspire and inform people into changing their attitude about plastics.

So, what can one person do to make a difference? Below is a list of suggestions to help you reduce the use of plastic.

Carry your own reusable shopping bags to the store.

Stop buying bottled water, carry a reusable water bottle.

Use a refillable mug at the coffee shop, you can even get a discount for it.

Say “no” to straws.

Checking your packaging. When possible, choose paper packaging over plastic, such as a box for pasta rather than a plastic bag.

Trade in your disposable razor for one you that you only must switch out the blade.

Change up your food storage. Instead of using plastic baggies or plastic wrap, try mason jars, bento boxes or glass containers.

Recycle

“Doing something is better that do nothing,” reminds Ellsworth Buck, Vice President of GreatFlorida Insurance, Florida’s largest independent boat insurance agency.

If we all try and make one or two changes to our plastic use, collectively, we can make a difference. Consumer choice speaks loudly.

 

 

 

The post Trashing the ocean appeared first on The GreatFlorida Insurance Blog.

by GreatFlorida Insurance

4/5/2018

Recently, an 11-ft. alligator made its way into a homeowner’s swimming pool in Sarasota, FL after busting through the patio screen.

A seven-ft. alligator caused a traffic jam on Easter Sunday in Jacksonville, while trying to cross Interstate 295.

Warmer weather is bringing out alligators.

“Most Floridians have seen an alligator lurking around, especially golfers,” comments Ellsworth Buck, Vice President of GreatFlorida Insurance, Florida’s leading independent boat insurance agency.

In 2017, the Statewide Alligator Nuisance Program (SNAP), received 13, 210 nuisance alligator complaints resulting in the removal of 8, 455 nuisance alligators.

According to the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission (FWC), This once endangered species, has a healthy and stable alligator population estimated at 1.3 million in a variety of sizes just in Florida. In addition, alligators inhabit all 67 counties in Florida

An important part of Florida’s wetlands and eco-system, alligators become more active when the temperature rises and their metabolism increases. Mating season is from April – June.

“While alligators are a part of the Florida landscape, you certainly want to keep your distance,” says Ellsworth Buck, Vice President of GreatFlorida Insurance, Florida’s largest independent boat insurance agency.

Alligators are unique, in the fact they that inhabit land and water. This feature also makes them very dangerous. American zookeeper, Jack Hanna says an alligator can outrun all human creatures within the first 20-30 feet of exiting the water, making it very difficult for humans to outrun alligators.

The Key West Aquarium, has advice for living with alligators:

Avoid feeding an alligator, it is dangerous and illegal.

Stay at a safe distance of at least 50 feet away.

Do not approach an alligator to take a selfie.

Avoid checking to see if an alligator is alive.

Before entering a freshwater stream, lake or spring, check around. Alligators are often around even if you don’t see them.

Keep pets on a leash and away from the water.

Steer clear of water at night.

If one bites you, make as much noise as possible. Work hard to get away, use force and try poking at their eyes.

People with concerns about an alligator can call the Nuisance Alligator Hotline, 866-FWC-GATOR (866-392-4286).

 

 

 

 

The post Here come the alligators appeared first on The GreatFlorida Insurance Blog.

by GreatFlorida Insurance

3/28/2018

Finding your ideal car is a challenge. “Knowledge of reliable or well performing brands, is a great place to start,” says Ellsworth Buck, Vice President of GreatFlorida Insurance, Florida’s largest independent car insurance agency.

Recently, Consumer Reports not only compared models, but took it to the next level by comparing car brands. Scores are based on vehicle testing as well as owner feedback. Road-test score, predicted reliability and owner satisfaction, along with safety features,  are factored into the final score.

USA Today says, “Consumer Reports is watched closely because it is notoriously independent when it comes to car evaluations, including buying models that it tests from dealers rather than borrowing them from automakers.”

So, who made the lists? We will start with the bad news first. The following car brands proved to be unreliable and lacking in performance.

2018 Worst Car Brands

1. Fiat
2. Jeep
3. Land Rover
4. Alpha Romeo
5. Mitsubishi
6. Jaguar
7. GMC
8. Dodge
9. Ram
10. Mini

“Most of these car brands are not visiting this list worst car brand list for the first time. Several have been plagued with problems for years,” says Ellsworth Buck, Vice President of GreatFlorida Insurance, Florida’s top independent car insurance agency. Notably, Cadillac and Chevrolet finally made it off this notorious list in 2018.

A 2017 dependability study by J.D. Power cites the most common problems with modern vehicles is technology issues, specifically pairing a smartphone to Bluetooth in the car.

Now for the good news. These drivers can drive with pride knowing they made a wise investment into a reliable car brand.

2018 Best Car Brands

1. Genesis
2. Audi
3. BMW
4. Lexus
5. Porsche
6. Kia
7. Subaru
8. Tesla
9. Honda
10. Toyota

These car brands represent the most satisfying by customers, by consistently producing top-quality models. With over 35 brands selling cars, truck and SUV’s in the United States, hopefully these rating can help guide you when making you next car selection.

The post 2018 best and worst car brands appeared first on The GreatFlorida Insurance Blog.

by GreatFlorida Insurance

3/7/2018

Self-storage is a $38 billion a year industry. According to Sparefoot, an online source for self-storage information, over nine percent of households rent a self-storage unit. While Floridians spend an average of $88.68 a month on storage unit rent.

The Self-Storage Association reports half of all units are rented for a year. Many people find storage units a temporary solution during a move or while in transition. “A lack of attics and basements in Florida homes might leave you short on storage space,” says Ellsworth Buck, Vice President of Great Florida Insurance, Florida’s largest independent homeowners insurance agency.

However, not all storage rentals are temporary. 30 percent rent for two years or more. Of longer term renters, fifty percent are simply storing what does not fit in their home.  And others have sentimental items they emotionally cannot deal with. While some are storing items they no longer need or even want. Often, long term self-storage renters forget what is in the storage unit.

Whether you appreciate your self-storage unit or loathe it, make sure your items are insured. Before renting a storage unit, contact your insurance agent or review your homeowners insurance or renters insurance. Your homeowners insurance or renters insurance policy may protect your items in storage.

“When you sign up to rent a storage unit, the self-storage company may try to sell you insurance, but chances are you already covered,” says Ellsworth Buck, Vice President of Great Florida Insurance, Florida’s top independent homeowners insurance agency.

Check if your policy covers items that are stored at an alternate location other than your home. While a renters insurance policy or homeowners policy will cover your belongings, it might not cover them as fully as the ones kept in your home.

Stored belongings might only be covered by a small percentage. A homeowners insurance or renters insurance policy usually protects personal property up to 10 percent of the amount of coverage in your policy.

Exclusions your homeowners or renters policy might not cover include flood or water damage, mold and mildew as well as losses incurred from the failure to maintain the unit properly, which is the responsibility of the storage company.

If you are storing a valuable collection, you might require a personal liability or umbrella policy for additional coverage and peace of mind.  If you plan to keep a vehicle, motorcycle or ATV, you will most likely require separate auto insurance.

To properly safeguard your things selecting a storage facility to suit you and your belongings. Make sure to look for the following when shopping for a unit.

Gated facilities

24/7 security camera

Keypad access or a lock with short arms resistant to bolt cutters

Inspect the unit for pests or leaks before renting.

Choose a climate controlled unit that will protect against mold and mildew.

Do an inventory of what you have in storage along with the estimated value of each item and a picture.

The post Self-storage, a blessing or a curse? appeared first on The GreatFlorida Insurance Blog.

by GreatFlorida Insurance

2/27/2018

The Florida Highway Patrol reports recently, that an elderly man was driving the wrong way on a Florida highway in an RV. The RV struck a truck head on, killing the truck driver and passenger. Three days later, the RV driver also passed from his injuries. Not only was the senior driver driving the wrong way, his lights were not on at the time of the crash. 29 days before the accident, he passed a driving test in his home state of Michigan.

After hearing a tragic story like this, it’s tempting to set age restrictions on a driver’s license. “Keep in mind, people age at differing rates,” reminds Ellsworth Buck, Vice President of GreatFlorida Insurance, Florida’s leading independent auto insurance agency. One 75-year-old can barely get out of bed in the morning, while another person the same age, does yoga and goes for a run.

A decline in vision, cognitive functioning (the ability to reason and remember), physical limitations along with medical conditions and prescription medication can hinder the ability to drive. The most common condition the Department of Motor Vehicles (DMV) decides to restrict a license is for failing cognitive skills including memory, coordination and flexibility.

Although, more options are available for aging drivers. “Driver programs and car innovations are readily available to meet the challenges of senior drivers,” said Ellsworth Buck, Vice President of GreatFlorida Insurance, Florida’s largest independent auto insurance agency.

For example, The Florida Department of Highway Safety and Motor Vehicles (DHSMV), has developed the Florida GrandDriver program for aging drivers. It is an education and outreach initiative that provides information and resources on driving safely and how to plan for safe transitioning from driving. Also, Driver Rehabilitation Specialists offer refresher courses to keep driving skills sharp.

While it is important for senior drivers to maintain their driving independence, eventually elderly drivers and their family must have the difficult conversation about when driving capabilities are beginning to diminish and causing potential danger for others on the road and themselves. Consumer Reports found safety is the biggest motivator for handing over the keys.

How do you know it is time to have that awkward discussion with your loved one? AARP, has some warning signs that indicate a person should begin to limit or stop driving.

Delayed response to unexpected situations.

Becoming easily distracted while driving.

Decrease in confidence while driving.

Having difficulty moving into or maintaining the correct lane of traffic.

Hitting curbs when making right turns or backing up.

Getting scrapes or dents on car, garage or mailbox.

Having frequent close calls.

Driving too fast or too slow for road conditions.

The DHSMV requires that Florida drivers age 80 or older who renew their license undergo a basic vision test.

 

The post Too old to drive? appeared first on The GreatFlorida Insurance Blog.