At Barefoot Insurance Brokers, we pride ourselves on delivering top-tier insurance solutions to businesses in Florida, Georgia, Colorado, and Texas. We’re excited to highlight recent expansions from Bristol West Insurance Group, a Farmers Company, that are reopening key business classes in their Commercial Auto program. These changes are tailored for service-based operations in our serviced states, providing more flexibility and quoting potential than ever before.
Whether you’re hauling freight in Georgia, renting equipment in Texas, or providing health services in Colorado or Florida, these updates could unlock better coverage for your commercial vehicles. Here’s a closer look at the reopened classes:
Equipment Rental & Leasing
Companies renting furniture and home appliances or party and event supplies (such as tents, tables, and inflatables) now have access to specialized auto insurance options. This is perfect for businesses in our multi-state footprint looking to safeguard their operations efficiently.
Other For-Hire Trucking Operations
Ideal for general freight haulers, independent drivers serving multiple clients, and small fleet operators without specific cargo classifications. If you’re navigating the roads of Florida, Georgia, Colorado, or Texas, this class offers the adaptability your trucking business deserves.
Social & Health Services
This versatile category covers environmental agencies, occupational therapists, rehabilitation centers, and support groups. It’s designed to support the vital work you do, ensuring your vehicles are protected across our key states.
Barefoot Insurance Brokers is committed to helping you capitalize on these opportunities with Bristol West. Our expertise in multi-state coverage means we can customize policies that fit your unique needs.
Don’t miss out – reach out to us for a no-obligation consultation and explore how these expansions can benefit your business. Head to our site or contact our specialists today!
About the Author
Julia Dourvetakis is a Licensed Independent Insurance Agent with Barefoot Insurance Brokers, bringing over 30 years of experience to the insurance industry. Julia specializes in commercial auto, commercial auto fleets, coastal property insurance, workers’ compensation, general liability, and professional liability coverage. Julia is licensed to sell commercial insurance products in Florida, Mississippi, North Carolina, and Colorado. To connect with Julia Dourvetakis for tailored insurance solutions, email her at julia@barefootins.com or call/text 954-866-5723.
Running a business in Boca Raton, FL, comes with unique opportunities and challenges, especially when it comes to protecting your commercial vehicles. At Barefoot Insurance Brokers, we’re thrilled to announce a recent update from one of our top insurance carriers that allows businesses like disinfecting and pest control services, repair services, and entertainers and musicians to qualify for BI/PD limits exceeding $500,000 Combined Single Limit (CSL). This applies to both new and existing policies, as long as your business has fewer than three at-fault accidents.
What This Means for Boca Raton Businesses
Our carrier partners, including Progressive, Ascendant Insurance, National General, GEICO, Bristol West, and Kemper Commercial, have expanded eligibility for higher BI/PD limits for the following business classes:
Septic Waste Removal
Furniture & Home Furnishing Stores
Dry Cleaning, Laundry & Carpet Cleaners
Disinfecting & Pest Control Services
Janitorial & Building Maintenance Services
Equipment Rental & Leasing
Repair Services
Social & Health Services
Entertainers & Musicians
This update is a game-changer for Boca Raton businesses, offering enhanced protection for your commercial vehicles. Whether you’re a pest control company servicing clients across Palm Beach County or an entertainer traveling to gigs, higher BI/PD limits can safeguard your business from unexpected liabilities.
Why Choose Barefoot Insurance Brokers?
Based in Margate, FL, Barefoot Insurance Brokers is an independent insurance brokerage serving businesses throughout Palm Beach County and beyond. We specialize in commercial auto insurance, working with multiple carriers to find you the best coverage at the most competitive rates. Unlike single-carrier agents, we shop policies to match your specific needs, whether you’re in Boca Raton, Delray Beach, or Boynton Beach. For example:
Pest Control Services: Protect your service vans from liability claims during busy routes.
Repair Services: Cover your work trucks against accidents or property damage.
Entertainers & Musicians: Ensure your vehicles and equipment are insured for gigs across South Florida.
Why Higher BI/PD Limits Are Essential
In today’s litigious environment, accidents can lead to costly lawsuits or property damage claims. Higher BI/PD limits (over $500,000 CSL) provide greater financial security, ensuring your Boca Raton business is protected against unexpected expenses. With Barefoot Insurance Brokers, you can customize your policy to fit your budget while meeting Florida’s commercial auto insurance requirements.
Contact Us for a Free Quote
Don’t wait to upgrade your commercial auto insurance. If you’re a business owner in Boca Raton, Palm Beach County, contact Barefoot Insurance Brokers today at [insert contact info] or visit our website for a free quote. Let us shop top carriers like Progressive, GEICO, and Kemper Commercial to find the best coverage for your business.
About the Author
Julia Dourvetakis is a Licensed Independent Insurance Agent with North Broward Insurance Solutions, Inc., bringing over 30 years of experience to the insurance industry. She specializes in coastal property insurance, workers’ compensation, general liability, and professional liability coverage. Julia is licensed to sell commercial insurance products in Florida, Mississippi, North Carolina, and Colorado. To connect with Julia for tailored insurance solutions, email her at julia@northbrowardinsurance.com or call/text 954-866-5723.
Running a lawncare business in Tamarac, FL, with at least one truck and trailer? Protect your vehicles with commercial auto insurance from Barefoot Insurance Brokers. One of our top carriers has updated its criteria, allowing lawncare providers to qualify for BI/PD limits exceeding $500,000 Combined Single Limit (CSL) if your policy has fewer than three at-fault accidents.
Why Insurance Matters for Tamarac Lawncare Providers
From hauling mowers to navigating Tamarac’s busy streets, your truck and trailer are critical to your lawncare business. An accident or liability claim could lead to costly repairs or lawsuits. Our partners—Progressive, Ascendant Insurance, National General, GEICO, Bristol West, and Kemper Commercial—offer customized truck insurance to keep your business running smoothly.
Why Choose Barefoot Insurance Brokers?
As an independent insurance brokerage in Margate, FL, we serve lawncare providers across Broward County, including Tamarac. We shop multiple carriers to find you affordable commercial auto insurance with high CSL limits, tailored to your truck and trailer needs.
Advantages of Higher BI/PD Limits
With BI/PD limits over $500,000 CSL, you’ll benefit from:
Coverage for trailer-related property damage or accidents.
Protection against liability claims from job-site incidents.
Financial security for your Tamarac lawncare business.
Start with a Free Quote
Ready to secure high-limit truck insurance for your lawncare business in Tamarac, FL? Contact Barefoot Insurance Brokers at 954-368-0060 for a free commercial insurance quote. Let us shop the best rates for your Broward County business.
About the Author
Julia Dourvetakis is a Licensed Independent Insurance Agent with North Broward Insurance Solutions, Inc., bringing over 30 years of experience to the insurance industry. She specializes in coastal property insurance, workers’ compensation, general liability, and professional liability coverage. Julia is licensed to sell commercial insurance products in Florida, Mississippi, North Carolina, and Colorado. To connect with Julia for tailored insurance solutions, email her at julia@northbrowardinsurance.com or call/text 954-866-5723.
We’re Entering Peak Hurricane Season: Why Florida & Georgia Homeowners Should Quote Flood Insurance Now
Even if August felt “quiet,” hurricane season is only now reaching its busiest stretch. Historically, the Atlantic peaks around September 10, with the most activity from mid-August through mid-October. (NOAA)
This year’s outlook reinforces the point: NOAA’s August update continues to call for an above-normal season with 13–18 named storms, 5–9 hurricanes, and 2–5 major hurricanes. (NOAA, Climate Prediction Center) In August alone we saw Dexter, Erin, and Fernand—systems that mostly stayed offshore but underline how quickly conditions can ramp up as we enter the seasonal peak. (Yale Climate Connections, New York Post, AccuWeather)
And the National Hurricane Center continues to monitor new disturbances in the tropical Atlantic as warm sea-surface temperatures fuel development—recent outlooks showed medium-to-high formation odds within a week. (National Hurricane Center, FOX 13 Tampa Bay, Miami Herald)
Why Consider Private Flood Insurance Today?
Whether you live on the coast or well inland in places like Fort Lauderdale, Miami, Port St. John/Cocoa, Jacksonville, Savannah, or the Atlanta suburbs, flood risk is spreading with heavier rain events and rapid-onset flooding. Standard homeowners policies do not cover flood.
Barefoot Insurance Brokers represents 23+ flood insurance carriers across multiple states—including Florida and Georgia—so we can shop options quickly and match coverage to your property and budget.
Neptune Flood Advantage: Shorter Waiting Periods
A key reason to act now: Neptune Flood (one of our private-market partners) generally has a 10-day waiting period, with no wait if you’re purchasing for a real estate closing or rolling over an existing flood policy. The NFIP typically requires 30 days. That difference can mean everything if a storm forms next week. (Neptune Flood)
Who Needs Flood Insurance?
Homes in Special Flood Hazard Areas (AE, VE): Your lender may require coverage, but you still choose which policy.
“X-zone” & inland properties: A “low-to-moderate” map label doesn’t mean “no risk.” Many claims come from outside high-risk zones.
Condominium & townhome owners: An HOA master policy (if any) may not fully protect the interior of your unit or personal property.
Landlords & investors: Protect rental income and unit interiors; some private policies include optional enhancements.
What Can Private Flood Insurance Cover?
While details vary by carrier, private flood options commonly include:
Dwelling/Building coverage (often with higher limits than NFIP)
Contents coverage (replacement cost options may be available)
Additional living expenses (when a covered loss makes your home uninhabitable)
Loss of rent for investment properties (where available)
Flexible deductibles to tailor price vs. protection
Because coverage terms vary by insurer, we’ll compare forms from multiple carriers (including NFIP) to find the right fit for your property and risk tolerance.
Timing Matters: Don’t Wait for the Cone
Recent systems—Dexter, Erin, and Fernand—developed and intensified over open water with shifting tracks. That’s typical this time of year; storms can spin up and turn quickly, and policy waiting periods still apply once a disturbance is on the map. Secure coverage before there’s a named threat near Florida or Georgia. (Yale Climate Connections, New York Post, AccuWeather)
Quick FAQs
Is flood insurance required? Lenders often require it in high-risk zones, but many owners choose coverage voluntarily due to growing inland and urban flood risks.
How long is the waiting period?
Neptune Flood: typically 10 days; 0 days for closings or policy rollovers. (Neptune Flood)
Why is everyone saying the season was ‘quiet’? A slower early season is normal. The long-term climatology shows activity peaks now, around September 10. (NOAA)
What’s the current forecast? NOAA’s August 7, 2025 update still expects 13–18 named storms, 5–9 hurricanes, and 2–5 major hurricanes this season. (NOAA, Climate Prediction Center)
Get a Flood Quote in Minutes
Barefoot Insurance Brokers can quote private flood (including Neptune Flood) and NFIP side-by-side for homes and condos across Florida and Georgia. With 23+ flood carriers, we’ll help you compare coverage, waiting periods, deductibles, and pricing—so you’re protected before the next advisory.
Service area: Florida & Georgia (and additional states via our carrier network)
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SEO Title (≤60 chars): Peak Hurricane Season: Florida & Georgia Flood Insurance
Meta Description (≤155 chars): It’s peak season. Compare private flood vs. NFIP with 10-day waits from Neptune. Get a fast quote in FL & GA from Barefoot Insurance Brokers.
Target Keywords: Florida flood insurance, Georgia flood insurance, private flood insurance quote, Neptune Flood 10-day waiting period, NFIP vs private flood, flood insurance Fort Lauderdale, flood insurance Savannah, condo flood insurance Florida, flood insurance Cocoa/Port St. John
Craig Appleman is a Licensed Independent Insurance Agent with Barefoot Insurance Brokers, bringing 12 years of experience in personal lines coverage to Florida homeowners and families. His areas of expertise include flood insurance, homeowners insurance, personal umbrella policies, and auto insurance. Craig is known for helping clients navigate complex risk exposures with clarity and confidence. You can reach him directly at craig@barefootins.com or call/text 954-637-3481 to discuss your insurance needs.
FR-44 Insurance Made Simple with Barefoot Insurance Brokers
If you’ve been convicted of DUI in Florida and need an FR-44 filing to reinstate your driver license, Barefoot Insurance Brokers can help—quickly and affordably. We shop a broad network of Florida carriers that file FR-44s so you get a competitive price without the hassle. Based in Broward & Brevard, we serve drivers in Coral Springs, Parkland, Coconut Creek, and Margate every day.
What is an FR-44?
An FR-44 is a certificate your insurer files with the Florida Department of Highway Safety and Motor Vehicles (FLHSMV) to prove you carry higher-than-standard liability limits after certain alcohol-related convictions (like DUI). In Florida, FR-44 policies must carry at least $100,000 / $300,000 for bodily injury liability and $50,000 for property damage (or a $350,000 combined single limit) and must be maintained for 3 years after license reinstatement.
SR-22 vs. FR-44: Both are proof-of-insurance filings, but an FR-44 requires higher liability limits than an SR-22 because it’s tied to DUI convictions. In some states, an alcohol related conviction is handled through an SR22 but Florida requires the heightened FR44 insurance requirement.
Who needs an FR44 Insurance Filing in Coral Springs, Parkland, Coconut Creek & Margate?
If a Broward County court record shows a DUI conviction and your license is suspended, you’ll need an FR-44 on an active Florida auto policy (or a qualifying non-owner policy if you don’t own a car) before FLHSMV will reinstate your driving privilege. This needs to be maintained for 3 continuous years to satisfy the requirement.
What affects your FR-44 price?
Driving record & violation history
Vehicle type and garaging ZIP (e.g., 33065, 33071, 33076, 33063, 33066, 33068)
Coverage selections & deductibles
Prior insurance and any lapses
Because rates vary widely between companies, shopping multiple FR-44 carriers is the #1 way to save. That’s where we come in. We work with Bristol West, Kemper, Progressive, National General, GEICO and Dairyland — all of the most competitive insurance providers of the FR44 filing in Florida.
Why Barefoot Insurance Brokers
We shop the market: We compare rates across many Florida carriers that file FR-44s to target the most competitive price for your situation.
Fast filing: We coordinate the FR-44 electronic filing to help you move from quote → bind → filing with minimal downtime. (Processing times vary by carrier.)
Owner & non-owner FR-44 options: Whether you own a vehicle or just need to satisfy the requirement to drive, we’ll guide you to the right policy type.
Local guidance: Clear, judgment-free help from a Florida independent agency that knows Broward and the surrounding areas.
What you’ll need to get started
Driver license number and DUI details (conviction/reinstatement dates)
Vehicle information (if you own one)
Address in Coral Springs, Parkland, Coconut Creek, Margate or elsewhere in FL
Prior insurance info (if any)
FAQs
How long do I need to keep the FR-44? Three years from the date you reinstate your privilege. If you cancel or lapse during that period, your license can be suspended again.
What limits are required? At least 100/300/50 or a $350,000 combined single limit, per FLHSMV. Choosing higher limits can better protect your assets.
Is a non-owner FR-44 available? Yes—if you don’t own a car, a non-owner liability policy can often satisfy the filing requirement. (Availability/eligibility vary by carrier; we’ll advise case-by-case.)
Ready to file your FR-44 in Broward?
Call Barefoot Insurance Brokers at 954-368-0060 or start at barefootins.com. We’ll compare the market for you and file the FR-44 fast—so you can focus on moving forward.
Sources: Key FR-44 requirements from FLHSMV (liability limits and 3-year maintenance) flhsmv.gov
