What commercial insurance is required in Florida?

Florida is a very popular state with business owners. While the taxes in the state make it very friendly, when it comes to hazards that can kill your business, Florida is no more immune than any other state. As a business owner, the best thing you can do for your business is to make sure that you have the mandated commercial insurance and all the insurance you need to be protected. At Zot Insurance Agency in Davie, FL, we will help you make sure you have the required commercial insurance and any other insurance that benefits your business. 

Two types of commercial insurance are required in Florida: 

  • Commercial auto insurance
  • Workers’ compensation

Any business with four or more employees or any construction company with one or more employees must carry workers’ compensation insurance. This provides workers with coverage for medical injuries as well as time that is lost from work. 

Florida is a no-fault state when it comes to auto insurance. Businesses are required to have the same amount of auto insurance for their business as they would for their auto insurance.

Just because the state doesn’t require you to carry commercial property and liability insurance doesn’t mean that it is a good idea for your business to be without them. 

Commercial property insurance works pretty much like home insurance. It combines building and content coverage. This way, even if you are a renter, it makes sense to cover what you need to do business from hazards. 

Commercial liability insurance helps to protect your business assets from legal action. It will help pay a judgment and the legal expenses that come with it. 

Zot Insurance Agency in Davie, FL is here to help with your commercial insurance needs.

Trucking Insurance 101

If you don’t mind long days on the road, trucking is a fantastic profession that’s vital to the economy. Here at Zot Insurance Agency in Davie, FL, we spend a lot of time connecting truckers with insurance that meets their needs, so here’s our quick trucking insurance 101.

What Kind of Insurance Does a Trucker Need?

Because truckers have a particular combination of business and auto coverage needs, their usual coverage is grouped together under commercial trucking insurance. With this coverage, the policy will typically cover damage done to or caused by your truck, the trailer, the cargo. This tends to include the medical bills for anyone injured by you. Every policy is different, so make sure to check the coverage and compare your options.

Travel Distance Matters

Driving further puts your truck and cargo at more risk. Trucking policies tend to have an operating radius where your coverage applies. Be clear with your agent about where you plan to operate and communicate any changes to avoid the brunt of full liability.

General Transport Versus Specialty Trucking

The type of cargo you haul has a large impact on the pricing of your insurance policy coverage. A trucker who takes a variety of jobs with no clear idea of the cargo will need general coverage. If your shipping is specialized to one product, you get a rate based on how volatile and valuable that cargo is. Hauling loads of cabbages doesn’t have the same risk involved as driving a car carrier trailer full of luxury vehicles.

Keep Your Eyes on the Road

There are enough distractions out there that your insurance coverage doesn’t need to add another one. Contact Zot Insurance Agency in Davie, FL for more information on how commercial trucking insurance works or to shop for a policy.

What to Expect if You’re Having Problems Getting Florida Auto Insurance

There are many reasons why you would be denied Florida auto insurance. You may have a poor driving record, too many claims, or have let your previous policy lapse in payments. These are the most common reasons.

If it happens to you, know you are not alone. You can still get auto insurance. At Zot Insurance Agency, we want every Davie, FL driver to get the insurance they need. We can help you find the solution that works.

Most Common Reasons To Be Declined for Florida Auto Insurance

The most common reasons for being declined for Florida auto insurance are:
• Poor insurance rating (non-payment, high claims)
• Your car is expensive or fast (insurance companies see claims on these cars and want to avoid this)
• Bad driving record (speeding tickets or other moving violations)
• A lot of car accidents
• One or more DUI on your record

When you have been denied auto insurance in Florida, you may not always be told why if you have filled out an online application. It doesn’t mean that you can’t get auto insurance. 

The best way to handle the problem is to talk to an insurance agent that can look at your insurance file and help you figure out the problem. From there you can consider your options.

What to Expect When You’ve Been Denied

The most common thing to expect when you have been denied auto insurance is a hike in your insurance rates. You will likely be considered a high-risk driver at that point and will see insurance rates in that range for approximately three years.

If you have a good driving and claims record for those three years, your rates will come back down again. That is the most common thing to expect when you are having problems getting car insurance.

If you can not get insurance because you have a DUI on your record, that is a separate kind of high-risk insurance. You will need SR22 or FR44 insurance, which most insurance companies can do for you.

Another option for you if you can not get insurance is to get added onto someone else’s car insurance as a secondary driver.

Get a Quote

These are just a few things to expect when you get denied for Florida car insurance. At Zot Insurance Agency, we want to work with all Davie, FL drivers to help them get the solutions they need. Call us for a quote today.

Trucking Insurance FAQ

Are you in the trucking business? Are you adequately insured? Contact the knowledgeable insurance agents at Zot Insurance Agency serving Davie, FL, with your query today.

What Does Trucking Insurance Cover?

Your trucking insurance should cover five main areas:

  • Your truck or trucks
  • Driver
  • Cargo
  • Passengers
  • Liability

Trucking insurance is often commercial and should be a tailor-made package that covers the appropriate areas above. Be willing and able to discuss these areas extensively with your insurer. They can assist you in providing different coverage options. These options are based on the information you provide, so be as accurate as possible. Review regularly.

What Are the Florida Insurance Requirements?

Most state insurance requirements revolve around liability, and FL is no exception. Any driver on FL roads and highways are required to have mandatory liability insurance, including truckers. However, their liability insurance requirements are much higher, depending on the category of cargo they are carrying.

Interstate truckers must register with the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA), and they have their insurance requirements before they issue operating authority.

When discussing your liability cover, consider.

  • Property damage liability
  • Personal injury liability

What Else Should I Think About When It Comes to Trucking Insurance?

The trucking business is sensitive to time delays and costs, and it is essential to consider all the aspects involved when it comes to trucker insurance. Hope for the best, but plan for the worst.

Crashes, breakdowns, and lost cargo are regular occurrences when it comes to trucking, and these affect your bottom line. Having the appropriate insurance in place helps to negate this, and you should therefore consider your trucking insurance as an asset.

Speak to Us Today!

Call Zot Insurance Agency serving Davie, FL, today and make sure you have peace of mind when your trucks are out on the road!

Commercial Truck Insurance: A Guide to Getting the Right Coverage

Commercial truck insurance is a tailored policy suitable for trucking risks. This insurance protects drivers and trucks on the road for owners of truck businesses and independent truck drivers, thus safeguarding your business. Zot Insurance Agency provides truck owners in Davie, FL, with the best coverage options for commercial truck insurance.

What You Need to Know About Commercial Insurance For Your Truck

Truckers have unique needs, which are accounted for in commercial truck insurance policies. If you want to be safe and keep your truck on the road, get your truck insured. The trucking policies start with primary liability and build on that foundation for additional policies, including general liability.

Commercial truck insurance is mandatory in most states. The Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration requires truckers to show proof of insurance on the road to perform commercial activities. There are many risks involved with heavy cargo transport, and proper insurance helps shield you from monetary losses in these cargo damage cases due to road fatalities.

Buying The Right Commercial Truck Insurance

Commercial truck insurance is a big and key investment for anyone with a truck business. Before purchasing this policy, it’s important to understand what they entail to know the level of coverage offered. You can get multiple quotes from agents specializing in truck insurance to determine what best suits your business needs.

Determine the type of commercial insurance that best protects your assets in cases of negligence claims and malpractices. Choosing a reputable insurance company with enough experience and reserves is important to cater to insurance claims.

What Is Covered In Commercial Truck Insurance?

Truck businesses have unique safety needs. Commercial truck insurance policies cover general liability, workers’ compensation, and commercial umbrella insurance for truckers.

If you want to cover all fleet damages and protect yourself against losses occurring on the roads, get commercial truck insurance from Zot Insurance Agency serving Davie, FL. Contact us to protect your truck business against unforeseeable losses.

Does an Online-based Business Need Commercial Insurance?

With businesses moving from the traditional office setup to online business, one may expect their commercial insurance to change — and rightly so. An online business presents you with unique risks that you need to mitigate by investing in a commercial insurance policy from Zot Insurance Agency of Davie, FL. Yes, you may not have a physical office, but this doesn’t mean you don’t have risks.

Do you have an online business? Below are coverages to consider for your business.

Liability insurance

Whether your business is physical or online, you need general liability insurance to protect your business against advertising injury, property damage, and bodily injury. Your products or services could harm customers. Similarly, you could publish a report deemed libelous by a third party. Either way, liability insurance covers you, ensuring you don’t incur out-of-pocket expenses.

Worker’s comp insurance

If you have one or more employees in your business, you need to invest in worker’s comp insurance to protect them from illnesses or work-related injuries. Besides, this coverage compensates your employees for partial loss of income when they cannot resume work.

Cyber liability insurance

By their nature, online businesses face a constant threat of cyber crime activities like hacking. When this happens, you could suffer data breaches and other costly consequences. Worse yet, if you store sensitive data on behalf of clients, any leakage may result in expensive lawsuits. Without business insurance, your business can’t withstand such costs.

Cyber liability insurance helps you pay for legal fees, notification costs, public relations expenses, and other related costs, lessening your financial burden when faced with cyber threats. 

Professional liability insurance

If you offer online professional services, you need liability coverage to protect you when sued for alleged negligence, missed deadlines, or non-delivery. Professional liability insurance covers legal costs, including lawyer fees. 

Buy commercial insurance today

Whether your Davie, FL business is online or physical, you need commercial insurance that suits the nature of your business. If you need commercial insurance coverage, don’t hesitate to contact Zot Insurance Agency for a competitive quote. 

Everything you need to know about selecting trucking insurance

We at the Zot Insurance Agency in Davie, FL have years of experience working with truckers and trucking companies to get you the commercial coverage you rely to stay on the road. We understand that there’s no such thing as a one-size-fits-all insurance solution. Read on for our tips on ways to help us get you the best insurance for your specific needs.

Gather the documentation your insurer will need

To speed things along when discussing options with your insurance agent, it helps to have some basic information readily available. Gather information — such as your driver’s license number, driving history, and the VIN number of the vehicle you’d like to insure — before speaking with an agent. Having these documents in hand will speed the process and help your agent guide you to the optimal coverage for your needs. 

Think about the type of coverage you require

It often helps to have an idea of the type of coverage you’ll require before approaching an insurance agency. A bit of basic knowledge makes it easier to understand the details of the various available policies. Individual truckers are required to carry primary liability insurance. General liability insurance provides coverage for trucking companies. Some general liability policies offer protection in the event your company is sued for libel or false advertising. 

We’d love to help

If you’re interested in discussing your options, we at the Zot Insurance Agency in Davie, FL are here to help. We have years of experience helping South Florida truckers with their insurance needs. We understand what you need and can help get you insured and on the road quickly and efficiently. 

Do I need to get property insurance for my second home in Florida?

Owning a second home in the Davie, FL area is a dream for a lot of people. While you may be excited to own a property that you can visit to enjoy the sun, warm weather, and a variety of local activities, it is important to remember that the property is a valuable asset that requires appropriate insurance coverage. There are a few reasons why you need to have insurance for your second home. 

Coverage Protects Your Home

One of the main reasons that you need to have property insurance for your second home in this state is because it can protect your home. Anyone that buys a second property will be making a significant investment that they will want to last. To ensure that your home is protected, you need to have a home insurance plan that can be used to repair your property if it is damaged. 

Coverage is a Requirement

Most people are also going to have specific home insurance requirements that need to be met. If you are going to own a second home, you likely will take out a mortgage and may also be part of a home association. In almost all cases, both your mortgage lender and the home association will require that you carry a full home insurance plan at all times. Having the proper coverage can help you stay in good standing.

In the Davie, FL area, there continue to be a lot of second and vacation homeowners. As you are looking to buy a home here, you should speak with the Zot Insurance Agency to discuss your needs. If you do call the Zot Insurance Agency, you can learn a lot about your housing options and choose a plan that is ideal for your situation. 

What Are the Insurance Requirements for Florida Commercial Trucks?

Living in Florida, you must carry the appropriate commercial auto insurance to legally drive your truck on its roads. The state and the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA) require specific levels of insurance for commercial trucks dependent upon the type of hauling. Zot Insurance Agency of Davie, FL wants you to understand the insurance policies you need to meet the legal requirements of the state and federal government.

Liability Coverage Minimums

While typical drivers in Florida law must carry liability insurance of at least $10,000, a commercial trucker must meet a higher set of insurance requirements. This minimum varies depending on the cargo type. It ranges from $300,000 to $5 million.

  • Household goods require a $300,000 minimum liability insurance policy.
  • General freight requires a $750,000 minimum liability insurance policy.
  • Oil transport requires a $1,000,000 liability insurance policy.
  • Hazardous materials require a $5,000,000 liability insurance policy.

Hauling across state lines means you must also meet the FMCSA federal liability limits. These typically range between $750,000 and $1,000,000.

This pays for the property damage you cause to another vehicle in an accident. This pays for repairs to their vehicle or replacing the vehicle. Your insurance also covers bodily injury liability, which covers costs of permanent or serious injuries or death when you cause an accident. Personal injury protection protects you and pays your medical costs if you incur injuries in an accident you or another driver causes.

If you drive your truck independently, meaning you own the vehicle and drive as an independent contractor, you must purchase all the policy components required by law. If you drive a truck for another company as its employee, the trucking company typically purchases the majority of the insurance. They may require you to obtain a hired truck insurance policy.

Zot Insurance Agency serving Davie, FL wants you to remain safe on the road. Let us help you protect your investment in your rig and your health with commercial trucking insurance.

Business Owners and Commercial Insurance

At Zot Insurance Agency, serving Davie, FL we understand that you have invested a lot of time and money into your company. You have a desire and a responsibility to protect those investments. If you are wondering where to start, though, we are here to help. Business owners can bring a new layer of security and protection to their company through a solid commercial insurance policy. Keep reading to find out what you need to know about this important coverage. 

What Is Commercial Insurance?

If you are not familiar with commercial insurance, that’s okay. We are here to answer your questions and help you choose the policy that can best meet your needs. A commercial insurance policy is a unique product we provide for business owners. This product will cover all of the major areas of your company that will benefit from insurance coverage. Having this type of coverage in place is crucial to your long-term financial health and success. 

What All Is Covered Under This Type of Policy?

A commercial insurance policy will cover:

Property Damage- If your property or equipment is damaged because of a fire, natural disaster, or even burglary, this policy will kick to pay for repairs or replacement of what you have lost. 

Vehicle Coverage- You will need to be legally insured if you operate vehicles through your business. We have got you covered. 

Liability Coverage- Liability coverage is essential to long-term financial health. If someone is injured at your facility or because of your services, liability insurance will pay for any resulting expenses. 

If you would like to learn more about our insurance products, please contact us at Zot Insurance Agency, serving Davie, FL.