Below are some of the more frequent questions we receive as an agency. If you have a specific question please do not hesitate to give us a call or email.
Commercial Auto Liability is focused exclusively on the risks of owning a truck, while general liability policies focus on protecting a company from risks that could impact the business in any manner. Commercial Auto liability typically covers property damage and bodily injury to drivers, passengers in your car, pedestrians, and others.
General liability protection covers bodily injury to anyone who could sue your company: customers and other guests (walking through the lobby), contractors, and vendors doing work for you.
Typically filings are done the same day or within 24 business hours.
A claim will affect your premium differently based on the covered riders and the severity of loss. On average, 3 years.
Think of your trucking insurance premium on a risk meter. The more potential risk an insurance carrier views the higher the premium. Here are the major factors when a carrier determines your rate:
- Your Drivers History:Â A clean driving record in any case will help you secure a much lower rate v.s a driving record which has a history of accidents, violations, and more.
- Business Timeline:Â How long you’ve been in business is a huge factor to determining the premium price. In most cases, businesses with over 2 years will receive a much lower premium than businesses that have less than 2 years.
- Cargo:Â What you haul in your truck and how heavy it is being hauled will impact the risk level which will change the premium.
- Location + Operating Radius:Â The longer the operating distance the higher the premium will usually be. Longer distance means more risk because a driver has an increased risk of accidents, falling asleep behind the wheel, loosing focus on the road, and changing weather conditions throughout different areas.
- Vehicle Type:Â Â The heavier the truck, the more the premium will increase. Heavy truck means more risk in event of an accident.
Typically, a trucking company will be insured for these lines of coverage: Auto Liability, General Liability, Physical Damage, Motor Cargo Coverage, Comprehensive/Collision Insurance. Contact us at 909-941-4700 for more information about protecting your trucking firms assets.
Doing your research upfront, taking good care of your truck, and looking for the least expensive coverage available are three ways to save money on trucking insurance.
- Keep your driving record extra clean to get better rates on your auto insurance policy.
- Look into other cheaper options outside of traditional captive insurance agencies. We are an independent insurance agency which means we can quote from a variety of insurance carriers.
Other factors in premium include what you’re hauling, driving radius, time in business, # of trucks, type of trucks, tickets/accidents, the driver(s) history and experience.
All insurers charge different rates for new trucking companies and owner-operators. You are legally allowed to start a trucking company without a CDL, but if you plan on driving the truck, it is a requirement to have a CDL. Premiums are generally higher when it is not owned by an individual who drives.
Commercial truck insurance rates are high because insurance companies know that there’s a higher risk of injury and accidents.  Why have the rates risen in the past decade? US Commercial truck insurance rates have risen dramatically over the past few years due to the numerous cases of accidents caused by commercial trucks due to inattentive driving as well as a decreased supply of drivers.
Claims under Garage Keepers Insurance typically involve reporting the incident to your insurance provider, who will then investigate the claim, assess the damages, and provide compensation based on the policy terms. It’s important to keep detailed records and documentation to support your claim.
Yes, many insurance providers offer customizable policies to fit the unique needs of your business. You can choose coverage limits, add endorsements, and tailor the policy to address specific risks associated with your operations.
Garage liability insurance does not cover damage to the vehicles that are in your care, custody, or control. For such coverage, you would need a garagekeepers insurance policy, which specifically covers customer vehicles while they are on your premises or being serviced.
In many areas, garage liability insurance is a legal requirement for businesses in the automotive industry. It’s essential to check local regulations to ensure compliance and avoid potential penalties.
Yes, General Liability Insurance covers bodily injury and property damage caused by your operations but does not cover damage to customer vehicles in your care. Garage Keepers Insurance specifically covers these vehicles, filling a crucial gap in your protection.
The amount of coverage you need depends on the size and scope of your operations, as well as the specific risks associated with your business. It’s advisable to consult with an insurance professional to determine the appropriate coverage limits for your needs.
Yes, many insurance providers offer bundled policies that include garage liability insurance along with other coverages such as property insurance, workers’ compensation, and commercial auto insurance. Bundling can often result in cost savings and streamlined policy management.
If you need to file a claim, contact your insurance provider as soon as possible. They will guide you through the process, which typically involves providing details about the incident, submitting any necessary documentation, and cooperating with any investigations.
A business owner’s policy may offer some coverage for movable property, but it is often limited. Inland marine insurance provides broader and more specific coverage for goods in transit and mobile equipment, making it an essential addition for businesses with significant movable assets.
Product liability insurance does not cover intentional harm caused by a product, professional negligence, or employee injuries. For professional negligence, you would need professional liability insurance. For employee injuries, workers’ compensation insurance is required.
The amount of coverage you need depends on the size of your business, the nature of your products, and the potential risks involved. It is advisable to consult with an insurance professional to determine the appropriate coverage limits.
Product liability insurance typically does not cover the costs associated with recalling a defective product. Separate product recall insurance is needed to cover such expenses.
Garage Keepers Insurance does not cover damages resulting from defective workmanship, parts, or materials used in repairs. For such issues, a business would need to have Garage Liability Insurance, which covers legal fees and settlements arising from claims of faulty work or products
Inland Marine Insurance typically does not cover property at fixed locations, such as buildings and permanent structures. For this type of coverage, you would need a Commercial Property Insurance policy.
While standard property insurance covers items at a fixed location, inland marine insurance provides protection for movable property and goods in transit. This makes it ideal for businesses that frequently transport equipment, tools, and products.
Yes, inland marine insurance can cover leased or rented equipment, providing protection against damage or loss while the equipment is in your possession.
Yes, a cancellation can be done at anytime before the renewal period. What happens if I paid in advance? If you paid your premium in advance and cancel before the end of term, then insurance companies will refund the remaining balance. If you decide you want to get insured again, you will have to purchase new coverage.
We would be happy to assist you with these questions. You can call us at 909-941-4700, or fill out the contact form and we’ll get back with you right away. Additionally, you can visit our claim center page for more information.
Even if you have been driving for years, opening your own business is a different ball game in insurance carriers eyes. Your CDL experience will impact your rate, but the time in business will also be a big factor, which means if you are a recently new business, your rates will be similar to other new businesses.
Your commercial trucking insurance rate is impacted by your personal driving record if you are an owner-operator with a CDL. A professional driver’s license means that any accidents or violations on the road will also affect how much it costs to insure your company’s vehicles
It typically takes 24-48 hours to get a quote and be covered. Once you decide which plan is best for your trucking needs, we can help you through the application process.
To ensure adequate coverage, regularly review your policy with your insurance provider, especially when you acquire new equipment or expand your operations. This helps keep your coverage up-to-date and aligned with your business’s evolving needs.
While a maintenance plan is beneficial for preventing equipment issues, it does not provide financial protection for unexpected breakdowns. Equipment Breakdown Insurance complements maintenance plans by covering the costs associated with sudden and accidental failures, ensuring comprehensive protection.
Yes, Equipment Breakdown Insurance often includes coverage for business interruption losses. This means that if your equipment fails and causes a halt in your operations, the policy can help cover lost income during the repair or replacement period.
A warranty typically covers specific parts of equipment for a limited time, focusing on defects or issues arising from manufacturing. In contrast, Equipment Breakdown Insurance provides broader coverage for sudden and accidental failures, including mechanical and electrical breakdowns, regardless of the equipment’s age.
Equipment Breakdown Insurance does not cover general wear and tear, maintenance issues, or pre-existing conditions. For example, damage caused by natural disasters, such as floods or earthquakes, is not covered by this policy. For such incidents, you would need to consider other types of insurance, such as flood insurance or property insurance.
A personal auto policy typically does not cover business use of your vehicle. HNOA provides the necessary liability coverage for business-related driving of non-owned vehicles, filling the gap left by personal auto policies.
Yes, HNOA provides liability coverage when you use your personal vehicle for business tasks. However, it does not cover physical damage to your vehicle.
Yes, HNOA can often be added as an endorsement to an existing commercial auto or general liability policy, providing an additional layer of protection.
Yes, even occasional use of non-owned vehicles for business purposes can expose your business to significant risks. HNOA provides essential coverage for these scenarios.
HNOA does not cover physical damage to the hired or non-owned vehicle itself. For protection against damage to the vehicle, you would need comprehensive and collision coverage.
Absolutely. Business Interruption Insurance can be tailored to meet the unique needs of different industries, ensuring that the specific risks and operational requirements of your business are adequately covered.
Yes, Business Interruption Insurance covers ongoing operating expenses such as utilities, rent, and payroll, helping your business stay afloat during the interruption period.
No, Business Interruption Insurance is usually an add-on or rider to a standard property insurance policy. It must be specifically requested and included in your coverage plan.
The coverage period, known as the indemnity period, usually lasts until your business resumes normal operations, but it is subject to a maximum time limit specified in your policy.
Business Interruption Insurance typically does not cover losses due to pandemics or infectious disease outbreaks. For such coverage, you might need a specialized policy or endorsement.
The cost is based on various factors, including the size of your business, the industry you operate in, and the amount of coverage you need. It’s important to get multiple quotes to find the best rate for your specific situation.
Even small businesses can face large liability claims that exceed the limits of their primary insurance. Commercial Umbrella Insurance offers crucial extra protection, regardless of business size.
Yes, the coverage limits and terms of Commercial Umbrella Insurance can be tailored to fit the unique risks and requirements of your business.
Commercial Umbrella Insurance provides additional coverage once the limits of your primary liability policies, such as General Liability or Commercial Auto Insurance, are exhausted.
Commercial Umbrella Insurance does not cover liabilities that are not already covered by your underlying policies. For instance, it won’t cover professional errors or omissions—this would require Professional Liability Insurance.
To get a quote for Commercial Auto Insurance, you will need to provide details about your business operations, the types and number of vehicles to be insured, the primary use of each vehicle, driver information, and any previous claims history. This information helps insurers assess risk and provide an accurate quote.
Commercial Auto Insurance covers vehicles used for business purposes and typically offers higher liability limits than Personal Auto Insurance. It also includes coverage options specifically designed for business use, such as Hired and Non-Owned Auto Coverage and higher liability limits.
Yes, Commercial Auto Insurance allows you to cover multiple vehicles under a single policy. This is particularly beneficial for businesses with a fleet of vehicles, providing comprehensive coverage and simplifying policy management.
Yes, if your employees use their personal vehicles for business purposes, you should consider Hired and Non-Owned Auto Coverage. This policy provides liability protection in case an employee’s personal vehicle is involved in an accident while performing business tasks.
Commercial Auto Insurance does not cover intentional damage, personal belongings inside the vehicle, or certain types of business equipment. For coverage of personal belongings, consider Personal Property Insurance. For business equipment, Inland Marine Insurance may be appropriate.
The time frame for filing a Workers’ Compensation claim varies by state, but it typically ranges from 30 days to two years from the date of the injury. It’s important for employees to report injuries as soon as possible to ensure timely processing and receipt of benefits.
In most cases, Workers’ Compensation Insurance prevents employees from suing their employer for work-related injuries. This coverage is designed to provide benefits without the need for litigation. However, employees can still sue in cases of gross negligence or intentional harm by the employer.
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