Are we paying too much for insurance?

Discussion in 'Ask An Owner Operator' started by jpeters72155, Jul 9, 2015.

  1. jpeters72155

    jpeters72155 Light Load Member

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    First, thank you guys for the help. You guys always try to help and I know this topic depends on a ton of different things.

    What jumps into my mind is why I even have to ask the question... I should know the insurance side of things if I'm in the trucking industry but I'm pretty new to it. The company owner basically just went with whoever covered his first couple trucks and stayed with them.

    Ship all dry, regular freight in 53ft trailers.
    6 local trucks in souther CA
    7 long haul trucks CA to NJ and FL
    All class 8 trucks
    Avg driver experience - 12 yrs
    Avg truck value - $50,000
    One major accident last year that shouldn't be our fault ($100-125k claim total if found at fault), one other major claim for about $40k 2 and a half yrs ago
    Co. about 10 years old (I joined last year ago)
    A few of the SMS scores or BASICs went up in late 2014 (around accident date) but have all improved a lot in the past few months, all under the intervention level
    Monthly premium per truck - $1,000 (average)
    $1 million auto/$100k cargo
    Lancer insurance

    Is there any info missing? And of course, working on quotes. What insurance companies do you guys recommend? Thank you!
     
    Last edited: Jul 10, 2015
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  3. dannythetrucker

    dannythetrucker Road Train Member

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    shop around. I pay $581/mo, but I have high deductibles. You may want to inquire about that if you don't mind paying a chunk out of pocket on claims. My agent is Steve Hyland with USA Insurance, and I have been pleased with the work he's done to keep my rates manageable.
     
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  4. DUNE-T

    DUNE-T Road Train Member

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    Is 1000 per month only bobtail or everything?
     
  5. jpeters72155

    jpeters72155 Light Load Member

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    I just updated the original post, I forgot to include what coverage.
     
  6. jpeters72155

    jpeters72155 Light Load Member

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    Thanks for the info. Have they been good to you when you do have a claim?
     
  7. dannythetrucker

    dannythetrucker Road Train Member

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    dunno, haven't put a scratch on nuthin since 1998
     
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  8. ReeferOhio

    ReeferOhio Medium Load Member

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    I'm by myself, I only have a 250 mile radius more local and regional freight. I pay about little less than half of your rate. Seems high to me, but truck insurance is such a game with insurance companies. You could try quoting Brands Insurance in Cincinnati, Ohio. They specialize in truck insurance, I used them my first year in business great people.
     
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  9. rank

    rank Road Train Member

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    Doesn't sound awful given the claims. What does "should not be" mean? That 3 yr old one might still be hurting you. You can try Old Republic. We pay $7,000/power unit + cargo + $1,500 for the trailer. No claims.
     
  10. kw600

    kw600 Road Train Member

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    Sorry to throw in this thread but if I renewed policy 7 months ago. can I shop around right now and if I find a better rate elsewhere, Can I drop current provider? Will they send a fine for dropping them? The Co I am insured with had Lancer as the underwriter..
     
  11. jpeters72155

    jpeters72155 Light Load Member

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    I think most if not all trucking insurance policies are 1 year contracts or agreements. Our with Lancer is 1 yr. You can probably shop but can't leave until the agreement is over. And any penalties to leave early might cost more than the savings from leaving. If you read the fine print, let us know!
     
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