Commercial Insurance Broker Adding Value to Your Business
Commercial Insurance Broker Adding Value to Your Business
At Gleason Insurance Brokers, we understand that your time and semi-truck, and fleet auto insurance is important and is a priority for your business. It is our goal to reduce the time involved when dealing with the business insurance policies. We have the experience and dedication required to provide one of a kind customer service for your commercial insurance policies. Below is a general overview of some frequently asked questions when proving quotes for trucking, transportation, fleets, tractor-trailer, and cargo Inland Marine insurance coverage from our clients or FAQ's when we are quoting new prospects with their business insurance policies.
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FAQ's from Transportation Companies regarding tractor trailer and cargo inland marine insurance. This can help address some of the most common concerns and help identify potential options available.
Q: What is Commercial Auto Insurance for trucking fleets? A: Commercial Auto Insurance for trucking fleets covers vehicles used in business operations, including liability for bodily injury and property damage, physical damage to vehicles, and medical payments. It is designed specifically for businesses that operate multiple trucks or other commercial vehicles.
Q: What types of vehicles are covered under Trucking and Fleet Commercial Auto Insurance? A: The policy typically covers a range of vehicles used for business purposes, including semi-trucks, box trucks, flatbeds, tankers, dump trucks, and other commercial vehicles in the fleet.
Q: Does Commercial Auto Insurance cover drivers? A: Yes, the policy covers drivers listed on the policy when operating covered vehicles within the scope of their employment. However, drivers must meet specific underwriting criteria set by the insurer.
Q: What is the difference between primary liability and non-trucking liability (bobtail) coverage? A: Primary liability covers accidents that happen while the truck is being operated for business purposes, while non-trucking liability (bobtail) covers accidents when the truck is being operated without a trailer or for non-business purposes.
Q: How does a claim affect the insurance premiums for a trucking fleet? A: Claims can lead to increased premiums at renewal, especially if they are frequent or involve large payouts. Implementing safety programs and having a good claims history can help mitigate premium increases.
Q: What is Motor Truck Cargo Insurance? A: Motor Truck Cargo Insurance provides coverage for the freight or cargo being transported by a for-hire trucker. It covers damage, theft, and loss of cargo while it is in transit.
Q: Who needs Motor Truck Cargo Insurance? A: Any business that transports goods or materials for others, particularly for-hire truckers, needs Motor Truck Cargo Insurance to protect against financial losses from damaged or stolen cargo.
Q: What types of cargo are typically excluded from coverage? A: Exclusions may include high-value items such as jewelry, money, live animals, explosives, and certain perishable goods unless specifically endorsed. Each policy may have different exclusions, so it’s important to review them carefully.
Q: What is the process for filing a claim under Motor Truck Cargo Insurance? A: The process typically involves notifying the insurer promptly, providing documentation such as bills of lading, photos of the damage, and any police reports if applicable. Timely filing and accurate documentation are critical for a successful claim.
Q: Can Motor Truck Cargo Insurance be customized for specific types of cargo? A: Yes, policies can be customized with endorsements to cover specific types of cargo, higher limits, and additional risks such as refrigerated goods or hazardous materials.
Q: What is Inland Marine Insurance, and how does it relate to trucking? A: Inland Marine Insurance provides coverage for goods, tools, and equipment that are in transit or stored off-site. For the trucking industry, it covers the tools and equipment used in the business, as well as cargo that might not be covered under a standard cargo policy.
Q: What is the difference between Motor Truck Cargo Insurance and Inland Marine Insurance? A: Motor Truck Cargo Insurance specifically covers the cargo being transported, while Inland Marine Insurance can cover a broader range of movable property, including contractor’s equipment, tools, and even goods in transit not covered by cargo insurance.
Q: Does Inland Marine Insurance cover equipment leased or rented by the trucking company? A: Yes, Inland Marine Insurance can cover leased or rented equipment, such as cranes, loaders, or other heavy machinery used in the trucking business. This is often included under an equipment floater policy.
Q: How does Inland Marine Insurance differ from Commercial Property Insurance? A: Commercial Property Insurance covers stationary property at a fixed location, while Inland Marine Insurance covers property in transit or at temporary locations, providing more flexibility for mobile businesses like trucking.
Q: Are there specific risks that Inland Marine Insurance covers that other policies do not? A: Inland Marine Insurance often covers risks such as theft, damage during transportation, and loss due to accidents or natural disasters that may not be covered under standard commercial property or auto policies.
Q: What is Umbrella Insurance, and why might a trucking company need it? A: Umbrella Insurance provides additional liability coverage beyond the limits of primary policies like Commercial Auto, Cargo, and General Liability. It is essential for trucking companies that want extra protection against large or catastrophic claims.
Q: What does Umbrella Insurance cover in the context of trucking? A: Umbrella Insurance covers excess liability for bodily injury, property damage, and certain legal claims that exceed the limits of underlying policies. It can also provide coverage for some claims not covered by the primary policies.
Q: How much Umbrella Insurance coverage is recommended for trucking companies? A: The amount of coverage varies based on the size of the fleet, the nature of the cargo transported, and the company's risk exposure. Many trucking companies opt for $1 million to $10 million in coverage, depending on their needs.
Q: Are there any exclusions in Umbrella Insurance that trucking companies should be aware of? A: Common exclusions include professional services, pollution liability, and intentional acts. It’s important to review the policy carefully to understand the coverage and exclusions.
Q: Can Commercial Auto, Cargo, and Inland Marine Insurance be bundled? A: Yes, many insurers offer package policies that bundle these coverages, which can simplify the insurance process and potentially reduce overall premiums.
Q: What are the benefits of bundling these policies? A: Bundling can provide comprehensive coverage under one policy, reduce administrative burdens, and sometimes offer premium discounts. It also ensures there are no gaps in coverage between different policies.
Q: How do deductibles work when policies are bundled? A: Deductibles may be combined or remain separate depending on the policy structure. It’s important to clarify with the insurer how deductibles will be handled in the event of a claim.
Q: What is Commercial Trucking Trailer Insurance? A: Commercial Trucking Trailer Insurance provides coverage for trailers used in business operations. It covers physical damage to the trailer, liability while the trailer is being towed, and other associated risks.
Q: Who needs Trailer Insurance? A: Any business that owns or leases trailers used for commercial purposes, including those in the trucking, logistics, and transportation industries, should consider Trailer Insurance to protect against potential losses.
Q: What types of trailers can be covered under this insurance? A: Most types of trailers can be covered, including dry van trailers, flatbed trailers, refrigerated trailers, tank trailers, and more specialized trailers like lowboys or car carriers.
Q: What does Commercial Trucking Trailer Insurance typically cover? A: Coverage usually includes physical damage to the trailer, including collision, theft, fire, vandalism, and other specified perils. It may also cover liability if the trailer causes damage while being towed.
Q: Is the cargo inside the trailer covered? A: No, cargo is not covered under Trailer Insurance. Cargo coverage is typically provided under a separate Motor Truck Cargo Insurance policy.
Q: Does Trailer Insurance cover both owned and leased trailers? A: Yes, Trailer Insurance can cover both owned and leased trailers. However, leased trailers may require specific endorsements, and the lease agreement might have additional insurance requirements.
Q: What are common exclusions in Trailer Insurance policies? A: Common exclusions include wear and tear, mechanical breakdown, damage due to improper loading, and losses due to war or terrorism. Each policy may have specific exclusions, so it’s important to review them carefully.
Q: What is Physical Damage Coverage in Trailer Insurance? A: Physical Damage Coverage protects against loss or damage to the trailer itself. This can include collision coverage (damage from accidents) and comprehensive coverage (damage from non-collision events like theft, fire, or vandalism).
Q: How is the value of a damaged trailer determined for a claim? A: The value is usually based on the Actual Cash Value (ACV) of the trailer at the time of the loss, which considers depreciation. Some policies may offer an agreed value option, where the value is pre-determined at the start of the policy.
Q: Can a policyholder choose their repair shop for trailer repairs? A: Many insurers allow policyholders to choose their repair shop, but it's advisable to check with the insurance company as some may have preferred networks that offer guaranteed repairs.
Q: Does Trailer Insurance include liability coverage? A: Liability coverage for trailers is generally included in the primary Commercial Auto Insurance policy for the truck that tows the trailer. However, some Trailer Insurance policies may offer additional liability coverage, particularly when the trailer is detached and causes damage.
Q: What if a trailer causes damage while parked or detached? A: If a trailer causes damage while parked or detached, it may be covered under the liability section of the Trailer Insurance policy or the Commercial Auto policy, depending on the circumstances and policy terms.
Q: Are there any situations where liability coverage would not apply? A: Liability coverage might not apply if the trailer is being used for unauthorized purposes, if the driver is not listed on the policy, or if the trailer is being towed by an uninsured or underinsured vehicle.
Q: Are there any specialized coverage options available for trailers? A: Yes, some insurers offer specialized coverages such as:
Q: What is Trailer Interchange Coverage? A: Trailer Interchange Coverage protects against physical damage to trailers in the possession of a party other than the owner, typically under a trailer interchange agreement between trucking companies.
Q: How does Non-Owned Trailer Coverage work? A: Non-Owned Trailer Coverage protects trailers that the insured does not own but uses for business purposes. This is important for trucking companies that frequently rent or borrow trailers.
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