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Commercial Truck Insurance is designed to help drivers, fleet owners, and managers manage risk. Whether that risk is an injured employee, a totaled vehicle, or damaged cargo, insurance can help ease the financial burden. Damaged (spoiled) cargo is a particular concern for companies that operate refrigerated (or reefer) trucks, which is where Refrigerated Truck Insurance comes into play.

The refrigerated transport market was estimated at $14.8 billion in 2019 and is expected to grow to $23.1 billion by 2027. One report stated, “The refrigerated transport market is gaining momentum, owing to the escalation in globalization that has led to the growth of trade and a surge in demand for frozen and packaged food across the globe.”

Today, refrigerated trucks transport fresh and frozen food, medicines, flowers, fine art, cosmetics, and more and have become essential to the transportation industry.

But before we talk about refrigerated truck insurance and how it can protect your business, let’s take a look at the fascinating history of refrigeration and refrigerated trucks.

History of Refrigerated Trucks

Back in the 1800s, people in the meat-packing industry were trying to figure a way to transport meat across long distances via the railroad without the cargo spoiling. Entrepreneurs experimented by fitting boxcars with bins filled with ice and removing doors to allow winter temperatures to keep cargos cold, but few experiments proved successful.

In 1867, William Davis developed the first patented refrigerator railcar for meat-packer George H. Hammond. The meat was suspended from metal hooks on the roof with ice and salt below it. However, the height of the meat caused many boxcars to derail. That same year, J.B. Sutherland developed a refrigerator car with ice tanks at each end of the car, along with ventilator flaps to create a downdraft of cold air. However, the ice needed to be replaced once a day, and the meat became discolored as it came in contact with the ice.

A few years later, Joel Tiffany – a Swift and Company (meat processing plant) engineer – and Andrew Chase developed refrigerator railcars. Both of these cars stored ice on the roof and dropped cold air down while warm air was ventilated out through the floor. The meat was held on the bottom of the boxcar to avoid derailments. This was the best option to date and helped meat-packing companies boom. However, the issue of melting ice that could quickly spoil the meat continued to be a problem.

It wasn’t until the late 1930s that Frederick McKinley Jones built the first automatic, ice-free air-cooling unit for trucks. It was shock-proof and could withstand the jolting and vibrations caused by long-distance trucking. At first, the air conditioner was placed under the truck, which quickly became clogged with mud. Simply moving the unit to the front of the truck above the cab solved that problem, and Jones patented his truck air conditioner in 1940.

Refrigerated Truck Insurance

Jones’s invention changed the food industry and, for the first time, allowed for the transportation of perishable items, such as meat, over long distances. Food production facilities could be located anywhere, and fresh and frozen foods became available to more people.

However, mechanical breakdowns still occur, and trucks can be involved in accidents. If refrigerated cargo isn’t consistently kept at a specific temperature, it can spoil. Refrigeration Truck Insurance typically includes liability and physical damage along with reefer breakdown insurance (Aka refrigeration unit breakdown coverage) to cover spoiled cargo due to refrigeration unit breakdowns. If you operate one or more temperature-controlled trailers that transport perishable goods, you need the unique coverage refrigeration truck insurance provides.

Here's How to Save on Truck Insurance

The best way to save on commercial truck insurance is to work with one of the independent agents at American Insuring Group. Not only do we specialize in trucking insurance so we can assure you have the right coverage, but as independent agents, we compare the cost of that coverage among competing insurance companies to ensure you pay the lowest rate.

So give us a call today at (800) 947-1270 or (610) 775-3848, or connect with us online.

Most people wouldn’t think that Daylight Savings would affect Truck Insurance, and yet research shows that it may. Every spring on the second Sunday in March at 2 am, most Americans “spring forward” by moving their clocks ahead one hour to Daylight Savings Time (DST), thereby losing one hour of sleep. Perhaps a nuisance for truck drivers, but no big deal, right? Hmmm… maybe… maybe not.

According to a study that analyzed data of 732,835 fatal motor vehicle accidents in the U.S. from 1996 to 2017, “Spring DST transition acutely increases fatal traffic accident risk by 6% in the U.S.” The study attributes this increase to “sleep deprivation and circadian misalignment” and “changing illumination conditions for peak traffic density.”

The study concluded that “28 fatal accidents could be prevented yearly if the DST transition was abolished.” These numbers only reflect accidents with fatalities, not accidents that result in damage to a truck or injury to a driver.

As you know, more accidents typically mean higher trucking insurance premiums; therefore, DST can affect truck insurance costs.

About Daylight Savings

DST has been the topic of many heated debates for many years. DST was first adopted in Germany on May 1, 1916, during WW I to conserve fuel. The rest of Europe soon followed, and the U.S. adopted DST on March 19, 1918. However, Americans weren’t too keen on the idea, and it ended after W.W. I. Franklin Roosevelt revived DST on February 9, 1942, during WW II. It ended on September 30, 1945.

Two decades later, the Uniform Time Act of 1966 made DST a standard in the U.S. The U.S. Department of Transportation states (DOT) oversees both time zones and the observance of DST because “time standards are important for many modes of transportation.” However, states can exempt themselves from DST, and currently, Hawaii, American Samoa, Guam, Puerto Rico, the Virgin Islands, and most of Arizona do not observe DST.

According to the DOT, “Daylight Saving Time is observed for several reasons:”

• It saves energy
• It saves lives and prevents traffic injuries
• It reduces crime

The debate on whether or not DST creates or prevents accidents and whether or not the U.S. should continue to observe it continues. One poll found that “Seven in 10 Americans prefer not to switch back and forth to mark daylight saving time.” However, wherever you stand on the debate, the fact is that most of us will be changing our clocks on Sunday, March 13, at 2 am. So how can truck drivers and fleet managers mitigate any of the possible adverse effects of DST?

4 Tips to Help Your Body Adjust to Daylight Savings Time:

The Cleveland Clinic offers four tips to help drivers adjust to DST:

1. About a week before you spring forward, start going to bed 15 to thirty minutes earlier than you usually do
2. Stick to your schedule
3. Don’t take long naps
4. Avoid coffee and alcohol

8 Driver Safety Tips:

1. Ensure that all of your truck’s lights - headlights, taillights, signals, and auxiliary lights -are clean and in good working order.
2. Avoid driving between 2 and 4 am and between 1 and 3 pm – peak times for fatigue-related collisions.
3. Focus on driving and eliminate distractions (such as eating or texting).
4. Reduce your speed when driving in the dark.
5. Increase your following distance when driving in the dark.
6. Always watch for pedestrians and bicyclists.
7. Wear sunglasses with polarized lenses and U.V. protection to minimize sun glare (likely during evening rush hour) and eye fatigue.
8. Pay attention to what your body is telling you.

How to Save More on Truck Insurance!

Fewer accidents typically mean lower insurance premiums, but don’t stop there! If you want to be certain you are paying the lowest rate for quality truck insurance, then you need to work with one of the independent agents at American Insuring Group.

We will check with multiple insurance companies to get you the best trucking insurance at the lowest rate. Call today at (800) 947-1270 or (610) 775-3848, or connect with us online.

Operating large trucks imposes many risks – accidents, theft, fire, and more - but Commercial Truck Insurance is designed to help protect you, your business, as well as other drivers. For example, Commercial Automobile Insurance provides protection if a third party is injured in an accident. General Liability coverage provides protection if a third party's property is damaged. Cargo Insurance provides protection if your cargo is lost or damaged.

However, if your truck is carrying hazardous materials, you're looking at a whole new level of risk, and additional insurance may be required to protect you from those risks.

Hazardous Materials

The Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA) defines hazardous materials as "those materials designated by the Secretary of the Department of Transportation as posing an unreasonable threat to the public and the environment."

That can include hazardous substances, hazardous wastes, marine pollutants, elevated temperature material, and more. Examples of hazardous materials include some battery-powered equipment, corrosives, dry ice, flammable solids, toxic substances, patient specimens, flammable solids, explosives, gases, etc.

According to the Bureau of Transportation Statistics, from 2016 to 2020, there were a total of 84,854 highway hazardous materials incidents, 34 highway hazardous materials fatalities, 623 highway hazardous materials injuries, and $286,837 in highway hazardous materials property damage.

Insurance Options

In addition to standard trucking insurance policies, truckers have additional options to protect them - some are required by law.

• • • • Transportation Pollution Liability – Sometimes called Environmental Insurance, Transportation Pollution Liability Insurance provides protection for materials being transported, shipped, or delivered. For example, if a cement truck rolls over and its contents end up polluting a stream.
        
        
      • Trucking Umbrella or Excess Liability — With limits up to $50,000,000, Trucking Umbrella or Excess Liability Insurance provides additional liability coverage beyond your primary liability limits on policies, such as General Liability or Commercial Auto Liability Policies.
        
        
      • Hazmat Hauler's Liability — Often required by a contract, Hazmat Hauler's Liability Insurance provides liability coverage for incidents not related to an automobile accident, such as delivering the wrong materials or products.
        
        
      • Single Deductible Endorsement — A deductible is the amount of money you agree to pay out of pocket when you make an insurance claim. Typically, if an accident causes damage to your tractor, trailer, and cargo, you could be looking at three different deductibles. A Single Deductible Endorsement allows you to have one deductible; thereby, saving out-of-pocket expenses.
        
        
      • Loading & Unloading — Hazardous materials create risks even when they aren't being transported. Loading & Unloading coverage helps protect cargo when it is being loaded and unloaded from your truck.
        
        
      • Medical Payments— Offering an added level of protection for medical bills in the event of an accident, Medical Payments Coverage pays medical and other expenses for drivers and passengers, regardless of fault.
        
        
      • Truckers Downtime Insurance – Like Business Interruption Coverage, Truckers Downtime Insurance (typically added to your physical damage policy) helps cover lost income if you cannot use your truck due to a covered loss.
        
        
      • Loan or Lease Gap Coverage – If your truck or trailer depreciates faster than what you financed it for, Loan or Lease Gap Coverage pays the difference between the actual cash value and the unpaid balance on your lease or loan if your vehicle is totaled.
        
        
      • Truck Rental Reimbursement — Just because your vehicle is damaged in an accident doesn't mean you have to stop working. Truck Rental Reimbursement coverage (typically added to physical damage policy) covers a large part of the cost to rent a replacement vehicle.

How to Save on Trucking Insurance

Not all insurance needs are alike, and not every trucker or fleet owner needs the same coverage. American Insuring Group specializes in Truck Insurance and can ensure that you have the insurance that fits your needs. Plus, as independent agents, we compare coverage and pricing from multiple insurance companies to ensure you pay the lowest premiums for quality coverage.

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

We're all about saving you money on your Commercial Truck Insurance, but there's one step you can take that goes beyond just lowering your insurance costs - a commercial truck maintenance schedule. We understand that most truck drivers and fleet owners face challenging delivery schedules and don't have a lot of time on their hands.

But time spent on regular truck maintenance can help save time in the long run, reduce frustration, lower costs, and increase safety. Here's how!

Fewer Breakdowns

Even minor issues can cause truck breakdowns if ignored, and small issues can quickly become more significant - causing more downtime and higher repair costs - if not addressed immediately. Taking time to make a repair when it is discovered helps keep your truck moving. A breakdown on the road can be dangerous to the driver and can cause late shipments.

Higher Customer Satisfaction

An unexpected breakdown can cause late, inconsistent, or unpredictable delivery times that may force businesses to look at another trucking company that delivers consistently and on time. Regular truck maintenance results in fewer breakdowns and more reliable deliveries.

Safer Trucks/Fewer Accidents

The weight, height, and size of trucks make them more dangerous than smaller vehicles. Trucks need more time to stop, have larger blind spots, are more likely to roll over, and can cause more damage than a smaller vehicle. According to the National Safety Council (NSC), in 2019, 5,005 large trucks were involved fatal crashes, and 118,000 were involved in accidents that resulted in an injury. Furthermore, the NSC reports that while large trucks accounted for only 4% of all registered vehicles and 7% of total vehicle miles traveled, they accounted for 10% of all vehicles involved in fatal crashes in 2019.

Regular maintenance helps make trucks safer. For example, braking deficiencies will sometimes allow a truck to stop during routine driving situations but may fail in an emergency when hard braking is required. Safer trucks lower the risk of accidents and make our roads safer for all drivers

Lower Operating Costs

Maintenance schedules help improve your bottom line in several ways.

• More minor repairs – which can be caught during a maintenance check – are typically less expensive than major repairs.
• Well-maintained trucks can lower fuel costs.
• Fewer accidents mean lower insurance costs.
• Late shipments caused by unexpected breakdowns can lead to the loss of customers.

Compliance With Regulations

The Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA) states, "the motor carrier must either inspect, repair, maintain, and keep suitable records for all vehicles subject to its control for 30 consecutive days or more, or cause another party to perform such activities. The motor carrier is solely responsible for ensuring that the vehicles under its control are in safe operating condition and that defects have been corrected."

Having a Commercial Truck Maintenance Schedule helps ensure that you are following FMCSA regulations.

How to Create a Commercial Truck Maintenance Schedule

Metalphoto of Cincinnati offers tips to establishing an effective preventative maintenance program that includes the following:

1. What you need to implement a fleet preventative maintenance plan
2. How to establish a baseline
3. How to determine maintenance intervals
4. Advice on fleet maintenance software
5. A preventative maintenance service checklist
6. How to develop a driver inspection and reporting system
7. How to track metrics and monitor for success 

How to Save Even More on Commercial Truck Insurance

Don't stop with a maintenance schedule if you want to save even more on commercial truck insurance. Work with an insurance agent who understands your unique risks and challenges. American Insuring Group has been helping truck and fleet owners with their Commercial Truck Insurance needs for years. And, as independent agents, we check with multiple insurance companies to get you the lowest price.

Give us a call at (800) 947-1270 or (610) 775-3848, or connect with us online.

Safer drivers mean fewer accidents, and fewer accidents mean lower Truck Insurance premiums. While the months of snow, ice, and freezing rain may be behind us, now is not the time for drivers to let down their guard.

According to the National Safety Council, in 2019, the highest number of motor-vehicle deaths – 3,351 – occurred in August. The number of deaths was also high in June (3,189) and July (3,294). Meanwhile, February – one of the snowiest months in the U.S. - had the lowest motor-vehicle deaths at 2,388.

Why are Roads More Deadly in the Summer?

Drivers should understand why roads tend to be more dangerous in the summer, so they can address the very issues that cause it.

• More Drivers – There are more drivers on the road during the summer months. Many teens are enjoying their summer breaks going places – visiting friends, summer jobs, going to the beach. Also, according to Gallup, July is the most popular month for summer vacations, followed by August, June, and September. And, finally, there are more motorcycles on the road during the summer months.
• Less Experienced Drivers – And many of these additional drivers have less experience. Teens have fewer hours on the road, and adults may be driving in unfamiliar areas or driving an unfamiliar vehicle such as an RV or motorcycle or towing a trailer.
• More Congestion – Certain locations – such as beach areas or amusement parks – attract more people during the summer months. More vehicles in one area can cause more traffic and heavier congestion. There are also more walkers, runners, and bicyclists out on the roads during the warmer months.

Truck Driver Safety Tips

Watch for Construction Zones

Check the Department of Transportation’s website for each state you’ll be traveling through to find areas that may be under construction. If you can’t avoid roads with construction, at least try to avoid them during rush hour.

Watch the Weather

The heat and storms of summer can bring unique challenges to truck drivers. Check the weather when you plan a trip and have a contingency plan if it looks like you’re heading a bad storm. Drivers can Dial 511 - a transportation and traffic information hotline - or go on the state’s Department of Transportation’s website to see if the weather is affecting road conditions.

Also, ensure your truck is prepared for the heat. As temperatures rise, the chance of mechanical failure also rises. During your pre-trip inspection, make sure the air conditioner in your cab is working, and check the engine’s coolant level and tire pressure, as the heat of summer can cause more blowouts.

And, finally, take care of yourself. Excessive heat can cause dehydration and fatigue. Prevent dehydration by drinking plenty of water, wear sunglasses to protect your eyes from UV rays, wear sunscreen, and take breaks as needed.

Watch Yourself

Truck drivers should always exercise extra caution because large trucks can cause more damage and more severe injuries than smaller vehicles. Safety becomes even more important as you face more traffic and more inexperienced drivers during the summer months.

When there’s a lot of traffic, drivers can become more impatient, follow you too closely, or cut you off. Drivers on unfamiliar roads may slow down to read signs or suddenly take a turn or an exit. Be particularly vigilant if you see an out-of-state license plate, which could mean the driver is unfamiliar with the roads, and use extra caution when passing a vehicle towing a trailer to avoid causing a sway in your wake.

Also, avoid distractions, such as talking or texting on your phone. Look for other drivers who may be distracted and be extra careful and extra vigilant around them.

And finally, wear your seatbelt. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), 22,697 drivers and passengers died in motor vehicle crashes in 2018. More than half (between the ages of 13 and 44) were not wearing their seatbelt at the time of the crash.

Save Now on Truck Insurance

When an accident does occur, the right insurance can help protect your business and get your truck back on the road. We help you save by quoting a variety of quality trucking insurance providers.

Give the Truck Insurance experts at American Insuring Group a call today at (800) 947-1270 or (610) 775-3848, or connect with us online.

Whether you are a new restaurant owner or have been in business for decades, Restaurant Insurance can be complicated. You probably have lots of questions, such as what insurance do I really need to protect my business and what insurance can I do without.

There aren’t any cookie-cutter answers to these questions because every restaurant has different types and levels of risks, and every restaurant owner has different levels of risk they are comfortable with.

Here are 7 Tips to Help You Get the Right Insurance for Your Restaurant:  

Understand What Factors Affect Your Insurance Rates:

Many factors go into the cost of your restaurant insurance. Some you have control over and some you do not. Understanding which factors can affect the cost of your insurance allows you to make informed business decisions.

For example, if you’re thinking about serving alcohol at your restaurant, you can go to your insurance provider to determine just how much that decision would increase your premiums. Maybe you determine that the increased revenue will be worth the increase in your insurance premiums, or maybe you determine that it is not. The bottom line is that you made a sound business decision because you had the facts.  

Here are ten factors that can affect the cost of your insurance premiums:

1. Years in business
2. Location
3. The volume of your sales, payroll, and square feet
4. Type of property
5. Lease requirements
6. Loss history
7. Activities
8. Hours of operation
9. The sale of alcohol
10. Level of coverage

Make Sure Your Restaurant is Properly Classified

Your restaurant’s classification will affect both your Workers’ Comp Insurance as well as your General Liability Insurance costs. If you own a diner that is only open from 6 am to 2 pm, you want to make sure that you are not given the classification of a bar that stays open until 2 am. There are more risks for a bar staying open until 2 am, and you will pay a higher premium due to those risks.

It’s in your best interest to be honest with your insurance agent about the type of restaurant you own. For example, if you neglect to tell him or her that you serve alcohol, and someone who was served alcohol at your restaurant causes an accident, you may not be covered. One nasty lawsuit against your restaurant could easily put you out of business without the proper protection.

Ask About Pay as You Go Workers’ Compensation Insurance

Most businesses in Pennsylvania are required to carry Workers’ Compensation Insurance for their employees. Most insurance carriers require a 25% estimated premium upfront. If you have a lot of employees, that could do some serious damage to your cash flow.

Pay as you go Workers’ Compensation Insurance allows you to pay your premium each month based on your actual payroll rather than an estimate. Pay as you go is particularly helpful for new restaurants that don’t yet know how much their payrolls will be. Pay as you go WC Insurance also eliminates the need for audits.

Don’t Assume That You Do Not Need Commercial Auto Insurance

If you have a vehicle that either you or your employees use for your restaurant, you will need commercial insurance coverage. Even if your employees use their vehicle to run errands like making bank deposits, you may still be held liable if they are in an accident. A non-owned auto policy can help cover your restaurant in that situation.

Consider Cyber Liability Insurance

Just because you are a small business doesn’t mean that you are not at risk for a data breach. In fact, according to Small Biz Trends, 43% of cyber attacks still target small businesses. According to IBM, the average total cost of a data breach in the US is $3.92 million. Of course, this number is skewed due to the really big data breaches like Target experienced, but even having a few of your customers falling victim to a data breach could cost your business thousands of dollars, along with your reputation.

Ask About a Business Owner’s Package (BOP)

A BOP bundles your insurance policies together. Most insurance companies like to bundle your policies because it means more business for them, and bundling policies usually means a discount for you as well.

Bundling with one company also helps ensure that there are no gaps in your coverage, and it could speed up the processing of any claims you have to file.

Understand the Difference Between a Captive Agent and an Independent Agent

A captive agent only represents one company. The agents at the American Insuring Group are all independent agents, which means they can compare the cost of your coverage with several different companies. Often, this means lower premium payments for you.

How to Save Even More on Restaurant Insurance

Perhaps the best way to save on Restaurant Insurance and still ensure that you have enough coverage to protect your restaurant is to work with an insurance agent who is familiar with your industry and its risks, like the independent insurance agents American Insuring Group.

We specialize in Restaurant Insurance and will compare pricing and coverage among lots of insurance companies to find you the very best deal. Don't delay - call us at (800) 947-1270 or (610) 775-3848 or connect with us online.

If you get hired as a subcontractor, don’t assume that the general contractor’s Contractors Insurance covers you. As a subcontractor, you are NOT considered an employee of that contractor, and Contractor’s Insurance rarely covers subcontractors. Often, injury or damage caused by a subcontractor is specifically excluded from contractors' insurance policies.

And we don’t have to tell you how dangerous your occupation is. The chances of you or one of your employees injuring themselves or causing damage or injury to something or someone else is not out of the range of possibility.

In fact, according to Safety + Health magazine, a construction worker has a 75% likelihood of experiencing a disabling injury and a 1-in-200 chance of being fatally injured on the job. And don’t think because you own a small company that you’re immune to these statistics. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, “Nearly half of all deaths on construction sites occur in companies with ten or fewer employees or among those who are self-employed.”

While there are no laws that require you to purchase insurance as a subcontractor, you can see why it’s the smart thing to do. Plus, many contractors will require that you have certain types of insurance to work with them.

4 Types of Insurance Every Subcontractor Should Consider:

Commercial General Liability (CGL) Insurance

CGL is one of the most important insurance products for any business. CGL protects your business if you are liable for property damage. It covers the cost of medical and legal expenses and damages if you are found liable. One serious lawsuit can put you out of business if you don’t have the right protection.

Here are three examples of situations where CGL can help:

• Someone visiting your job site trips and falls over materials and is injured.
• An employee leaves the water running in the sink of a customer’s home and causes damage to the home.
• Someone walking by your job site is hit by flying debris and dies.

As a subcontractor, you have two options: you can ask the general contractor to add you as an “additional insured” to their CGL policy, or you can purchase CGL on your own. Most general contractors will require that you purchase your own CGL policy and will very likely include this requirement in your contract and ask you to provide proof of insurance. When you talk to your insurance agent, make it clear that you are purchasing CGL is a subcontractor, not a general contractor.

Workers’ Compensation Insurance

If you are a sole proprietor and are injured on the job, would you have enough money to cover medical expenses? As s a sole proprietor would you be able to continue to provide for your family if you were unable to work for a month or two due to a worksite injury? Workers’ Compensation Insurance will help pay your medical expenses and even lost wages until you are back on your feet.

If you have employees, most states required (with a few exceptions) that you have Workers Comp for each of your employees. WC covers medical expenses, lost wages, and rehabilitation costs if an employee is injured or killed on the job.

Another benefit of workers’ comp insurance is that it covers legal costs if the injured employee were to sue your business.

Commercial Automobile Insurance

If you use a vehicle (which, of course, most in the construction industry do) to conduct business such as transporting materials, equipment, or employees, you should have commercial automobile insurance to help protect you in the event of an accident that causes bodily injury, loss of life, or property damage. 

A personal auto policy may not be enough as certain types of vehicles can be excluded from those policies, and it may not offer high enough limits.

Builders Risk Insurance

Builders Risk Insurance (Aka Course of Construction or Inland Marine Coverage) covers a building under construction along with materials related to the project. It typically provides coverage for damage caused by fire, wind, theft, lightning, hail, explosion, and vandalism. Standard exclusions include events such as an earthquake or employee theft.

We'll Help You Find the Contractor Insurance That's Right for You!

An insurance agent (like those at American Insuring Group) who specializes in Contractors Insurance can help ensure that you have the right insurance to protect your business. The independent agents at American Insuring Group will compare the cost of that coverage with several insurance companies to ensure that you get the best price on the protection you need! Give us a call at (800) 947-1270 or (610) 775-3848 or connect with us online.

Truck drivers face many things they can’t control as they drive from point A to point B delivering their cargo – inclement weather, traffic, road construction, distracted drivers, and the list goes on.

It’s good to know that there is one thing that truck drivers do have some control over, and that is their trucking insurance costs!

Small businesses and owner-operators offering trucking services invest in commercial truck insurance to protect their investment from all those things they can’t control. There are many different types of commercial truck insurance such as trailer interchange insurance, cargo insurance, and more.

The First Step

There are several factors that go into determining your insurance premiums. Each insurance company weighs each of those factors differently. Your first step to controlling your commercial truck insurance premiums is to work with a good insurance agent who specializes in truck insurance, knows what questions to ask, understands your risks, and can compare costs among competing insurance companies in order to keep your costs low.

Here are 5 Factors that Affect the Cost of Your Commercial Truck Insurance, and Ways to Lower Your Premiums:

1- Previous Claims History

If you or your company have a history of high claims rates, there’s a good chance that you’ll make multiple claims in the future. Insurance companies offer lower premiums to companies that have fewer claims.

SOLUTION:
Lower the number of accidents and claims by creating a culture of safety with ongoing safety training and safety programs for your drivers.

2 - Driving Records

Insurance companies will look at the claim history and driving records of all your drivers. If they see drivers with multiple violations or accidents, you will pay higher insurance premiums.

SOLUTION:
Do thorough background checks on anyone you’re considering hiring and provide ongoing safety training for your drivers.

3 – Policy Structure

Chances are you’re going to need more than one policy to protect all of your investments. Purchasing insurance policies from different insurance companies may appear to save you money, but often bundling multiple policies with one company ends up saving you money.

SOLUTION:
Find an independent agency like American Insuring Group who can compare costs with several companies and analyze the results side-by-side to determine the best solution for your needs.

4 - Vehicles

A truck with a higher price tag will also be more expensive to insure. Larger and heavier vehicles may not be as easy to navigate as smaller vehicles, and in an accident are likely to cause more damage, which will also increase your premium payments.

SOLUTION:
Purchase the right vehicle for the job. Don’t buy a larger or more expensive vehicle than what you need.

5 - Driving Locations

Where you drive can affect the probability of having an accident. You’re less likely to have an accident driving along a stretch of country road with little or no traffic than driving a big city street during rush hour. Also, the further you travel, the higher the chance of an accident. The higher risk of an accident, the higher the insurance premiums.

Request an Annual Truck Insurance Review

Keep in mind that there is nothing more constant in life than change, and that applies in the trucking business as well – new drivers, new vehicles, changing claims rates, etc., so it’s vital to schedule an annual review with your insurance agent if you want to ensure that you have the best coverage at the best price.

Ready to Save on Truck Insurance? Call the Experts at American Insuring Group!

American Insuring Group specializes in trucking insurance, and we’re independent agents, so we’ll make sure that your commercial vehicle has the best insurance protection at the lowest price (unlike many of our competitors, we’re not locked into one solution).

So, give us a call at (800) 947-1270 or (610) 775-3848 or contact us online. Start saving today!

Your truck is your livelihood and the best way to protect it is with the proper truck insurance. By "proper" we mean insurance that covers your specific needs and doesn’t leave any gaps – all at the best price.

The best way to do that is to work with an independent insurance agent – like those at American Insuring Group – who specialize in truck insurance and have the freedom to compare coverage and pricing from several different insurance carriers and then present you with options and recommendations.

Knowing the right questions to ask your agent is important because it will help reveal the depth of their knowledge so you can decide if they are right for you.

Here are seven questions to ask your insurance agent to make sure that you get the right coverage at the right price:

How long have you been selling truck insurance?

The risks, costs, and required coverages involved with an 18-wheeler are significantly different than those of a regular car. Having an agent knowledgeable in truck insurance can help ensure that your investment is adequately protected.

How much coverage is right for me?

A minimum of $1,000,000 liability insurance coverage is mandatory for most commercial trucks, but it’s important to remember that trucks can cause a lot more damage than a car. Ask your agent to take you through what-if scenarios and different limit options available to you. Also, ask about the benefits and costs of an umbrella policy, which can protect you in the event of a catastrophic loss.

Do you offer broad form cargo coverage?

Depending on what you are hauling, the standard $100,000 of cargo coverage may leave gaps in your coverage, so your agent should understand the types of cargo you haul and the risks associated with that cargo. Ask your agent if they offer broad form coverage, which protects you against specific risks not covered by basic cargo insurance.

What is my deductible and do you offer a combined deductible?

Increasing your deductibles should lower the cost of your premiums, but it’s essential that you ensure that you have enough available cash to pay that higher deductible if you need to pay it.

You may have coverage on multiple items such as your tractor, your cargo, and another damaged vehicle (the one you hit), but each of them may come with a separate deductible. With a combined deductible – which doesn’t usually cost much more – you only pay one deductible for all lines of coverage or all vehicles in one claim.

What affects the cost of my premiums?

The most common things that affect your premium costs are age, driving record, years of experience, what you’re hauling, the age of your equipment, area of operation, criminal record, and credit score. If you know what factors are affecting your premium, you may be able to take steps to fix that factor before your next renewal or go with a carrier that doesn’t put as much emphasis on a particular risk.

How quickly can you react to my needs?

Ask them how quickly they can get you your certificate of insurance and how quickly they can change your policy. If you haul different cargo from day to day, you need an agent who can quickly update your policy for you. Ask your agent, “How easy is it to reach you, and if you’re out of the office is there someone else who can help me?”

Most (but not all) insurance companies now have 24-hour claims services. Don’t assume anything; ask your agent if it’s available to you. 

What discounts are available?

Some discounts are required by law such as for airbags or anti-lock brakes, but there are often other discounts that may not be required or as standard but may apply to you. Potential discounts can include paying in full, packaging, prior insurance savings, and more.

 

Ask the Truck Insurance Pros at American Insuring Group!

A good truck insurance agent can not only protect your investment but also be a great asset to your business.

When you’re ready to purchase your next policy, give the experienced independent agents at American Insuring Group a call at (800) 947-1270 or (610) 775-3848 or contact us online.

We’ll be happy to answer these and all of your questions to help you get the right insurance at the best price!

As a commercial vehicle driver, you probably travel on unfamiliar roads quite often, and when you’re unfamiliar with the roads, you’re more likely to get lost – an unclear turn, an unexpected accident, bad visibility.

When you get lost, it’s easy to get frustrated and impatient and make bad choices that can lead to accidents – especially when you’re on a tight schedule.

When you’re traveling on a familiar road, you know where that sharp turn is, where traffic tends to back up, and where that unexpected stop sign is located. When you’re on unfamiliar roads, you don’t have those advantages, which makes safe driving practices even more vital 

In fact, the Large Truck Crash Causation Study found that nearly one-quarter of large-truck crashes occurred when CMV drivers were unfamiliar with the roadway.

More accidents mean more injuries, which translates to higher truck insurance costs. 

Here are 3 tips to help you navigate unfamiliar roads more safely:

1 - Plan Your Route Ahead of Time

Before you get behind the wheel, take a look at a map or your GPS and have your route planned. If you’re driving along and realize you got off track, pull off somewhere safe where you can refer to your map or guidance system to regain your bearings.

It may be tempting to adjust electronic devices while you’re driving. Don’t do it! Taking your eyes off the road for even a few seconds can result in an accident, and when you’re driving a 50,000-pound truck, the chances of that accident being severe enough to cause an injury are high.

If you’re transporting hazardous materials, you should also be aware of any route restrictions or designated routes required by state and local townships.

2 - Don’t Make Knee-Jerk Decisions

You’re in the passing lane of the interstate when you notice that you’re about to pass the exit you’re supposed to take. When you realize your mistake, you may be tempted to try to turn onto that exit quickly. Don’t do it! It isn’t worth the chance of causing injury to yourself or another driver. 

According to the U.S. Department of Transportation Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration NAFTA Safety Stats, almost 50,000 moving violations from 2004 to 2007 were classified as improper turns or improper lane changes.

If you miss a turn, get off at the next exit or go around the block instead of making a knee-jerk decision.  

3 - Communicate With Other Drivers

Let other drivers know in advance what you intend to do – even if that’s just changing lanes – by using your turn signal. A recent study reported that there are approximately 630,000 lane-change crashes annually (involving both large trucks and passenger vehicles).

Here are other ways you can try to communicate with drivers around you:

• Use your 4-way flashers if you have to pull off to the side of the road or when traffic is unexpectedly stopped in front of you.
  
  
• Toot your horn to sound an alarm and warn another driver of your presence. Please, note that we say “tooting” and not “laying on” your horn. The misuse of a horn has been known to cause road rage, but it is one of the few ways that a driver can get the attention of another driver to prevent an accident.
  
  
• Turn on your headlights. It can make your vehicle more visible especially at night or in bad weather. In fact, some trucks are programmed to have the low beam headlights on whenever the engine is running, and some states require the use of headlights when the windshield wipers are on. So make sure your headlights, turn signals, and brake lights are clean and use your headlights when appropriate.

When you’re driving on unfamiliar roads, it’s even more crucial that you exercise safe driving habits to keep yourself and those around you safe. Lower trucking insurance premiums that go with fewer accidents and claims is just icing on the cake.

Want to Save on Truck Insurance?

American Insuring Group can help you save even more on your trucking insurance. As independent agents, we’re free to shop the market for you among competing insurance carriers. So give us a call at (800) 947-1270 or (610) 775-3848 or connect with us online to start saving!