Insurance may seem like a lot of money for something you hope you never use. However, it is an investment in the 
protection of your assets and your livelihood. As you sit across from your insurance agent, here are some key questions to ask:
1) Does the company/insurance agent specialize in truck insurance?
• If not, how many truck insureds do they have?
• What percentage of their business is truck insurance?
• What is the insurance company’s A.M. Best rating?
• Are they financially strong enough to pay a “limit of coverage” loss on a frequent basis?
• Why did they place the coverage with that company?
• Is cost their only consideration?
2) Is the coverage offered suited for trucking?
Does the coverage include:
• Pollution coverage
• Off temperature cargo coverage
• Freight charges
• Cargo coverage in absence of damage
• Delay resulting in direct loss
• Punitive damage coverage
• Cargo co-insurance provision
3) Who will be handling your claims? (get specific names)
• What office handles claims and do they have 24-hour claims service with adjusters on call at all times?
• Will you be talking with the same individuals on each claim?
• How long does it take the company to get you back on the road?
• Do they use adjusters who are exclusively familiar with truck claims?
• How does the claims department minimize your loss?
• Does the insurance company have a working relationship with area shops?
• Does the insurance company pursue your claim, even though they are not involved?
• Do they have staff (or an entire department ) to assist you in the collection of your deductibles or downtime when the other party is at fault?
• How much did they collect for their insureds last year?
4) Are all coverages with one company?
(Liability, physical damage, cargo, general liability, bailee, etc.)
• Has your agent sacrificed your security and convenience for a low price?
5) Do they provide safety & loss control services?
6) Are they flexible in their underwriting procedures?
• Do you get to talk with the underwriter if a problem arises?
7) Does the agent or insurance company get involved in your state or local trucking events and associations? How?
Without insurance, an accident, cargo claim, illness, or disability could put you out of business. Make sure you get all the facts on your agent, your coverages, and the services that support the coverage
Article provided by Great West Casualty Company, Copyright 2011