Trucking Insurance: Excessive Liability Or Umbrella Coverage?

When it comes to your Florida trucking insurance, although the terms excess liability and umbrella liability are often confused as being the same, they are quite different. Zot Insurance Agency is here to help you understand how each type of insurance works. 

Umbrella vs. Excess Liability Insurance 

While there are similarities, there are differences. Umbrella liability is collective. It could reach over general, auto, or employer’s liability, as well as provide coverage when the underlying coverage does not exist. Excess liability is very specific. It is extra coverage over a set amount for all three lines of coverage. What they do share in common is that for either an umbrella or excess liability policy to trigger, the underlying insurance policy line must be exhausted. 

Umbrella Liability and Excess Liability Insurance Coverage 

Both policies provide an excellent solution to help you protect your assets (such as your Davie, FL home) and net worth in the event you are faced with a large claim. The coverages may also meet shipper’s requirements for specific loads. 

For example, excess liability can be written in whereby the carrier chooses not to select the higher limits required by the shipping contract. This provides no coverage for other hauls that the carrier has that do not involve the shipper named on your excess liability policy. If an umbrella policy is triggered due to a claim that doesn’t include the underlying insurance than retention or deductible (typically $10,000 per claim) would apply.  

With ever-increasing claims in the trucking industry, it is smart to consider either an excess liability policy or an umbrella liability policy to protect you and your business. To learn more about umbrella and excess liability or to speak with an agent about your trucking insurance needs, call  Zot Insurance Agency in Davie, FL today. We serve over seven states!

Can You Have More than One Commercial Policy?

When it comes to commercial insurance, it is always best to know just what you can and cannot have. For those that live in the Davie, FL area, the agents with Zot Insurance Agency can help you to determine what type of coverage you need and what type of coverage you want for your business.

When you have a commercial property, it is essential to have a commercial policy to help protect this property from theft, damage, and to help protect the employees that work there, as such, it is essential to figure out what policy is going to work for you. In many cases, you can have as much insurance as you wish on any property. The issue when it comes to having multiple policies is the overall value of the business.

You cannot, for instance, have three policies on one property that amount to more than the property is worth. This causes an issue with most insurance companies as insuring a business for far more than it is worth is going to cost the insurance company a great deal more money to take care of a claim than what the property is actually worth.

In most cases, you are not going to be able to have multiple policies on the same property through the same insurance company. You may be able to insure it through another company, but you always want to speak with an agent about what is legal and what is smart when it comes to insuring your business. You can always insure your business and adjust coverage as needed to guarantee that you are going to be fully covered in the event of an incident.

For those in the Davie, FL area, the agents with Zot Insurance Agency can help you to find the policy that works best for you, and that is going to do the most for your business.  

When do You Need Trucking Insurance?

If you own a business in Davie, FL that uses trucks for hauling equipment or transporting goods, you need trucking insurance to protect your vehicle and cargo. Any business that offers trucking services needs trucking insurance. Although this type of insurance is geared mainly to large companies with fleets of trucks, small business owners can also benefit from the protection this insurance has to offer. By talking to an agent from Zot Insurance Agency, you can get a better idea of the type of trucking insurance coverage you need.

Trucking Insurance Options

Trucking insurance policies come with many coverage options ranging from basic protection to customized coverage. Basic protection often includes collision damage and comprehensive insurance. Collision damage helps cover the repair costs of your vehicle and that of other drivers if you’re found at fault of an accident. Comprehensive insurance covers the costs of damages to your truck from accidents that don’t involve a collision like hail, wind, vandalism, etc. Before getting coverage, take time to assess your risks as this can help you choose the amount and type of coverage you need.

Customized Coverage

If you own a large fleet of trucks and your main business is transporting goods, you can get specialized insurance coverage to protect your assets fully. Options for specialized trucking insurance include commercial collision coverage, comprehensive coverage, auto liability, cargo insurance, and uninsured/underinsured motorist. You can tailor your policy to cover the types of vehicles in your fleet and the services they provide.

In short, you need trucking insurance if your business uses trucks for commercial purposes to haul equipment or supplies, transport hazardous materials, tow heavy machinery, deliver food, ship freight, or perform chauffeur services.

To learn more about trucking insurance and policy costs, contact us at Zot Insurance Agency in Davie, FL.

What Does Commercial Insurance Mean?

When you open up a business, you want to make sure it grows. One way to keep it safe is to have full coverage insurance, such as commercial insurance. Commercial insurance will protect your business from losses that may have to do with natural disasters, theft, employee accidents, or even auto accidents. The Zot Insurance Agency in Davie, FL would like you to inform you about what it means to have commercial insurance.

Commercial Insurance Coverage Types

Having commercial insurance to protect your business can be costly, but worth it if something unexpected happens and you have no way of paying for damages. To be fully covered, you should consider all of the different types of policies under the commercial insurance umbrella. But there are two main types that you should have, at least.

  • Property insurance – Covers your building and equipment, if it is destroyed or damaged.

  • General liability insurance – If someone is injured on your property, then you could be covered for any damages the person received.

Other Types of Coverage

  • Commercial umbrella – This umbrella coverage fills in the gaps that general liability does not cover.

  • Electronic data coverage – With data being stored and developed more and more through the internet, it would be costly to lose it without this coverage.

  • Commercial Auto Insurance – Is similar to regular auto insurance, including bodily injury, property damage liability, and collision coverage.

Finding the Right Commercial Coverage

In Davie, FL, the professional agents at Zot Insurance Agency are waiting for you to call or stop by. They can happily help you find the right kind of commercial insurance for your business. They can also help you establish other types of insurance for your personal needs as well, such as auto, home, and life insurance.

Basics of Trucking Insurance

As a commercial enterprise, trucking presents special insurance needs. That is why they deserve unique attention from knowledgeable agents. A trucking policy not only has to cover the truck, but it also has to protect the driver and the contents of the truck. These variables need to be addressed in any policy. As the value of the truck’s contents will vary as will the risks facing the driver in certain conditions and areas, it is important that you work with agents that understand these unique needs. The agents at Zot Insurance Agency work for truckers in the Davie, FL area, and several surrounding states. They are well versed in the coverage needs specific to the trucking industry. 

As every trucker is different, there is a variety of policy options available. Some of the considerations include whether you are an owner-operator and drive for a company. Do you have someone who shares the driving with you? They will also need insurance coverage. Does your family come on the road? If so, there may be an additional need for medical coverage while you are away from home. They can also discuss the options that are available to companies with fleets of trucks on the road or who, as part of their business operations, lease trucks.

Truckers find themselves in many different environments with a wide variety of loads. This means that as an owner-operator or a fleet owner, you will need a policy that addresses the risks that you face daily. The team at Zot Insurance Agency specializes in trucking insurance policies. They not only understand the unique needs of their clients in the Davie, FL area, but they also strive to serve the broader needs of truckers and trucking companies throughout the region. Visit our website then call or come by. Get the coverage you need today whether you live in or outside of Florida!

Basics of Trucking Insurance

As a commercial enterprise, trucking presents special insurance needs. That is why they deserve unique attention from knowledgeable agents. A trucking policy not only has to cover the truck, but it also has to protect the driver and the contents of the truck. These variables need to be addressed in any policy. As the value of the truck’s contents will vary as will the risks facing the driver in certain conditions and areas, it is important that you work with agents that understand these unique needs. The agents at Zot Insurance Agency work for truckers in the Davie, FL area, and several surrounding states. They are well versed in the coverage needs specific to the trucking industry. 

As every trucker is different, there is a variety of policy options available. Some of the considerations include whether you are an owner-operator and drive for a company. Do you have someone who shares the driving with you? They will also need insurance coverage. Does your family come on the road? If so, there may be an additional need for medical coverage while you are away from home. They can also discuss the options that are available to companies with fleets of trucks on the road or who, as part of their business operations, lease trucks.

Truckers find themselves in many different environments with a wide variety of loads. This means that as an owner-operator or a fleet owner, you will need a policy that addresses the risks that you face daily. The team at Zot Insurance Agency specializes in trucking insurance policies. They not only understand the unique needs of their clients in the Davie, FL area, but they also strive to serve the broader needs of truckers and trucking companies throughout the region. Visit our website then call or come by. Get the coverage you need today whether you live in or outside of Florida!

Commercial Liability Insurance for Independent Contractors: What You Need to Know

The gig economy is changing the way we earn money. Anyone with a skill and a bit of self-motivation can make a living doing a variety of tasks on their own schedule. The Zot Insurance Agency wants to help you make the most of your freelance career in the Davie, FL area. Commercial liability insurance is an important part of that.

How can these policies protect independent contractors in the gig economy?

  • As an independent contractor, you are solely responsible for the results of your actions. If one of your direct-sales products makes someone sick, you could be held liable for medical payments and restitution. Your commercial general liability policy would help you pay for legal defense and defray the impact of any court-ordered costs.
  • If you cause an injury or accident while doing work for another business, your client could be held liable for your actions. This could mean bad news for the future of your business. An active liability policy protects your client as well. In some industries, potential clients are more willing to hire contractors with liability coverage, since they know they’re covered too.
  • Many gig workers engage in multiple money-making activities to make ends meet. Whether you’re stocking shelves for a major brand distributor or crafting handmade jewelry in your garage, your liability coverage will protect you. You won’t need a different policy for each of your roles. However, you may need additional coverage if you drive professionally. 

The experts at the Zot Insurance Agency helps gig workers in the Davie, FL area safeguard the assets they work so hard to build. Let our agents assess your insurance needs and personalize a general liability policy for you. Contact us today to get started whether you live in Florida, Georgia, South Carolina, North Carolina, Tennessee, Alabama, or Texas.

What Type of Insurance Should An Owner/Operator Carry?

In Davie, FL, owner/operators who drive big rigs for a living can find all the answers they need to important insurance questions by calling Zot Insurance Agency. Over the road trucking and even local route drivers enjoy an exciting career that has many opportunities for advancement. Buying your own tractor and trailer is a huge move upward. It also carries a lot of financial responsibility.

Truck and Auto Coverage

Just like any other vehicle on the road, as an owner/operator, you must carry the appropriate amount of insurance for your type of vehicle. As a vehicle, your tractor must be in compliance at all times with the amount of coverage required by the state of Florida, as well as any other states you may drive through as part of your everyday route. If you want to know the different types of coverage that are available for owner/operators, you need to talk to a licensed insurance agent. 

Business and Liability Coverage

Your rig is your office. It’s how you make your money and what you rely on to do your job successfully. This means you may want to look into various types of business and liability insurance to make sure you are fully protected if an accident occurs. This type of insurance protects your business from financial loss from either a traffic accident or a mishap that occurs with the load you are transporting.

The agents of Zot Insurance Agency are always available to answer any questions you may have concerning ownership of a trucking business. If you live in or near Davie, FL, call the agents today to schedule a consultation and find the answers you need to make an informed choice. We offer insurance solutions to those in Florida, Georgia, South Carolina, North Carolina, Tennessee, Alabama, and Texas.

What Kinds of Businesses Need Commercial Insurance?

As a business owner in Davie, FL, you have probably heard something about commercial insurance and how important it is to have. However, you are probably also wondering if it is the right thing for your business and if you should put any money towards it. Here at Zot Insurance Agency, we want to make sure you are fully protected in every way. 

How to Know if You Need Commercial Insurance

No matter what kind of business you are running, you need to have a commercial insurance policy. If you are wondering if your business should have a commercial insurance policy, the answer is yes. The beauty of a commercial insurance policy is that it is unique to every business. That means that you do not need to get a policy that does not work for your business. In fact, it should be made to meet all of the needs of your business. You can get a commercial insurance policy that can cover all kinds of things such as workers compensation for your employees, coverage for your building, machinery, and even proprietary information. It can even protect you from your employees in case one of them tries to go rogue. No matter what your specific needs are, you can get exactly what you need, and you can continue to protect your business from all kinds of outside factors. 

As you can see, a commercial insurance policy is one of the best things that you can get to protect your business, no matter what industry or type of business that you have. You can get a policy that meets all of your needs. If you do not already have one in place, be sure to reach out to us here at Zot Insurance Agency, serving Davie, FL, today. We can get you a free quote and can make sure that the policy you get fits within your budget.