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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

8/16/2018

Before you dig into your favorite and nourishing breakfast consider, it could contain weed killer. A recent report found dangerous amounts of the herbicide, glyphosate, the active ingredient in weed killer Roundup in several oat-based breakfast foods.

“These findings are disturbing and require our attention without causing mayhem in your pantry,” says Ellsworth Buck, Vice President of GreatFlorida Insurance, Florida’s top independent health insurance agency.

Environmental advocacy organization, The Environmental Working Group (EWG), conducted a study of oat cereals, oatmeal, granola and snack bars. Glyphosate was found in all, but five of the 29 regular and organic products tested.

The World Health Organization (WHO) and California scientists, believe glyphosate is a carcinogen. Last week, a California jury awarded a groundskeeper $289 million in damages. He claims long-term exposure to large amounts of Monsanto’s Roundup is responsible for his terminal cancer. Monsanto, the maker of Roundup, strongly disputes the finding that glyphosate is a carcinogen.

Also, the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) recognizes glyphosate as one of the most widely used agricultural pesticides in  the U. S. and claims it is, “not likely to be carcinogenic to humans.” The EPA says there is no risk to human health when used accordingly. According to EWG, more than 250 million pounds of glyphosate is sprayed on American crops annually.

“In cases like this, where different experts have opposing conclusions, you must make decisions based on your beliefs,” says Ellsworth Buck, Vice President of GreatFlorida Insurance, Florida’s largest independent health insurance agency.

Below are the results of the study.

Potentially dangerous to children

Back to Nature Classic Granola

Barbara’s Multigrain Spoonfuls, Original, Cereal

Bob’s Red Mill Steel Cut Oats

Cheerios Toasted Whole Grain Oat Cereal

Giant Instant Oatmeal Original Flavor

Great Value Original Instant Oatmeal

Kellogg’s Cracklin’ Oat Bran Cereal

Lucky Charms (without the marshmallows)

Market Pantry Instant Oatmeal, Strawberries & Cream

Nature Valley Crunchy Granola Bars, Oats ‘n Honey

Nature Valley Granola Protein Oats ‘n Honey

Quaker Dinosaur Eggs, Brown Sugar, Instant Oatmeal

Quaker Old Fashioned Oats

Quaker Simply Granola Oats, Honey, Raisin and Almonds

Quaker Steel Cut Oats

Umpqua Oats, Maple Pecan

Contains safe amounts of glyphosate

Back to Nature Banana Walnut Granola Clusters

Bob’s Red Mill Organic Old Fashioned Rolled Oats

Kellogg’s Nutrigrain Soft Baked Breakfast Bars, Strawberry

KIND Oats & Honey with Toasted Coconut

KIND Vanilla, Blueberry Clusters with Flax Seeds

Nature’s Path Organic Old Fashioned Organic Oats

Quaker Chewy Chocolate Chip granola bar

Whole Foods Bulk Bin conventional rolled oats

Contained no glyphosate in any tests

365 Organic Old-Fashioned Rolled Oats

Cascadian Farm Organic Harvest Berry, granola bar

Kashi Heart to Heart Organic Honey Toasted Cereal

Nature’s Path Organic Honey Almond Granola

Simple Truth Organic Instant Oatmeal, Original

The post Weed killer found in popular breakfast foods appeared first on The GreatFlorida Insurance Blog.

by GreatFlorida Insurance

8/9/2018

“Being on the water, provides a sense of calm and clarity,” says Ellsworth Buck, Vice President of GreatFlorida Insurance, Florida’s leading independent boat insurance agency.

In his book, Blue Mind, Dr. Wallace J. Nichols, marine biologist, explains that being on, in or near the water improves creativity, emotional health and relaxation. It can also heal the mind and body.

In the book, he describes the state of a “red mind” and its antidote, a “blue mind.” A red mind is characterized by stress, anxiety and fear, whereas a blue mind is described as calm, peaceful and happy. A blue mind can be achieved by being in, near, on, under or around water. Such as being on a boat. He describes to Discover Boating, that a blue mind, gives our minds a break, it helps us to disconnect from tech and connect with our thoughts and insights as well as with other people.

Research shows walking on the beach, hanging out at the lake or even taking a dip in the pool can calm you down while sparking creativity. He shares with Huffington Post some additional benefits to being around water.

Water gives our brains a rest.

Water can induce a meditative state.

Water can inspire us to be more compassionate and connected.

Exercise by or in water is good for our brains and our bodies.

“These findings explain why we feel so much joy when boating,” observes Buck with GreatFlorida Insurance, Florida’s largest independent boat insurance agency.

Boat rental website, Carefree Boat Club, explains that boating allows you to create bonding experiences and enjoy memories with family and friends. They report, according to studies, boaters respond to stress or stressful situations in a manner better than non-boaters.

So, the next time you are debating that fishing trip or all-day outing at the beach, remember, it can benefit your health, body and mind.

The post Can Boating Help Us Be Our Better Selves? appeared first on The GreatFlorida Insurance Blog.

by GreatFlorida Insurance

7/17/2018

A new driver in the family is exciting. However, it can also be the source of stress. Aside from safety concerns, car insurance costs increase significantly.

Teen crash rates are the highest of any age group, making them the riskiest group on the road. Adding a teen to the family car insurance policy can sometimes double the payments.

“While car insurance can get pricey for teens, discounts are available,” says Ellsworth Buck, Vice President of GreatFlorida Insurance. Below are some discounts available to teen drivers to cut auto insurance costs.

Good Grades

Good student discount rewards students financially, for doing well in school. According to DMV.org, statistics show that students who get good grades are less likely to get into a car accident, making them a lower risk for car insurance companies. A Good grade discount varies among auto insurance companies, however most require the following:

The student is under 25 years old

Full-time enrollment at a high school or college/university

Maintain at least a B average (3.0 grade point average), or be on the honor roll or Dean’s List.

Show other accepted proof of good performance, if home-schooled.

Score in the upper 20 percent on one of the six standardized tests.

Some insurance companies will extend the discount for a year after a student completes school.

Driver’s Education

Safety is the top concern for parents of a teen driver. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) report, motor vehicle crashes are the leading cause of death for U.S. teens. Driver safety courses teach new drivers rules of the road, as well as offer teen drivers savings.

Students who complete a driver training program, are eligible for a discount. DriversEd.com reports drivers can earn a discount of up to 10 percent after completing their course. Some insurance providers have special courses where students can earn over 15 percent savings.

Electronic Device Technology

Several auto insurers now offer electronic devices to monitor teen driving habits. The devices gather information such as, the number of miles driven, speed, the number of hours on the road and how often the brakes are applied hard. Drivers who meet the standards can save up to 30 percent on premiums.

“These devices are great for safety and savings,” says  Buck,  of GreatFlorida Insurance.

Distant-Student Discounts

If your student driver, resides at a school at least 100 miles from your home and only occasionally drives your vehicle, you could qualify for a discount on your auto insurance.

Car Selection

While most teens dream of receiving a brand-new car for their 16^th birthdays, the reality is, they will most likely be driving something used. A used car will save you money to insure instead of insuring a new one. Large trucks and SUV’s cost more to insure, particularly if they have a four-wheel drive option. Some car features that can save money include; anti-lock brakes (ABS), air bags, adaptive cruise control, lane departure warning, collision preparation systems and anti-theft devices.

 

The post Lowering a Teen Drivers Auto Insurance appeared first on The GreatFlorida Insurance Blog.

by GreatFlorida Insurance

7/12/2018

“Fishing, tourism and public health are vulnerable to algae this year in Florida”, observes Ellsworth Buck, Vice President of GreatFlorida Insurance, Florida’s leading independent boat insurance company.

Red Tide

A patchy bloom of the Florida red tide organism, Karenia brevis, persists in Southwest Florida. You might recognize red tide on the beach. It looks like thick mats of smelly, brown, seaweed and covers beaches along Florida’s Atlantic Coast.

Red Tide is a naturally-occurring microscopic alga that has been documented along Florida’s Gulf Coast since the 1840’s and occurs nearly every year. Blooms, or higher than normal concentrations of the Florida red tide alga, Karenia brevis, frequently occur in the Gulf of Mexico, according to the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission (FWC).

The National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA), reports some red tide produces toxins that have harmful effects on people, fish, marine mammals and birds. In humans, the toxin can become airborne and varying levels of eye and respiratory irritation can occur, becoming more severe for those with pre-existing respiratory conditions, such as asthma. Even touching the bloom can cause a rash.  MOTE Marine Laboratory & Aquarium issues daily beach conditions from beaches along the Southwest coast and along the panhandle. Try checking their website before you head out for the day.

Toxic Algae Bloom

Red tide is not the only algae growing in Florida. Two years ago, some Florida waterways and beaches were afflicted by what many described as a green, slimy, rancid- smelling algae. Well…it’s back. The Florida Department of Environmental Protection (DEP) reports the blue-green algae also known as cyanobacteria, typically develops in nutrient-rich lakes that contain high levels of phosphorous and nitrogen. High temperatures, warm water and abundant sunlight create ideal conditions for the toxic blooms to thrive.

Lake Okeechobee, the Caloosahatchee River and St. Lucie estuary are filled with the toxic algae as it continues to spread to Cape Coral and Ft. Myers. “Just cleaning up the water will not help, points out Buck with GreatFlorida Insurance, Florida’s largest independent boat insurance agency. Both red tide and the blue-green algae are exacerbated by fertilizers and other pollution fed by runoff from the surrounding land.

The blue-green algae can cause skin rashes, nausea, respiratory issues, cramps, diarrhea and vomiting. Long term conditions include; liver, kidney and nervous system damage.

Governor Rick Scott declared a state of emergency this week for seven counties around the lake to give state environmental and tourism agencies more resources to respond to problems caused by the algae. The order also authorizes flushing water south of the lake instead of down the rivers that run to the coasts.

The post Algae Plagues Florida Beaches and Waterways appeared first on The GreatFlorida Insurance Blog.

by GreatFlorida Insurance

7/5/2018

The interior of a parked car in Florida averages 150 degrees, according to researchers at the University of Central Florida.

“Every driver in Florida is familiar with the intense heat that greats you as you open the car door on a hot day,” says Ellsworth Buck, Vice President of GreatFlorida Insurance, Florida’s largest independent car insurance agency. Not only is a hot car terribly uncomfortable, but cooling your car down quickly can keep you from looking like a hot mess before you arrive at your destination.

Engineers at Consumer Reports found the best method for cooling off a hot car as soon as possible. The following are their instructions for how to do it.

“These tips will help you get the most from your air conditioning system while burning less fuel,” says Buck, with GreatFlorida Insurance, Florida’s top independent car insurance agency.

Don’t Pre- Cool

Don’t run the air conditioning in your car until you are ready to drive. The A/C works better when you are driving. Once you are on your way, open the windows and crank the fan to full blast. When cold air starts coming through the vents, close the front windows but keep the rear windows cracked open for another 10 – 20 seconds. This gets cold air to the back of the car and creates an easy path for the hot air to escape the cabin.

Go Low

Adjust the temperature and fan. Setting the temperature to the coldest temperature and adjusting the fans speed keep the air from drying out, making the A/C more efficient saving you some fuel.

Don’t Recirculate

If passengers are in the backseat, turn off recirculation mode. This takes air from the front of the car and pulls it back through the front system keeping the people upfront cool, but leaves the air in the back stale and hot.

Turn Off Start/Stop

Newer cars have an auto start-stop system, turn it off. This feature saves fuel, but it can also keep the air conditioning compressor from running when it shuts the engine off. In very hot weather, you will notice the lack of cool air quickly especially if you are stuck at a lengthy stoplight or in stop and go traffic.

Check the Air Filter

Check your cabin’s air filter to make sure it is clean. A dirty filter prevents air flow.

Automatic Climate Control

If you have automatic climate control in your car, lowering the temperature doesn’t make the car cool off faster. Most systems will do all the temperature and fan adjustments automatically, so you can just set it and forget it.

The post How to Cool Your Car Down Quickly appeared first on The GreatFlorida Insurance Blog.

by GreatFlorida Insurance

6/27/2018

On July 4^th people across the country express their American patriotism by celebrating Independence Day.  A quick history refresher- On July 4, 1776, the Declaration of Independence was officially adopted, declaring the 13 colonies liberated from England.

“Independence Day is a festive day to reflect on the privilege of freedom and democracy we enjoy in this country,” said Ellsworth Buck, Vice President of GreatFlorida Insurance, Florida’s largest independent homeowners insurance agency.

Below is some information you might find useful in commemorating this Independence Day.

FIREWORKS- What is legal and what’s not?

The 4^th of July is all about fireworks.

In Florida, nothing airborne or exploding is legal including shells and mortars, tube devices, Roman candles, rockets and even firecrackers. Although, you can legally purchase fireworks if you sign a waiver. The waiver states that you will be using the fireworks to scare away birds from agricultural products or fish hatcheries, according to Florida Today. Lying on the form is a first-degree misdemeanor.

Illegally using fireworks is also a first-degree misdemeanor, punishable by up to one year in jail and a $1,000 fine. However, sparklers, snakes and party poppers are legal. Keep in mind, there is still a risk of injury using sparklers. The U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC) reports 8 deaths were caused by fireworks in 2017 along with 12,900 emergency-room related injuries. Sparklers were the number one cause of injuries.

The South Walton Fire District recommends the following guidelines to light it up safely:

Keep a bucket of water close by or a garden hose.

Don’t light anything on dry grass, look for a flat surface.

Never try to re-light a “dud” and light one item at a time.

Do not use unwrapped items or items that may have been tampered with.

Only purchase fireworks from a licensed vendor.

Light up in an open area.

Never allow young children to play or light fireworks.

Keep any part of your body from being directly over a fireworks device when lighting the fuse.

Never carry sparklers in your pocket or shoot them off in metal or glass containers.

DRIVING

More people are killed in car accidents on Independence Day than any other day of the year. “The staggering amount of traffic contributes to that grim statistic, reminds Buck with GreatFlorida Insurance, Florida’s top independent homeowners insurance and car insurance agency.

Along with a high traffic volume, drinking and driving adds to dangerous road conditions. Alcohol also exacerbates dehydration, intensifying the effects of alcohol and causing drowsiness. Distraction from fireworks, is likewise a source of car accidents.

GreatFlorida Insurance is available 24/7 to help with your insurance needs. We offer quality and affordable homowners insurance coverage to Floridians across the state. Call us at 1-888-478-7801 or check us out online at www.greatflorida.com.

The post Make Independence Day unforgettable-in a good way appeared first on The GreatFlorida Insurance Blog.

by GreatFlorida Insurance

5/30/2018

The American Automobile Association (AAA), reports current gas prices are the highest they have been in four years. Almost 60 cents higher than this time last year.

“Gas prices typically rise just in time for the busy Memorial Day weekend,” observes Ellsworth Buck, Vice President of GreatFlorida Insurance, Florida’s largest independent auto insurance agency.

However, relief at the pump is coming. Crude oil prices are dropping and some oil producing nations such as Russia and Saudi Arabia, are expected to increase oil production.  Mark Jenkins, a spokesman for AAA said gas prices should be lowering, although the prices, “will not happen overnight,” as retailers usually do not react quickly to these market factors and are not ready to discount fuel they paid a premium to get.

Gas prices are the highest in South Florida, at $2.99-$2.94 per gallon in West Palm Beach and Boca Raton. While Jacksonville and Punta Gorda are enjoying the lowest prices at $2.86 per gallon.

“Lower gas prices are arriving in time for what is expected to be a busy summer travel season, says Ellsworth Buck, Vice President of GreatFlorida Insurance, Florida’s top independent auto insurance agency. Airlines for America, an industry trade organization expects summer air travel to rise 3.7 percent, reaching an all-time high.

If you plan to travel this summer, check out the following travel hacks to help save your sanity.

When packing your bag, place shoes in a shower cap.

Throw the hotel bar soap or a dryer sheet in your dirty laundry bag so it doesn’t stink up your bag for the remainder of the trip.

Store power cords in an old sunglass case.

If you forget your cell phone charger, ask the front desk if you can borrow one during your stay.

If you forget the wall plug-in, check the back of the hotel TV, there is usually a USB port.

Heading to a theme park or the beach? Place your phone in a plastic bag to keep it from getting wet.

To protect a wine bottle in your bag, wrap it with a pool floatie.

Scan your passport, ID and itinerary and email it to yourself so you have a digital copy if it is stolen or lost.

 

The post Gas Prices Expected to Drop in Florida appeared first on The GreatFlorida Insurance Blog.