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Pensacola, FL  32526
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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

2/13/2019

“If you are in the market for a new car this year, you may want to do some research before hitting the car lots,” says Ellsworth Buck, Vice President of GreatFlorida Insurance, Florida’s largest independent car insurance agency.

Consulting expert car critics is helpful. However, car lists while beneficial, are subjective. So, listed below are a couple of different lists to give you a more comprehensive idea of the kind of car you may want to dive home.

U.S. News and World Report Best Cars 2019

The experts at U.S. News and World Report looked at performance, interior, critic’s rating, safety and reliability. Below are the 2019 models they feel are the best.

Best Car: Toyota Camry and Honda Accord- tie

Best Luxury Car: BMW 5 Series

Best SUV: Ford Expedition

Best Luxury SUV: Lincoln Navigator

While newer cars are an investment, used cars can have some drawbacks. “Cars seem to get more powerful, comfortable and fuel efficient every year,” says Ellsworth Buck, Vice President of GreatFlorida Insurance, Florida’s top independent car insurance agency.

2019 cars are equipped with the latest automotive technology. For some, this technology translates into safety features such as automatic steering avoidance. In other cars it is seen in updated conveniences, such as features to alleviate fatigue in drivers.

If you are looking for something more than just basic transportation, the next list is for you. The people at Car and Driver have selected their best 2019 cars that are fun to drive and full of personality. These cars make a statement.

Car and Driver 2019 Best Cars

BMW M2 Competition

Chevrolet Corvette Grand Sport

Ford Mustang GT

Genesis G70

Honda Accord

Honda Civic Sport Hatchback

Mazda MX-5 Miata

Mercedes-Benz E-Class

Porsche 718 Boxter/Cayman

Volkswagen Golf

Whether your car is new or old, reliable transportation or a showpiece, GreatFlorida Insurance has reliable car insurance for you, contact us today.

 

 

The post 2019 Best Cars appeared first on The GreatFlorida Insurance Blog.

by GreatFlorida Insurance

2/6/2019

Tax season is upon us. In fact, the Internal Revenue Service has begun receiving 2018 federal tax returns.

“With the recent tax cut and Jobs Act of 2017, people can expect a lot of changes,” says Ellsworth Buck of GreatFlorida Insurance, Florida’s largest independent homeowners insurance agency.

You can file for free electronically through the IRS website or download paper forms. Also, tax preparation companies such as Turbo Tax and H&R Block are filing tax returns to the IRS on behalf of their customers.

What’s new

According to U.S. News & World Report, the most significant changes this year are, tax rate changes, the doubling of the child tax credit, estate tax changes, business income, alimony payments and charitable and medical deductions. Also, the standard deduction nearly doubled to $12,000 for single tax filers and $24,000 for married couples filing jointly.

“Everyone has a different tax situation, some will come out better with the new changes while some, worse,” says Ellsworth Buck of GreatFlorida Insurance, Florida’s top independent homeowners insurance agency.

How to Prepare:

Print a tax checklist from the IRS, Turbo Tax or H&R Block. Collect and file necessary tax documents such as W-2s from your employers and 1099s from your bank. Do not forget to gather charitable contribution receipts.

Pull out old returns to remind yourself of the credits and deductions you claimed the previous year.

Common life events that could affect your taxes include, marriage, divorce, growing your family, educational expenses, buying or selling a home, retirement, accepting a promotion, receiving an inheritance and dealing with a death.

Deadlines

You have until April, 15 to file your 2018 taxes electronically or postmark your paper taxes. Tax returns for LLCs and S-corporations are due, March 15.

If you are looking for reliable homeowners insurance and trustworthy agents to guide you through the insurance buying process, contact GreatFlorida Insurance today.

 

 

 

The post Tax Season: What you need to know appeared first on The GreatFlorida Insurance Blog.

by GreatFlorida Insurance

1/30/2019

This Sunday, millions of viewers plan to watch the New England Patriots and the Los Angeles Rams as they meet up for the Super Bowl. In the U.S., 72 percent of adults plan to watch the game, while 44 million people plan to host a Super Bowl party according to an annual survey released by the National Retail Federation (NRF) and Prosper Insight and Analytics.

Hosting a house full of guests can have you playing defense. However, never fear, you have solid back up. Homeowners insurance will keep you protected.

“If you regularly host parties checking into an umbrella policy is a good idea. These policies help curb liability expenses that can happen during a party,” says Ellsworth Buck, Vice President of GreatFlorida Insurance, Florida’s largest independent homeowners insurance agency.

Below are possible scenarios you could experience on Super Bowl Sunday. Also, is an explanation on how your home insurance keeps you covered.

 

Man down

As a homeowner, you are responsible for keeping your property safe. If someone trips over a rug on the way to the bathroom and is injured, you could be held financially responsible. Fortunately, a standard home insurance policy includes $1,000 in medical coverage for injuries to guests, per person. Liability coverage is also included if you are sued for injuries.

Fired up

Super Bowl Sunday is a big grilling day. The U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA), reports Super Bowl Sunday as the second largest food consumption day in America.

Understandably, if you get distracted by the game and a mishap with the grill or a kitchen fire occurs, don’t worry you are covered. Dwelling coverage pays for the cost of damage or destruction to your home. If you plan to use a fryer, follow the following safety tips:

Keep the fryer at least 10 feet away from your home and never cook in the garage or on a wood deck.

Place the fryer on a level surface.

Keep children at a safe distance from the fryer.

Don’t use too much oil and over fill the fryer.

Monitor the temperature and use caution when touching the fryer, the lid and handles can be very hot.

Keep a fire extinguisher close by.

Illegal use of hands

To be on the safe side, consider hiding away your treasures that could be easily pocketed.

Keep an updated picture of your valuables for insurance inventory,” says Ellsworth Buck, Vice President of GreatFlorida Insurance.

While you don’t expect your friends to steal your stuff, you don’t always know everyone who comes over on game day. If something of yours goes missing, your personal property coverage pays to replace stolen items.

Stay protected in your home with dependable home insurance Contact a GreatFlorida Insurance agent today at 1-888-478-7801 or complete our free online quote request form at www.greatflorida.com.

 

 

The post Home Insurance Defends You During the Super Bowl appeared first on The GreatFlorida Insurance Blog.

by GreatFlorida Insurance

1/23/2019

“The top deadliest cities in the U.S. for pedestrians are found in Florida,” says Ellsworth Buck, Vice President for GreatFlorida Insurance, Florida’s largest independent car insurance agency.

Smart Growth American and the National Complete Streets Coalition have published their report, “Dangerous by Design 2019,” detailing the nation’s most deadly streets for pedestrians.

Data reveals, between 2008 and 2017 the number of annual pedestrian deaths in the U.S. increased by 35 percent. While walking has increased slightly during that time and driving has only increased eight percent. A total of 49,340 died over the ten-year period, more than 13 people killed a day.

The most dangerous cities to walk in the U.S. are ranked below

1. Orlando-Kissimmee-Sanford
2. Daytona Beach-Deltona-Ormond Beach
3. Melbourne-Palm Bay-Titusville
4. Sarasota-Bradenton
5. Lakeland-Winterhaven
6. Jacksonville
7. Bakersfield, CA
8. Cape Coral-Ft. Myers
9. Tampa-St. Petersburg-Clearwater

14.Miami-Ft. Lauderdale-West Palm Beach

“Over the ten-year period, the Orlando area saw 656 pedestrian deaths,” says Ellsworth Buck, Vice President for GreatFlorida Insurance, Florida’s top independent car insurance agency.

The report exposes dangerous road design is to blame for deaths. Modern streets are wide with higher speed limits and longer blocks. The coalition is calling on congress to make changes such as, lowering speeds limits in areas with heavy foot traffic. They would also like to see more crosswalks with plenty of time to cross the street.

“Our federal policies, standards and funding mechanisms that have been in place for decades produce dangerous roads that prioritize high speeds for cars over safety for all people. These federal policies have continued to influence state and local policies as street design practices,” the report states.

The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration reminds pedestrians, when crossing the street- always obey signs and signals, keep alert at all times and do not assume a driver sees you.

GreatFlorida Insurance has knowledgeable agents across Florida who are committed to finding you the most affordable car insurance to fit your needs. Call 888-478-7801 or online at www.greatflorida.com for a free quote today.

The post Florida Tops the List for Pedestrian Deaths appeared first on The GreatFlorida Insurance Blog.

by GreatFlorida Insurance

1/16/2019

Florida could become one of the first states to allow drivers to present a digital driver’s license stored on cellphones as proof of identification.

“It seems like an obvious transition with so much of our lives currently stored on our phones,” says Ellsworth Buck, Vice President of GreatFlorida Insurance, Florida’s largest independent auto insurance agency.

An electronic driver’s license legislative bill will be introduced this spring.  It is likely to be packaged with a proposal to create a database enabling police to access a driver’s auto insurance status as well.

Many benefits have driver’s excited over this proposal. Losing a driver’s license would not be so inconvenient and few would argue against having to visit the Department of Motor Vehicles for a replacement.

Also, a statewide data base would improve the chances of the police to catch uninsured drivers because the information is updated in real-time, unlike a hard copy of an insurance card or driver’s license. “This could help reduce the high percentage of uninsured motorists across the state,” says Ellsworth Buck, Vice President of GreatFlorida Insurance.

The electronic database however, would not replace traditional driver’s licenses, merely be supplemental. Almost all states in the U.S. currently recognizes electronic copies of auto insurance cards so a driver’s license seems the next logical progression.

According to the Sun Sentinel, 14 other state are also developing, studying and considering an electronic credentials program. They report, it could also be used for traffic stops, voting and purchasing liquor and any other reason you may need to present your driver’s license.

Security

While the advancement in technology is convenient, is it safe? Privacy advocates have expressed serious concern over the digital license. DMV.org reports, “many have openly worried that the trade-off for shiny screens and more convenience will be greater susceptibility – to police officers who are a little too curious, hackers looking to abuse the system, or anyone interested in stealing our identities, whether individually or en masse.”

Logically, a new database of information seems vulnerable to information hungry hackers. Yet, a digital driver’s license would be protected by passwords, PINs and other security features in addition to the typical security built into phones. If a plastic driver’s license is stolen or lost, you also face the same risks of someone taking your information without security protections.

GreatFlorida Insurance has knowledgeable agents across Florida who are committed to finding you the most affordable car insurance to fit your needs. Call 888-478-7801 or online at www.greatflorida.com for a free quote today.

The post Could Electronic Driver’s Licenses be in Florida’s Future? appeared first on The GreatFlorida Insurance Blog.

by GreatFlorida Insurance

1/9/2019

Who doesn’t want a fresh start in the new year? Setting goals for the upcoming year to improve our lives can help us to stay focused on success.

“In an effort to live a happier, healthier life many of us come up with a resolution,” says Ellsworth Buck, Vice President of GreatFlorida Insurance, Florida’s largest independent homeowners insurance agency.

However, Forbes.com reports, 80 percent of New Year’s resolutions fail because people are overly ambitious with their goals. This statistic should not keep you from coming up with a resolution. But maybe focus on setting one that is more realistic to achieve.

So where do you start? Try evaluating a few areas of your life that you feel inspired to improve.

Health

Maybe you need to remove or add something to your diet to help you lose weight or lower your cholesterol. The Mayo Clinic reports, regular exercise can increase self-confidence, improve your sleep and reduce symptoms associated with mild depression and anxiety.

Finances

Money is a sensitive subject, but we can all agree, being anchored to debt is no way to live. Establishing a realistic budget can provide peace of mind. Financial guru, Dave Ramsey says establishing a budget will also reduce stress, build for the future, provide responsibility, as well as a help you dig your way out of debt.

Time

If you feel like you do not have enough time in the day, you probably need to re-evaluate your calendar. Extracurricular activities are great, but they can become a drain on your time. Plan vacations, date nights and family time in advance and stand firm to those dates. Also, remove activities that are not in line with your greatest values.

“Reclaim your schedule,” says Ellsworth Buck, Vice President of GreatFlorida Insurance, Florida’s largest independent homeowners insurance agency.

Stuff

Do not underestimate the power of the clutter you have in your life. Clutter causes stress. An overabundance of stuff can be draining. Less stuff translates into less energy spent organizing and re-organizing and more time spent on the things you enjoy. De-cluttering your home gives you more control over your life.  It allows you to identify what is important and what you no longer need hanging around.

Author and Netflix star, Marie Kondo, encourages people to surround themselves with items that offer positive. She explains in her book, The Life-Changing Magic of Tidying Up, “We should be choosing what we want to keep, not what we want to get rid of.”

GreatFlorida Insurance provides homeowners insurance coverage for the things that matter to you and your family. Get a free quote today.

The post A Fresh Start in 2019 appeared first on The GreatFlorida Insurance Blog.

by GreatFlorida Insurance

12/26/2018

We are in the season where more people are coughing and blowing their nose. But, when is it necessary to see a doctor? What may seem like a simple cold can turn into a more complicated condition.

“While colds might not be severe, cold symptoms can take a lot out of you” says Ellsworth Buck, Vice President of GreatFlorida Insurance, Florida’s largest independent health insurance company.

In fact, colds can wear down your immune system, leaving your body vulnerable to other health issues. Colds typically last for two weeks then go away.

So how can you tell if you have a cold or something more serious, like the flu? According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), the common cold and flu are both respiratory illnesses with similar symptoms. However, those suffering from the flu have more intense symptoms along with fever and chills.

“If you are not sure if you or a family member needs to see a doctor, always call your physician’s office to get advice,” says Ellsworth Buck, Vice President of GreatFlorida Insurance, Florida’s top independent health insurance company.

Below is a list compiled from consumer health website, EverydayHealth.com, of symptoms that require medical attention.

Children

• Fever above 103 F or a fever that lasts more than three days
• Symptoms that last more the 10 days
• Trouble breathing, fast breathing or wheezing
• Bluish skin color
• Earache or drainage from the ear
• Changes in mental state, such as not waking up, irritability or seizures
• Flu-like symptoms that improve, then return with a fever and a worse cough
• Worsening of a chronic medical condition

Adults

• A high, prolonged fever above 102 F
• Symptoms that last more than 10 days or get worse
• Trouble breathing or shortness of breath
• Pain or pressure in the chest
• Fainting or feeling like you are about to faint
• Confusion or disorientation
• Severe, persistent vomiting
• Severe pain in your face or forehead
• Hoarseness, sore throat or a cough that won’t go away after 10 days

If you are looking for affordable and dependable health insurance for your family, give GreatFlorida Insurance a call today.

The post When to See the Doctor appeared first on The GreatFlorida Insurance Blog.