Nowadays you can purchase almost anything from the comfort of your own home. Insurance included. Online insurance shopping can be one of the fastest ways to obtain coverage. Online shopping also makes it easier to comparison shop without sitting through countless phone calls or even visiting actual insurance offices.
While online truck insurance may seem to be standard fare these days, it can quickly become overwhelming. With so many providers and insurance options to choose from, how do you know when you’re getting the best deal? More importantly, how do you know if the coverage purchased is any good?
Any company can make itself look good online. However, you need to be able to determine the right coverage for you, your truck and your budget. This guide will walk you through the basics of choosing a quality truck insurance company, fill you in on some red flags to watch out for, and help you check a company’s standing to ensure you’re always in good hands.
What to Look For
There are many things that make a good insurance provider. Most people tend to only focus on price, which often becomes a costly mistake. While cost is a major factor in the policy you buy, the actual company’s behavior and treatment of its clients should be a huge point of consideration as well.
Your insurance provider shouldn’t be an enigma. You should have a clear understanding of who they are, what their mission is, and how they fulfill their clients’ needs. Some of the top qualities to look for in a truck insurance provider are:
- At least five years of insuring commercial trucks.
- Specialization in commercial trucking insurance (not a one-size-fits-all coverage policy).
- A website that exemplifies their passion and knowledge for providing quality commercial auto coverage.
- Expert and professional customer service you can easily contact at any time.
- Services available to all clients, regardless of how much they’re paying.
You don’t want to be with an insurance company that doesn’t know their own business or the needs of their clients. Assuming an insurance company is familiar with the risks they insurer is a mistake as there are many insurers who do not understand the trucking industry.
A good commercial truck insurance company will have a website and representatives that know trucking. They are able to understand and assist you from a perspective that makes sense to you. While they do need to earn a profit, their bottom line shouldn’t be making a quick buck. Instead, it should be making sure that their customers receive the coverage and care that they need, whenever they need it.
What to Avoid
Don’t go for any companies that haven’t been in business for at least five years (longer if possible). Avoid any insurance providers that only have a small offering of commercial trucking insurance. If your policy options seem like more of an afterthought than a full-scale plan, consider taking your business elsewhere.
Companies that do not have a phone number or address listed should also be avoided. Some individuals open insurance operations simply to earn a large profit. These companies are not the type of company you’ll be able to call up and get answers from whenever you have questions.
Also avoid any insurance providers offering limited coverage options. Strong commercial insurers know clients’ needs vary. They should offer plenty of variety when it comes to endorsements, enhancements, and add-ons. A one-stop-shop for any type of insurance is a hard pass.
Where to Find the Best Providers
Googling “commercial truck insurance” in your state can help point you in the right direction. But it’s also easy to get overwhelmed with your options. Instead, look for websites offering quotations from multiple insurance companies.
There are many websites who act solely as a referral service. A better choice is choosing to work with an insurance broker. They can help you compare insurance in one easy process rather than requesting dozens of quotes yourself.
How to Research Insurance Companies
An insurance company’s history is important, and you need to be aware of any issues they’ve had in the past. There are four primary rating agencies to reference when researching insurance companies:
– AM Best
– Moody
– Standard
– Better Business Bureau
Each of these rating organizations offers a glimpse into the company’s quality of service and its financial strength. You don’t want to be with any company that has a poor standing and may not even be able to sustain itself for a few more years.
Whenever possible, companies with ‘A’ ratings are the ones you want to do business with, even if their pricing is slightly higher. Also take an opportunity to review any formally submitted complaints on file with your state.
Finding Coverage Online
Finding Coverage Online
The internet is a wonderful resource to begin your search for trucking insurance. However, take the proper precautions before purchasing your insurance. Although you may be able to buy coverage without every speaking with someone, we highly recommend picking up the phone and having a conversation with the company or broker you are considering buying from. That simple phone call can save you a lot of grief when you need to file a claim.
Finding Coverage Online
The internet is a wonderful resource to begin your search for trucking insurance. However, take the proper precautions before purchasing your insurance. Although you may be able to buy coverage without every speaking with someone, we highly recommend picking up the phone and having a conversation with the company or broker you are considering buying from. That simple phone call can save you a lot of grief when you need to file a claim.
Conclusion
If you’re looking to work with someone that can provide you with competitive options and specialize in trucking insurance, check out the guys at Truck Insurance Pros. Truck Insurance Pros has been in the insurance business since 1947. They’ve got the experience and know how you’ve come to expect and depend on.
Hi, my name is Kevin Moore. I was born in San Diego, CA and studied at the University of San Diego. I am passionate about sharing my knowledge with interested people and have years of experience in the field of business, health . information technology.