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

Umbrella Insurance

Lawsuits are not reserved for the rich and famous, unfortunately, no one is immune.  Disastrous circumstances can leave you in debt if you are not protected.

An umbrella insurance policy goes beyond the limitations of traditional insurance.

GreatFlorida Insurance provides extra liability insurance from lawsuits, property damage, injuries, slander and libel, worldwide incidents and false arrest and imprisonment as well as shock and mental anguish for residents of West Pensacola.

Our umbrella insurance is designed to protect you and your family from major claims and lawsuits. It is security without the huge costs.

An umbrella policy will cover medical bills and claims of an incident that occurs on your property such as a dog bite, pool injury or death, or boating incident. Property damage liability covers damage you are responsible for such as a serious auto accident.

It can also safeguard rental property you own. Without an umbrella policy your assets, college fund, salary and retirement savings are vulnerable.

GreatFlorida Insurance is here to support you and your family when a crisis occurs. Prevent your family from financial ruin by signing up for an umbrella policy to shelter your family’s future.

Cover Your Bases with Umbrella Insurance

It's the part of insurance that we all dread, policy coverage limitations. You pay for insurance expecting complete protections.

Unfortunately, we all know that while it's essential to arm yourself with insurance policies that protect your assets, there are occasions where those policies just aren't enough.

You can hope that you have great luck and will never need more than your policies cover, or you can invest in umbrella insurance.

Contact a GreatFlorida Umbrella Insurance Agent in West Pensacola for your free quote today by calling 850-378-2500 or by taking a few moments to complete our online quote request form.

What is Umbrella Insurance?

Umbrella Insurance is like the super hero of insurance policies. It saves you by breaking the chains on the limitations of auto, boat and home insurance.

Basic policy exclusions are no match for umbrella insurance. Get added protection from such liabilities and incidents like:

• Lawsuits
  
• Property damage
  
• Injuries
  
• Slander and libel
  
• Worldwide incidents
  
• False arrest and imprisonment

How do I know if I need an umbrella insurance policy?

Do you want to know you're protected against the limits of your policies? Do you want coverage on items that are excluded from your policies?

If you answered "yes," an umbrella insurance policy is your answer.

Simply call 850-378-2500 or complete our online quote request form. A GreatFlorida Umbrella Insurance Agent in West Pensacola will help you find the best deal for you.

Get a Quote Online

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.