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Pensacola, FL  32526
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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

6/13/2018

“Even with health insurance, prescription medicine is sky rocketing,” observes Ellsworth Buck, Vice President of GreatFlorida Insurance.

Thankfully, change is coming. A Florida law beginning July 1 may save you some serious money. Florida lawmakers are placing a ban on the “gag clause.”

A “gag clause” forbids pharmacists from telling consumers when they could save money by paying cash instead of their health insurance copay. The practice has frustrated pharmacists for years.

For example, you might pay a co-pay of $43 for cholesterol medicine but customers paying cash pay, $19 and until now, the pharmacist was restricted from telling you it was cheaper to pay cash.

According to the American Pharmacists Association (APhA), “If pharmacists violate the gag clauses, PBMs (Pharmacy Benefit Managers) may end the contracts or otherwise impose penalties-a practice widely criticized for inhibiting price transparency and contributing to rising health care costs for patients.”

PBMs claim to negotiate discounts for consumers with drug manufacturers while they receive a rebate. But their practices are being questioned due to their lack of transparency. In a recent report, “Reforming Biopharmaceutical Pricing at Home and Abroad”, The White House Council of Economic Advisers said that large pharmacy benefit managers “exercise undue market power” and generate “outsized profits for themselves.”

“Banning the gag clause is a step in the right direction for our state, in reducing healthcare costs,” says Buck with GreatFlorida Insurance.

CNN reports, $3.2 trillion a year is spent on healthcare in the U.S. That is almost $10,000 per person. It is more than any other country in the world. Why is healthcare so expensive in the U.S.? Medication costs, expensive tests and procedures as well as administrative costs and the frequency in which we run scans and tests drive up the cost of our healthcare compared to other countries. Unfortunately, we are not healthier.

The best way to fix our healthcare problems is to focus on better individual health.

The post New Florida Law Stops Overpaying for Prescriptions appeared first on The GreatFlorida Insurance Blog.

by GreatFlorida Insurance

6/6/2018

Following the devastation of last year’s hurricane season, lawmakers promised many changes. However, as this year’s storm season begins, only a few changes are on the books.

“After billions in damages, most Floridians were expecting to see more changes this hurricane season,” comments Ellsworth Buck, Vice President of GreatFlorida Insurance.

According to the Associated Press, “The Florida House of Representative’s Select Committee on Hurricane Response and Preparedness issued 78 recommendations over the past year, with 27 being acted upon, mostly as appropriations in the state budget.”

The few substantial changes made include, ensuring nursing homes and assisted living facilities have a supply of generators and three days of fuel. Also, the creation of a disaster preparedness sales tax holiday occurring now through June 7. Certain storm supplies are tax exempt, such as: flashlights, batteries, candles, reusable ice packs, fuel containers, ratchet straps and portable generators.

Preparedness is essential, but understanding risk is also important. “As we head into hurricane season, know your homeowners insurance deductible and limits. You want to be insured for your home’s replacement costs,” reminds Buck of GreatFlorida Insurance.

Most homeowners insurance cover hurricane wind damage, but not flood damage. Flood insurance is separate from your homeowners coverage. Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) officials advise everyone with a home in Florida to get flood insurance, despite what a flood map might say.

To improve the publics knowledge of risk, the National Hurricane Center is making improvements in forecasting. New public advisories will better help communicate danger, especially those in an evacuation zone. Adjustments are being made to official hurricane track maps. Experimental wind maps will become official. And advisories will include potential impacts further in advance.

Access to fuel and transportation presented a real problem for those trying to evacuate. In order to ease congestion, a promise to identify larger gas stations along evacuation routes and improved fuel delivery to those areas.

Insurance is designed to help people rebuild their lives. GreatFlorida Insurance can help protect your home with a Florida flood insurance policy provided by the National Flood Insurance Program. We also offer homeowners insurance and rental insurance. Check us out online today.

 

 

 

 

The post Changes this hurricane season 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.

by GreatFlorida Insurance

5/23/2018

A sink hole is growing on the North Lawn of the White House. We will resist the temptation for commentary and jokes.

“Sinkholes are nothing new to Floridians,” says Ellsworth Buck, Vice President of GreatFlorida Insurance, Florida’s largest independent homeowner insurance provider.

However, concerning experts, are the recent heavy rains throughout the state, that may lead to additional sinkholes. Such as the ones in The Villages or the more than a dozen that opened in an Ocala neighborhood earlier this month.

Speaking to a local news agency, Dr. Anthony Randazzo, professor at the University of Florida calls the stretch of land between Tallahassee and I-4 through Central Florida, “sinkhole alley.”

Dr. Randazzo says last year’s Hurricane Irma is responsible for over 400 sinkholes. Recent heavy rainfall is exacerbating the problem.

Sinkholes occur in Florida so often because the peninsula is made up of porous rocks such as limestone or sandstone, which can dissolve over time as they interact with acid naturally occurring in rainwater, according to the Florida Department of Environmental Protection.

So, what happens if a sinkhole develops near or on your property? Florida law requires insurance companies to provide coverage for catastrophic ground cover collapse.

“However, sinkhole damage must meet specific criteria and may not be covered by your homeowner’s insurance policy,” says Buck with GreatFlorida Insurance.  “The law defines sinkhole damage differently from catastrophic ground cover collapse. Sinkhole coverage is available to add to a homeowner’s policy for an additional cost.”

Florida homes do not require inspection for the possibility of sinkholes. Also, most builders do not have them inspected, because of the additional expense. It is impossible to predict when and where the exact location of a sinkhole might develop.

Only a licensed, professional geologist with training in identifying sinkholes, might be able to determine the possibility of sinkhole activity. It is important to keep in mind, not all potential sinkhole activity can be identified.

As a protection to buyers, home sellers are required to disclose when a sinkhole claim was made on a piece of property and the amount that was paid to repair the damages.

You can call the Florida Department of Environmental Protection at 850-245-2118, with a sinkhole question.

The post Heavy Rain Responsible for Sinkholes appeared first on The GreatFlorida Insurance Blog.

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

5/2/2018

“This year’s declining auto sales proves drivers are ditching their cars,” says Ellsworth Buck, Vice President of GreatFlorida Insurance, Florida’s largest independent auto insurance agency.

Last year, car sales dropped almost 11 percent according to Autodata Corp. The trend is continuing this year while auto sales fell at General Motors, Ford, Fiat Chrysler, Nissan and Honda. Hyundai and Kia, also posted declines the beginning of spring.

Drivers are abandoning passenger cars for crossovers, SUV’s and trucks. The decline is causing some automakers to slow down the production of passenger cars.

Ford announced it is ending the sales of their Ford-C Max, Fiesta, Fusion, Taurus and Focus models. The car models will be phased out in the next few years. By 2020, Ford expects 90 percent of its portfolio to be trucks and SUV’s. To support their decision, Ford’s F-series pickup trucks recorded their highest sales since 2000 reports J.D. Power. Ford also plans to add five new SUV models over the next two years.

By 2022, almost 73 percent of all consumer vehicle sales in the United States are expected to be some sort of utility vehicles. About 27 percent will be cars, according to LMC Automotive, an auto industry forecasting firm.

“Drivers desire larger, more comfortable cars, says Ellsworth Buck, Vice President of GreatFlorida Insurance, Florida’s top independent auto insurance agency.

People are choosing crossovers, trucks and SUV’s over cars. To that point, Toyota sold more crossovers, SUV’s and trucks in February of this year than ever before. The remade Jeep Compass is also experiencing strong sales after years of struggling. With fuel prices holding steady, larger cars are more appealing.

Auto industry experts believe auto sales in general are experiencing a decline due to several different conditions such as, tightening credit conditions, higher interest rates and stingy discounts. This equates to higher monthly car payments which are not appealing to most drivers.

The post Are Americans breaking up with their cars? appeared first on The GreatFlorida Insurance Blog.