Florida General Liability Insurance Agency

Having the appropriate business insurance is essential for any business in Florida, and that includes making sure you’re covered with general liability insurance. General liability insurance can help protect your Florida-based business from physical or property damage claims or personal injury to third parties due to accidents on your premises or involving your products – it can even help guard against certain types of advertising-related complaints. 

Whether you're a sole proprietor just starting out or an established corporation looking to add additional lines of coverage, understanding what general liability insurance covers (and doesn't) is critical for protecting yourself and ensuring long-term success for your business. 

In this post, we will provide an overview of general liability insurance, so you are better prepared when it comes time to decide about coverage options available in Florida. We will answer frequently asked questions about general liability insurance in Florida including: 

1. What is general liability insurance and what does it cover?
2. How much does general liability insurance cost in Florida, and how can you get a quote for your business?
3. What risks are covered by general liability insurance, and how can they impact your Florida business if uninsured?
4. What are some of the exclusions to general liability insurance policies, and why should you be aware of them before you purchase coverage?
5. How do you file a claim with your insurer if something goes wrong, and what should you expect during the claims process?
   

General liability insurance is a form of business insurance that helps protect Florida businesses from third-party claims of bodily injury and property damage. It typically covers:

• Bodily Injury – Medical expenses, legal costs, and other related damages for injuries sustained on the premises or by your products.
• Property Damage – Damages to another party’s property due to an accident related to your business.
• Personal and Advertising Injury – Defamation of character, copyright infringement, and other advertising-related claims.
• Medical Payments – Medical expenses for minor injuries that occur on the premises or by your products without fault.
• Defense Costs – Legal fees associated with defending a claim, even if the claim proves false.
• Products and Completed Operations – Liability for defective products manufactured by or under contract with your business.
• Contractual Liability – Legal responsibility for a contractual agreement assumed by your business.
• Fire Damage Legal Liability – Coverage for fires you cause to another party’s property.
• Pollution Liability – Liability protection from pollution-related claims if your business is involved in activities that could contribute to environmental damage.
• Rental Damage – Liability protection for property damage caused to a rental location by you or your employees.
• Utility Service Legal Liability – Coverage for damages caused by the interruption of utility services, such as water or electricity, at a customer’s location due to your business’s negligence.

General liability insurance may also include optional coverage for additional risks and events, such as data breaches or cyber liability.

While general liability insurance provides a wide range of coverage, there are certain risks and events it does not cover. These may include:

• Intentional or fraudulent acts
• Damage to your own property (products)
• Professional services (i.e., legal or medical advice)
• Bodily injury to you or your employees
• Employment-related practices such as discrimination
• Punitive damages
• Claims related to alcohol or drug-related activities
• Copyright infringement or other intellectual property damage.
• War, terrorism, nuclear events, or criminal acts.

It is important to understand the exclusions of your policy before signing up for coverage, so you can make sure that your business is properly protected.

The cost of Florida general liability insurance varies depending on a number of factors, including the size and type of business, the location, the amount of coverage needed, and the risks associated with the business. Generally speaking, the cost of general liability insurance in Florida is usually less expensive than in other parts of the U.S. On average, Florida businesses can expect to pay between $500 and $2,000 per year for general liability Insurance coverage.

1. Increase Your Deductible: A general liability insurance deductible is the amount you pay out of pocket before your insurance kicks in. Increasing the deductible can reduce your premiums significantly, but also means paying more out of pocket for any claims.
2. Research Multiple Insurance Carriers: Shopping around for the best rate can help to ensure you are getting the best value for your money. Talk to several different carriers and get quotes from each one before deciding.
3. Bundle Policies: Bundling policies from the same carrier can result in significant savings on premiums. For example, if you already have a business auto policy with a certain insurance carrier, you may be able to bundle your general liability policy with them and get a discount.
4. Take Advantage of Any Available Discounts: Some of the most common discounts available to businesses include discounts for being a member of a particular trade or professional organization, having safety measures in place, and taking steps to reduce business risks.
   

To get a quote for general liability Insurance in Florida, you’ll need to provide basic information about your business, such as the type of business, the location, and the amount of coverage desired. It’s also important to provide accurate information about any potential risks associated with your business. After providing the necessary information, you’ll receive a quote for General Liability Insurance coverage from a qualified insurance provider.

Having general liability insurance provides peace of mind for Florida business owners, as it protects them from potentially expensive legal costs and damages in the event of a claim. It also gives customers and clients the assurance that the business is taking responsibility for any potential issues that may arise. Furthermore, general liability Insurance helps Florida businesses avoid costly litigation and protect their reputation.

If you have general liability insurance, filing a claim is simple. You will first need to contact your insurance provider and provide them with the necessary information about the situation. This may include a detailed description of the incident or event that caused the damage and any supporting documentation. Your insurance provider will then assess the situation and determine whether or not to accept the claim. If accepted, they will provide you with instructions on how to proceed.

Once you have filed a claim, your insurance provider will review and assess the situation. During this process, they may ask for additional information or documentation to help determine if the claim is valid. They may also conduct a site visit to assess the situation better and determine the damage's extent. Once the assessment is complete, you will receive a decision on whether or not your claim has been accepted and what compensation may be offered.

Having a knowledgeable and experienced Florida General Liability Insurance Agent can make the process of obtaining coverage easier and less stressful. Here are seven ways they can help:

1. Provide Expert Advice – From understanding the specific needs of your business to selecting the most comprehensive coverage for your budget, an experienced agent can provide valuable advice and guidance.
2. Answer Questions – Insurance policies can be complex and having an agent who can explain the specifics of your policy in plain language is invaluable.
3. Compare Rates – An independent Florida general liability insurance agent who works with multiple carriers can help you find the best rate for your needs.
4. Handle Paperwork – From completing applications to securing certificates of insurance, an agent can be a great help in managing the paperwork associated with obtaining coverage.
5. Negotiate Discounts – There are often discounts available for businesses willing to increase their coverage limits or add additional coverage options. An agent can work with you to ensure you get the best possible rate.
6. Monitor Policy Changes – As laws and regulations change, so do insurance policies. An agent can help ensure that your policy is current and provides the coverage you need.
7. Provide Claims Assistance – When you have to file a claim, experienced agents can provide valuable advice and assistance in maximizing your compensation.

Beyond providing advice on coverage and assistance with claims, Florida general liability insurance agents can be a valuable resource for businesses looking to protect themselves from the unexpected.

Bellken Insurance Group is an independent insurance broker that works with businesses across Florida to meet their General Liability Insurance needs. Our experienced agents will work with you to understand your specific business requirements, and then compare quotes from multiple providers to find the best coverage for your budget. Contact us today for a free quote!