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Physical damage coverage for trucks is essential insurance that helps protect commercial vehicles from unexpected events. This coverage includes several important components:

• Collision Insurance: Covers repair costs when your truck is damaged in an accident with other vehicles or objects, providing financial security.
  
  
• Comprehensive Coverage: Protects against a broader range of risks beyond collisions, such as vandalism, natural disasters, and more, addressing non-collision damage.
  
  
• Fire and Theft Coverage: Offers protection against losses from fire incidents or theft, ensuring truck owners can keep their operations running smoothly and avoid financial strain.

Commercial truck insurance coverage ensures truck owners and fleet managers have the necessary support to handle potential damages and maintain business stability.

Here is what you should know about these truck insurance coverages:

Collision Coverage

Collision coverage helps truck owners manage the financial impacts of accidents. It specifically covers repair or replacement costs for a truck in a collision with another vehicle or object or even due to flipping over. This type of coverage ensures hefty repair bills do not saddle truck operators following an accident.

Typically, collision coverage is applicable regardless of who is at fault in the accident, providing peace of mind and financial stability. However, it often comes with a deductible, the amount the policyholder must pay out of pocket before the insurance kicks in. 

Comprehensive Coverage

Comprehensive coverage protects against an array of non-collision-related damages. This truck insurance covers theft, vandalism, fire, natural disasters like floods or storms, and other unexpected events. For truck operators facing various risks beyond traffic accidents, comprehensive coverage ensures financial support for repairing or replacing damaged vehicles without bearing the total cost burden.

Unlike collision coverage, which deals specifically with road incidents, comprehensive coverage is broader, safeguarding trucks against diverse threats that could disrupt operations and result in significant financial losses. Additionally, it provides peace of mind by ensuring continuous operation despite unforeseen events.

Coverage for Fire and Theft

Covering for losses from fire and theft is another component of physical damage truck insurance. It protects against specific, high-risk incidents, addressing the financial impact of damages or total loss resulting from fire-related incidents or theft.

If a truck is stolen or suffers fire damage, this coverage provides financial compensation to repair or replace the vehicle, thereby minimizing disruption to your business activities.

It's especially valuable for truck operators who frequently leave vehicles unattended or operate in high-risk areas. By covering the costs associated with such unforeseen events, fire and theft coverage helps maintain the financial stability of a business, ensuring that operations can resume without significant economic burden. 

Contact Us for Your Commercial Vehicle Insurance Needs!

We are independent brokers here at American Insuring Group. Our agents shop the market to find the best  rates on quality insurance that matches your needs.

Call us today at (610) 775-3848 or contact us online for the best commercial truck insurance rates and coverages!

Today, auto insurance windshield coverage may extend beyond mere glass protection. With new cars featuring integrated cameras and safety sensors, windshields now play a more significant role in vehicle safety systems. Vehicle owners should understand the complexities of windshield insurance to ensure comprehensive coverage and address potential high repair costs.

Types of Windshield Coverage

Windshield coverage usually falls under two main types: comprehensive and full glass. Comprehensive coverage includes various non-collision damages, such as theft, vandalism, and natural disasters, and it often provides windshield damage. However, a deductible may apply.

On the other hand, full glass coverage specifically covers damages to the windshield and other vehicle glass without a deductible, though it might involve a slightly higher premium.

Coverage specifics can vary by state or region, with some areas mandating particular inclusions or offering additional options. Understanding these coverage types helps you select the proper protection for your windshield.

Advanced Technology in New Car Windshields

Vehicle windshields have evolved to become integral components of advanced safety systems. New cars often feature windshields embedded with cameras and sensors crucial for lane departure warnings, adaptive cruise control, and automatic emergency braking. These technologies, part of Advanced Driver Assistance Systems (ADAS), enhance driving safety by providing real-time data to help prevent accidents.

However, including such advanced technology affects the complexity and cost of windshield replacement or repair. When a windshield with these features is damaged, simply replacing the glass is insufficient. The sensors and cameras require precise recalibration to ensure they function accurately, maintaining the vehicle's safety standards.

Consequently, insurance considerations must account for these high-tech elements, as improper handling can compromise safety. When dealing with replacements or repairs, selecting a qualified service provider with expertise in ADAS is critical. Understanding these complexities ensures proper coverage and optimal vehicle performance.

Insurance Considerations for High-Tech Windshields

Auto insurance policies should address the advanced technology embedded within modern windshields, focusing on coverage inclusions for cameras and sensors integral to safety systems like ADAS. This means ensuring comprehensive or full glass coverage explicitly includes costs for such sophisticated components and the necessary post-replacement recalibration.

When filing claims, it’s crucial to verify if the insurance covers both the replacement and the precise recalibration required for these systems to function correctly, as inadequate calibrations can lead to on-road safety risks.

Moreover, insurers may have specific requirements for repair or replacement providers, emphasizing the need to select service centers with expertise in handling technology-enhanced windshields.

Additionally, some insurers offer dedicated rider options for high-tech windshield coverage to address these needs comprehensively. Awareness of these coverage specifics can help policyholders avoid unexpected costs and ensure continued safety on the road.

Contact Us for the Best Prices on Vehicle Insurance!

We are independent brokers here at American Insuring Group. Our agents shop the market for the best insurance rates for coverage that meets your needs! Call us today at (610) 775-3848 or contact us online for the best windshield coverage and vehicle insurance rates!

Picking a truck insurance policy is important for any truck owner or operator. It ensures protection against various risks and financial liabilities that could occur on the road. The best policy covers the basics and targets your specific needs, such as the type of truck, usage, and cargo. You can select the most suitable insurance by thoroughly assessing your coverage needs, comparing different insurers, and regularly reviewing your policy terms to adapt to changes in your situation.

Start by Assessing Your Coverage Needs

The first step in choosing the right truck insurance policy is assessing your coverage needs. Begin by understanding the different types of coverage available, such as liability, collision, comprehensive, cargo, uninsured motorist, and more.

Consider the specifics of your operation: the type of truck you own, how it is used (long-haul versus local deliveries), and the nature of the cargo it transports. Regulatory requirements also play a significant role, as some types of coverage might be mandated by law. Evaluate your driving history and risk tolerance to determine the level of coverage you need.

Additionally, factor in your budget and financial capacity, ensuring affordable coverage without compromising essential protections. This thorough assessment will lay the foundation for a well-suited insurance policy.

Ensure the Optimum Value and Protection by Comparing Insurers

Comparing insurers confirms you will get the best value and protection from your truck insurance policy. Start by researching various insurance providers, focusing on their reputation, financial stability, and customer service quality. Gather quotes from them to compare coverage options, premium costs, and deductibles.

Don't just look at price—evaluate whether the coverage is comprehensive enough for your needs. Check for additional benefits or discounts, such as safe driver incentives or multi-policy discounts.

Read reviews and testimonials from other truck owners to gauge their experiences and satisfaction. It's also beneficial to consult industry forums or networking groups for recommendations.

By thoroughly comparing insurers, you can make an informed decision that balances cost, coverage, and customer support, ensuring optimal protection for your needs.

Review the Policy Terms Regularly

Regularly reviewing the terms of your policy is essential to maintaining adequate and up-to-date truck insurance coverage. Begin by looking at your current policy to understand its scope, including any exclusions, limitations, and coverage specifics. Life circumstances, business operations, and regulatory requirements can change, making it necessary to adjust your policy.

Mark your calendar with policy renewal dates to prompt a review before automatic renewals. Pay attention to any premium adjustments and ensure they align with your coverage needs. Additionally, update the policy when you buy new vehicles, change driving routes, or modify the nature of your cargo.

Reviewing and adjusting your insurance terms can help you avoid gaps in coverage and ensure that your protection evolves with your business needs, preventing potential vulnerabilities.

Contact us for the Best Prices on Commercial Vehicle Insurance!

We are independent brokers here at American Insuring Group. Our agents shop the market for the best quality insurance rates that match your needs! Call us today at (610) 775-3848 or contact us online for the best truck and commercial vehicle insurance rates!

Choosing the right trucking insurance policy isn’t always straightforward. But this guide is here to help. We provide some tips on choosing the right coverage for your business. 

Assess your coverage needs

The first step is to assess your coverage requirements – the policy considerations you need to protect against the losses you face. 

First, think about the number of trucks you want to insure. Some insurers are better for fleet insurance than others. 

Next, consider the cargo you want to transport (another element insurance policies will sometimes cover). Most policies protect you against standard losses, but you may need to pay more to transport extremely valuable or sensitive items. 

The routes taken and the distances you travel also play a role. The more miles covered on challenging, accident-prone roads, the higher your premiums will be. 

Lastly, consider the size of your business. Sometimes you can get discounts by arranging multiple policies with a single carrier. These reduce overall costs significantly while providing additional coverage. 

Compare insurers

Once you know your requirements, the next step is to compare insurers. This helps ensure any carrier you choose is a reasonable match for your business. 

Start by looking for evidence of financial stability. You want an insurer who can pay you, even if your business experiences heavy losses. Moody’s and Standard & Poor provide ratings information to gauge the health of carriers you might consider. 

Also, check if the insurer offers the coverage options you want. You need a carrier able to protect your firm against the losses it is most likely to experience. Common coverage includes: 

• Bodily injury or damages you cause to others
• Protection of cargo against damage and theft
• Coverage for using trucks out-of-hours (non-trucking cover)
• Physical and collision damage to vehicles you own
• Cover for hauling third-party trailers

Finally, check if the insurer offers reasonable customer service. Call them to see if they answer quickly and deal with you politely. 

If you aren’t sure about a specific insurer, check online reviews to see what other trucking companies say about them. The more positive appraisals you can find, the better the service is likely to be. Most reputable firms have Google and Trustpilot reviews you can explore. 

When comparing insurance, don’t just look at the premiums. Also, consider the factors discussed above. For instance, does the carrier offer enough insurance for your needs? And do they charge large deductibles that might be hard for your brand to afford? 

If there are policy limits, question them. Ask whether the risk of exceeding them is acceptable. 

Reviewing policy terms regularly

Lastly, be sure to review policy terms regularly. Trucking companies sometimes get burned because they believe they have suitable cover when they don’t. 

When you take out an insurance policy, the carrier will provide documents explaining what your policy covers and how to make a claim. Check the small print carefully with each new policy document you receive to ensure coverage remains sufficient. 

Contact us to Start Saving on Truck Insurance!

If you want to get the best truck insurance policy possible, contact our team. As independent brokers, we shop the market to find you the best deal on quality insurance!

So call us today at  (610) 775-3848 or contact us online to start saving. 

Distracted Driving Awareness Month in the U.S. and aims to reduce the number of people killed on the roads every year. The event is valuable for the population as a whole but even more critical for truck drivers because of the sheer responsibility of driving 18-wheelers and the cost of truck insurance. 

About Distracted Driving Awareness Month

Distracted driving affects countless people across the country and kills approximately 3,300 annually (as of the latest count). The related month-long event runs from April 4-8 and encourages drivers of all stripes (including those driving commercial vehicles) to behave more responsibly and ethically to reduce the risk of death and serious injury. 

Put the Phone Away or Pay is a flagship campaign and part of the effort. It reminds drivers how dangerous it is to use the phone behind the wheel and the legal consequences of being caught doing so. 

It also calls on drivers to remind their friends and family to drive safely when they are in the driver’s seat. Relatives, colleagues, and acquaintances should encourage and promote a safe approach to the road. 

How To Avoid Becoming A Distracted Truck Driver

So, what can you do to avoid becoming distracted as a truck driver to minimize collision risk? 

Silence Your Phone And Keep It Out Of Sight

The first (and most practical step) is to keep your phone silent and out of sight. Tuck it away in the back or put it on the glove box to remove the temptation of using it. 

According to NHTSA data, cell phone calling and texting were a factor in 12% of distracted driving incidents that resulted in deaths and 8% of total distracted driving incidents. Consequently, cell phone usage is responsible for more than 1.6 million incidents annually, which is why Distracted Driving Awareness Month focuses on it so much. 

Be careful of using hands-free systems. While they might be legal, they are not risk-free because they can be distracting. 

If you have to send messages, either pull over to the side of the road or get a colleague to send them for you. Don’t try to do it while driving. 

Stay Alert

At the same time, it is essential to stay alert. Make sure that you: 

• Get enough sleep before driving – tiredness can make you drowsy and cause you to fall asleep at the wheel
• Avoid in-cab distractions – Use voice activation to control things like the radio or GPS to reduce the risk of taking your eyes off the road further. 
• Don’t preoccupy your mind with negative thoughts – Excessive rumination can take your mind off the road

Plan Your Trip In Advance

Finally, plan your route in advance and locate rest points along the way. Ensure you set the GPS and climate before setting off. 

Contact us for the Best Commercial Vehicle Insurance Prices!

As independent brokers, the agents at American Insuring Group shop the market to find you the best rates on quality insurance that matches your needs! Call us today at (610) 775-3848 or Contact us online for the best rates on truck and commercial vehicle insurance!

Commercial Motor Vehicle Insurance is more expensive than personal auto insurance, so purchasing a personal auto insurance policy for a commercial motor vehicle may be tempting. That would be a huge mistake because personal auto insurance typically won’t pay out a claim for a vehicle that is considered commercial. This kind of mistake could cost your business a lot of money, and if the accident is severe enough, it could even put you out of business.

Therefore, you must understand if your vehicle is considered a commercial vehicle and that you don’t confuse the FMCSA’s definition with an insurance underwriter’s definition.

Federal Motor Carrier Safety (FMCS) Definition of a Commercial Motor Vehicle

The FMCSA has many rules for what they define as a Commercial Motor Vehicle (CMV), such as hours of service, driver requirements, fees for motor carrier registration and insurance, and employee safety and health standards.

The FMCSA’s definition of a CMV is “a self-propelled or towed motor vehicle used on a highway in interstate commerce to transport passengers or property when” one or more of the following apply:

• It has a gross vehicle weight rating or, gross combination weight rating, or gross vehicle weight or gross combination weight, of 10,001 pounds or more, whichever is greater.
• It is designed or used to transport more than eight passengers (including the driver) for compensation.
• It is designed or used to transport more than 15 passengers, including the driver, and is not used to transport passengers for compensation.
• It is used in transporting material found by the Secretary of Transportation to be hazardous under 49 U.S.C. 5103 and transported in a quantity requiring placarding under regulations prescribed by the Secretary under 49 CFR, subtitle B, chapter I, subchapter C.

Under that definition, a pickup truck, which typically weighs between 5,00 and 7,500 pounds, carrying 1,000 pounds of construction material from the store to the job site is not considered a CMV. However, insurance companies would consider it a CMV.

Insurance Company Definition of a Commercial Motor Vehicle

Typically, an insurance underwriter will define a CMV as a vehicle used for business purposes, regardless of the weight or who owns the vehicle (i.e., a company or an individual). A CMV can be a car, truck, van, or even a scooter.

Here are a few examples of what may be considered a CMV under the insurance underwriter’s definition:

• A box truck or van is used to deliver merchandise.
• A car used to provide rides for Uber, Lyft, or any rideshare company.
• An employee’s vehicle that regularly calls on doctors’ offices to sell pharmaceutical equipment

“If a vehicle is used primarily in business, there is likely no coverage under a personal auto policy. If you use your personal vehicle for work occasionally, your personal insurance carrier might be able to tailor your policy to reflect this usage,” the Insurance Information Institute (iii) explains. “If the vehicle is owned by a business, there will be no coverage under a personal auto policy. A commercial auto policy would need to be purchase.”

Furthermore, iii states, “For a very serious accident or one with a number of injured people, your personal auto policy may not be enough to cover the damages. In that event, the injured parties would likely sue to collect damages from your business.” Therefore, it’s always best to speak with an experienced insurance agent who can help you determine if you need commercial vehicle insurance.

 Lower Commercial Motor Vehicle Insurance Costs

The agents at American Insuring Group can help you determine what type of insurance you need to protect yourself and your business. Plus, as independent agents, we compare the cost of your insurance with several insurance companies to ensure you get the lowest price.

Want to learn more about getting the best insurance at the best price? Call us today at (800) 947-1270 or (610) 775-3848, or connect with us online.

Whether you're a fleet owner, fleet manager, or owner-operator, the right Commercial Truck Insurance protects you, your business, and your vehicle(s). You are probably quite familiar with vehicle maintenance, government regulations, and other aspects of running a trucking business. However, you may not be as familiar with the ins and outs of commercial truck insurance. With so many different insurance companies and options, choosing the right insurance for your needs can be tricky.

5 Questions to Ensure You Have the Right Insurance at the Best Price

1. What coverage options are relevant to my needs?

When considering Commercial Truck Insurance, many think about collision coverage, which protects against damages to your truck and other vehicles in a collision-type accident. However, there are many other potential hazards and things besides your truck that need to be protected to be successful.

Every situation is unique, so it's best to review potential scenarios with your agent and ask what options are relevant to your needs. Here are a few options your agent may mention:

• Comprehensive Insurance
  Comprehensive Insurance covers damages or losses not resulting from a collision, such as vandalism, theft, fire, etc.
  
  
• Commercial Liability Insurance
  Commercial Liability Insurance protects you against loss from legal liability resulting from bodily injury or property damage to another party.
  
  
• Cargo Insurance 
  Cargo insurance protects against loss from legal liability for damage to goods or merchandise in your care and custody while in transit.
  
  
• Trailer Interchange Insurance
  Trailer interchange insurance covers legal liability for damage to others' trailers if you haul trailers belonging to other truckers or motor carriers.
  
  
• Uninsured/Underinsured Motorists Coverage
  Uninsured/Underinsured Motorists Coverage helps pay for damage to your truck if someone hits you and does not have liability coverage.
  
  
• Non-trucking coverage 
  Non-trucking coverage is for things not directly related to the trucking operation. 

2. What factors affect my commercial truck insurance premiums?

What you don't know can hurt you in this case. The cost of your insurance premiums is based on several factors, such as the driver's age and experience, the driver's driving record, the value and age of the truck you're insuring, your vehicle's maintenance and service history, driving location, and distance, your business safety rating, if you have multiple policies, type of cargo being transported, the amount of your deductible, and more. If you know the factors that affect your premiums, you may be able to make adjustments to lower them.

3. How can I lower the cost of my commercial truck insurance premiums?
   

   Ask your agent what steps you can take to lower your premiums. They may suggest trying to reduce the number of claims by managing risk. For example, maintaining high safety standards, providing safety training, properly maintaining your vehicles, and utilizing technology (GPS tracking, dash cams, fleet telematics systems) can lower the risk of an accident and claim, lowering your insurance premiums.
   
   Your agent may also suggest combining policies and/or increasing your deductible. A good agent will also advise you of any special offers or discounts you may be able to take advantage of. For example, American Insuring Group has partnered with Progressive Commercial to offer our Progressive truck insurance customers free use of an ELD device or up to $500! It's an easy and smart way to satisfy the ELD mandate at no cost.
   
   Here are a few additional ways to lower commercial truck insurance costs.

4. Are you an independent or captive insurance agent?
   

   The independent agents at American Insuring Group work with over 25 competing insurance carriers so we can find you the best insurance value to meet your specific needs. Whereas a captive agent only works with one insurance company.

5. What is the claims process?

   According to the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA), there were approximately 494,000 police-reported crashes involving large trucks in 2021. Therefore, you're probably looking at when, not if, you will need to make a claim, so you should ask your agent about the claims process with any insurance company you're considering. For example, is it a slow or complicated process? Look for terms such as 24-hour claims service, access to a real person, quick claims processing, and online claims submission.

Contact Us to Get the Right Commercial Truck Insurance!

The agents at American Insuring Group specialize in Truck Insurance and are happy to answer any of your questions. Plus, as independent agents, we compare the cost of your coverage among many competing insurance companies to ensure you get the best rate on your insurance premiums.

Don't let what you don't know hurt your business. Call American Insuring Group today at (800) 947-1270 or (610) 775-3848, or connect with us online to get your questions answered.

Commercial Truck Insurance is crucial for protecting yourself and your business. Unfortunately, common truck insurance myths may be costing your business big time.

5 Common Commercial Truck Insurance Myths

1. There's Nothing You Can Do to Lower Truck Insurance Premiums

 This is not true. Insurance premiums are based on risk. Lower your risk, and you lower your insurance premiums. There are many ways to reduce your risk, such as hiring safer and more experienced drivers, providing safety training, properly maintaining your vehicles, and conducting pre-and post-trip inspections. Other ways to lower insurance premiums are asking about discounts, combining policies, increasing deductibles, and working with an independent insurance agent at American Insuring Group, who will compare the cost of your coverage with several insurance companies.

2. Truck Insurance Only Covers Vehicle Damage 

Some truck drivers and trucking companies are under the false impression that truck insurance only pays for repairs or replacement if their truck or trailer sustains damage in a collision. While that is a key part of commercial truck insurance, it can cover much more.

Here are a few types of insurance coverage owner-operators should consider:

• Comprehensive insurance covers damages or losses not resulting from a collision, such as vandalism, theft, fire, etc.
  
  
• Commercial Liability Insurance protects you against loss from legal liability resulting from bodily injury or property damage to another party.
  
  
• Cargo Insurance protects against loss from legal liability for damage to goods or merchandise in your care and custody while in transit. It also provides coverage for things like debris removal and refrigeration breakdown.
  
  
• Trailer Interchange Insurance is available under the trucker's or motor carrier's policy form, which covers the insured's legal liability for damage to the trailers of others. Under the business auto policy (BAP), coverage is also available by endorsement. Under a trailer interchange + agreement, the motor carrier in possession of the trailer is responsible for any damage to the trailer, even if the trailer is not attached to the tractor.
  
  
• Uninsured/Underinsured Motorists Coverage helps pay for damage to your trick if someone hits you and does not have liability coverage.

3. ELDs are Not Required for Small Fleets

Often, smaller fleet owners are under the impression that they can continue using paper logs or other methods to track hours of service (HOS). According to the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA), "The ELD applies to most motor carriers and drivers who are currently required to maintain records of duty status (RODS) per Part 395, 49 CFR 395.8(a). The rule applies to commercial buses as well as trucks and to Canada- and Mexico-domiciled drivers." Failing to do so can result in fines, penalties, audits, investigations, and lawsuits.

4. Only Large Fleets and Long-Haul Truckers Need Truck Insurance

Whether you're a fleet of one or one hundred and travel 100 miles or 100,000 miles a day, you are still exposed to risks like accidents, cargo damage, liability, etc. Truck insurance helps protect you, your vehicles, your employees, and your business.

5. Not Having Truck Insurance Can Save You Money

Some people think they can save money by not having truck insurance. After all, you're paying a monthly premium, and who knows if you'll ever need to file an insurance claim. That's a risk not worth taking.

In 2021, there were more than half a million large truck accidents across the U.S., according to Forbes, a 26% increase over 2020. "The good news is the majority of truck accidents do not result in fatalities or even in injuries. A total of 310,000 of the collisions in 2020 involved property damage alone," Forbes states. "Unfortunately, the bad news is, that 101,000 truck crashes caused injury over the course of that year with another 4,444 causing fatalities. Truck drivers and the companies that employ them may be held liable when a crash occurs…"

Without the proper insurance, one severe accident or big lawsuit could put you out of business!

Don't Let Truck Insurance Myths Cost You!

The agents at American Insuring Group specialize in Truck Insurance, so we understand your unique needs, can answer any of your insurance questions, and debunk any Truck Insurance myths.

Furthermore, as independent agents, we compare the cost of your coverage among many competing insurance companies to ensure you get the best rate on your insurance premiums.

Don't let truck insurance myths hurt your business. Call today at (800) 947-1270 or (610) 775-3848, or connect with us online.

In 2022, there were 168,320 truck accidents, with 76,180 people injured. In 4,766 of these accidents, one or more people died. These accidents cost trucking companies millions of dollars annually, which is why Commercial Truck Insurance is crucial. However, if you want to keep your insurance premiums in check, you need to take steps to minimize the risk of your truck being in an accident.

According to the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration's (FMCSA) Large Truck Crash Causation Study, approximately 10% of accidents involving large trucks are caused by an issue with the vehicle. Pre- and post-trip inspection can help lower the risk of these accidents, reducing truck insurance and other costs. Furthermore, pre and post-trip inspections, along with a Daily Vehicle Inspection Report (DVIR), are required by Federal Motor Safety Regulations (FMCSR).

What is a Pre- and Post-Trip Inspection?

Experts explain, "A pre-trip inspection is a thorough check of your vehicles before they hit the road to ensure everything is working properly. These inspections are designed to detect any potential malfunctions or failure points on the vehicle to both keep your drivers safe and prevent expensive repairs.

"These inspections can be performed by your mechanics before the drivers head out for the day and by the drivers themselves before they get behind the wheel. They should be performed every day that your vehicles are on the road and logged into a central database where they can be accessed and reviewed regularly."

Benefits of Pre- and Post-Trip Inspections

The benefits of pre-and post-trip inspections go beyond lowering Truck Insurance costs. They also help…

• Ensure your trucks are running efficiently and at peak performance
• Minimize the risk of breakdowns by spotting mechanical problems early
• Prevent minor issues from becoming more expensive repairs
• Keep your drivers and others safe
• Keep vehicles from going out of service and drivers on the road
• Maintain compliance with the law
• Save money – insurance costs, more extensive repairs, lawsuits, legal fines, etc.
• Reduce liability
• Assist in claim investigations
• Avoid negative publicity

Pre- and Post-Inspection Tips

Smart Trucking offers a comprehensive pre-inspection guide for truck drivers, but here are some things to check:

• Service brakes, including trailer brake connections
• Parking brake
• Steering mechanism
• Lights, reflectors, and signals
• Tires
• Suspension
• Coupling devices
• Wheels and rims
• Fluid levels
• Belts and hoses
• Electrical and air lines
• Gauges
• Air brake warning system
• Seat belts
• Horn
• Windshield wipers
• Rear vision mirrors
• Emergency equipment
• Applicable paperwork

Additional Tips:

• Use a calibrated tire gauge (not the kick test)
• Double and triple-check the brakes because 30% of vehicle component failure truck accidents are attributed to brake problems.
• Develop a routine for pre- and post-inspections.
• Budget at least 10-15 minutes.
• Keep accurate logs.
• Report potential problems immediately.

More Tips to Keep Your Vehicles Safe and at Peak Performance

Keeping your trucks safe and at peak performance should be an ongoing process and not end with the pre- and post-inspection. Here are some additional tips:

• Inspect your vehicle when you stop for fuel (some drivers are required to do this by law).
• Use all of your senses while driving to detect problems – listen for odd noises, pay attention to unusual odors, and notice if the handling or braking seems off.
• Regularly change the oil.
• Replace brakes about every 50,000 miles.

Don't Overpay For Truck Insurance!

The Truck Insurance experts at American Insuring Group ensure you get the right insurance coverage for your specific needs. As independent agents, we compare the cost of that coverage with multiple  insurance companies to make sure that you don't overpay for Truck Insurance!

Call us today at (800) 947-1270 or (610) 775-3848, or connect with us online.

Cargo theft can increase Commercial Truck Insurance and other costs, and 2023 was a good year for thieves but a lousy year for trucking companies when it comes to cargo theft. In the second quarter of 2023, there were 566 cargo theft incidents in the U.S., a “57% year-over-year increase compared to 2022,” according to FreightWaves. The total value of those thefts was $44 million in goods, with the average shipment value per event at $260,703.

What is Cargo Theft?

The FBI defines cargo theft as “The criminal taking of any cargo including, but not limited to, goods, chattels, money, or baggage that constitutes, in whole or in part, a commercial shipment of freight moving in commerce, from any pipeline system, railroad car, motor truck, or other vehicle, or from any tank or storage facility, station house, platform, or depot, or from any vessel or wharf, or from any aircraft, air terminal, airport, aircraft terminal or air navigation facility, or from any intermodal container, intermodal chassis, trailer, container freight station, warehouse, freight distribution facility, or freight consolidation facility.

For purposes of this definition, cargo shall be deemed as moving in commerce at all points between the point of origin and the final destination, regardless of any temporary stop while awaiting transshipment or otherwise.”

Cargo thefts can happen anywhere along the transportation process; however, according to FreightWaves, most cargo thefts occur near warehouses and distribution centers, unsecured parking lots, and company truck yards and premises. Any cargo can be targeted – from expensive electronics to beverages and food. Cargo thefts can be carefully planned by a sophisticated group of thieves or, on the fly, by inexperienced thieves.

3 Common Types of Cargo Theft

1. Fictitious Pickup – “This type of cargo theft relies on subcontracting the shipment to a legitimate motor carrier and having the shipment misdirected to another address,” Tank Transport Fictitious pickups are on the rise, according to FreightWaves, with 127 more year-to-year in the second quarter of 2023.
   
   
2. Pilferage – Pilferage or leakage occurs when only part of the shipment is stolen. A few boxes could be stolen, or the thieves could open a box, remove some items, and reseal the box. With this type of theft, the driver may not even realize they’ve been robbed.
   
   
3. Grab and Go – With the grab-and-go method, criminals follow a shipment until the driver pulls into a truck stop or restaurant. When the driver leaves the vehicle, the thieves steal as much merchandise as possible. The grab-and-go method is most often used to steal high-value or high-tech cargo.

13 Truck Driver Tips to Minimize the Risk of Cargo Theft

1. Stay alert by paying attention to your surroundings (especially at night), watching for occupied vehicles in parking lots, distribution centers, etc., watching for anyone following you, and being aware and looking for possible hijacking ploys.
   
   
2. Try to keep an eye on the truck at all times, but if you need to leave it unattended, only do so for short periods.
   
   
3. Park in safe, secure truck parking lots with good lighting and 24/7 security whenever possible.
   
   
4. Subscribe to a reporting service that monitors area thefts., such as FreightWatch or CargoNet.
   
   
5. Frequently communicate with your company and all members of the supply chain.
   
   
6. Screen drivers to avoid entrusting your cargo to dishonest and untrustworthy drivers.
   
   
7. Use technology, such as hidden GPS trackers in the shipment, intelligent routing, advanced locking technologies, etc.
   
   
8. Preplan Your Route to help you identify safe places to stop and high-theft areas to avoid.
   
   
9. Vary Your Route so you don’t become predictable.
   
   
10. Arrive at the pickup location fully rested, fueled, and fed because it’s less likely that a thief will follow you for several hours.
    
    
11. If picking up a loaded, sealed trailer, check that the seal number on the trailer and bill of lading match.
    
    
12. Keep information, such as the license plate number, container number, and truck description, with you at all times.
    
    
13. Don’t share information about cargo or trip details on social media, the radio, etc.

How to Get Affordable Commercial Truck Insurance

The right insurance helps protect your business from the loss resulting from cargo theft, injuries, damage, liability, etc. At American Insuring Group, our experienced agents help you get the right trucking insurance coverage at the lowest cost by comparing multiple competing insurance providers.

Call us today to start saving: (800) 947-1270 or (610) 775-3848, or connect with us online.