Insurance Woes
Insurance Woes |
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| j506 24 November 2009 05:24 PM |
My HDT is registered in Maine as a 'Motor Home" I am/was insured thru Progressive however they are cancelling my policy since HDT's do not fit into their "Motor Home" guidelines, (the underwriter's reason) regardless of whether they fit into the "State's" guidelines. I have tried to insure it with "other" carriers but as soon as the VIN# is entered the answer is ..".NO..we don't insure commercial trucks"
I can obtain a commercial policy ..but the cost is substantial. My agent and I have been doing business for many years and I have many various policies/vehicles with them, they have always been very responsive to my needs, but seem to be coming up short in this situation. Is there a list of insurance companies friendly to our "HDT'S " published somewhere? |
| Pipeman VE3PJF 24 November 2009 05:33 PM |
Try looking in the Resource Guide at the top of the page. |
| j506 24 November 2009 06:38 PM |
Yes I did. thanks
Poliseek uses Progressive as an underwriter and since they terminated the coverage on my HDT already, the VIN# would likely trigger another cancelation (according to the salesperson). My Agent is currently working with the "Foremost Group" as well.... time will tell |
| Robb 24 November 2009 07:27 PM |
We had the same thing with Progressive, Went with; B&P Ins. Agency 16 S. Hill Winchester, IL. 62694 (217) 742-9595 Ask for Pat, He knows our trucks/RV's and got us good coverage. Robb |
| Jim Gehlen 24 November 2009 09:15 PM |
We had Progressive on the trailer and the truck and a couple of years ago, my agent in Sioux Falls called me and asked if we could transfer to National Interstate. Price was the same up until now and just waiting for the new statement due to the motorcycle I totaled a year ago November. |
| DJW 24 November 2009 09:47 PM |
Call Poliseek back and tell them you want to use National Interstate not Progressive. Should not be a problem, we have been using them for a number of years. Dennis |
| Dnispdx 24 November 2009 10:07 PM |
Go with State Farm - tell them it is a Toter home. |
| HD_RIDER 24 November 2009 10:27 PM |
This topic comes up somewhat frequently, surprising since it is well covered in the Resource Guide. Although "Farm & City" in Iowa suggested a change to "Allied" when our policy came up for renewal, our initial coverage was through "Progressive". It was during the initial efforts to get coverage that I discovered that although my local carrier offered "Progressive", he was unable to cover our HDT, and Progressive wouldn't give him any option. When I contacted Farm & City, they explained to me (and my agent) that Progressive has only a few select agencies that have access to the HDT conversion coverage. My local agent graciously assisted in transferring coverage for my 5'er to Farm & City (which they required to cover the Volvo), and the policies were completed using his phone.
That says a lot for my local agent, which is why I continue to use him for the rest of my insurance needs. The only claim that I had while with Progressive was for roadside assistance, and I was reimbursed promptly. I have had no claims since switching to Allied, but they offered lower rates, enough so to make the change attractive. We are still listed as "occasional" use clients, so I have no idea how the rates for full-timers would compare. |
| 10-9jc 25 November 2009 03:22 AM |
If you haven't done so already, use the search feature, enter "Insurance".
There's a couple of threads listed on the 2nd & 3rd pages of the results that may be helpful - something like "HDT Insurance" -and- "Progressive Insurance for HDTs" on the 2nd - and, on the 3rd page "Need Insurance Options", "Insurance Again", and "Are there other Ins Options" (didn't look any further). |
| KU9L 25 November 2009 07:31 AM |
We had the very same issue with our Chevy Pickup since it is a single cab with Layton Equipment flatbed w/gooseneck hitch. Good Sam's and Progressive through us out by our ears. Our new agent Poliseek got us a nice policy from National Interstate as they deal with full-timers all of the time. Our VIN# is considered commercial by their standards which is why Progressive wouldn't deal with it. Progressive did offer commercial insurance, but couldn't deal with the flat bed being in addition to the VIN #, so was Glad Poliseek offered reasonable service. Dave |
| Jim2 25 November 2009 11:09 AM |
When I bought my Volvo HDT and Teton 5'er last year, I contacted the Insurance Agencies listed in both the HDT Resource Guide and the Escapees Commercial Directory. The Miller Agency in Oregon got me a full coverage policy for both units, at a competitive price, with National Interstate. There are no HDT use restrictions in that policy, but to qualify for the "RV" policy rating, I had to show that I have at least one other insured vehicle; that wasn't an issue for me since I still have 3 other vehicles. |
| Hogrydr 25 November 2009 11:25 AM |
I use Progressive Ins that is underwritten by Progressive Gulf Insurance Co. and has a agreed on value for the truck that I had to have appraised by a approved appraiser (one they agreed to use) Have had this policy since 05 and have had no problem. When I first asked my agent for info he advised that all Progressive would quote was a commercial policy. But when I pressed he called a college friend that works for Progressive in their corporate and was directed to the appropriate person that knew how to get the truck, motorhome, toter, vehicle insured. I think it has something to do with not insuring enough of these for the people that usually do the quote for Progressive to know which department to go to get it handled. JMHO Jim |
| ghillie 25 November 2009 10:38 PM |
Flat out, GMAC is the best choice for us bar none. Better than Farm & City, better than Progressive, better than Farmers or State Farm. GMAC never questioned our situation. GMAC is the only provider that had no problem that I was driving a day cab tractor as a daily driver to work/etc. And on top of it all they beat American Modern, Farm & City, Progressive and all the rest in the total cost. |
| Fire Trucker 26 November 2009 02:53 AM |
When I first insured our Volvo, I called GMAC four times, getting a different rep each time, along with a different, lower price, as I learned not to offer any information unless they asked for it. The last quote was acceptable. Since then, we transferred our insurance to National and have been with them for four years with no problems. Bob |
| j506 26 November 2009 08:32 AM |
Thanks for all the help, Guys You have given me several possibilities, and I will keep you posted. Concerning the "Formost Group" the agent says "They will only cover Factory built MHs and no Conversions" I also agree that my "agent" maybe offering to much information to the underwriters. |
| DJW 26 November 2009 10:34 AM |
John I think to much information to the underwriters is something I would prefer to be accused of rather than not enough information when I needed it. You don't want to be like the little girl who says "you did not tell me I could have a real pony." You would not want to hear from the Insurance company that "you did not tell me it was a converted semi." National Interstate deals with these conversations everyday. Dennis |
| J.W. Morgan 26 November 2009 10:39 PM |
My very commercial appearing HDT is registered as a pickup, at least as far as weight goes, National Interstate covers it with or without a trailer. No worries. |
| Jack Mayer 12 January 2010 10:19 AM |
I'm brining this thread to the top again, and soliciting any recent experience.
Situation: we are with Poliseek as an agent. For now we will stay with them if we can, but based on Nick Russell's treatment on his burglary we will perhaps go elsewhere in the near future. Poliseek put us with Progressive on the new trailer. On the current truck and trailer we are National Interstate. Once I transfer the old trailer and cancel the policy, Poliseek/National Interstate will want both policies - the truck and trailer together. I'd like to move to Progressive with the truck, and the Poliseek agents INSIST it is not an issue, even after being informed of the info in this thread. I DO NOT want to take a chance on this topic and find out if I have a major claim while bobtail that I have no insurance. And, yes, they would do that. Does anyone have more recent info on Progressive and HDTs ?? |
| Mark Friesenegger 12 January 2010 11:42 AM |
Jack, When I insured my Freightliner I went with Progressive since they carry the policy on my toy hauler. The only issue I had was a letter from Progressive stating that the VIN on the truck wasn't coming up in their list of motorhomes. They wanted verification and asked for a copy of the title and bill of sale or the policy would be cancelled. Since it is classified on the title as a motorhome they sent back a E-mail that everything was O.K. and the policy was no longer in question. Mark |
| Hogrydr 12 January 2010 05:01 PM |
Jack I have my fiver and the Volvo with Progressive Gulf Insurance co. Its a part of Progressive. They underwrite the Volvo and we have an agreed on price for the truck and the fiver. They also write and umbrella policy for the combination and have never limited me to when and if I can drive the Volvo bobtail. Only that it can't be operated commercially !!!!! The agent and the underwriter have said it is insured, drive it. (The question came after the discussion here about the restrictions and Progressive not writing policy's) Jim |
| 10-9jc 12 January 2010 06:31 PM |
I do now have insurance on my HDT. But I found that my situation is somewhat different than most forum members. I contacted 7 different agencies (listed in the Guide), and 6 were not able to provide coverage. All the applications were going well...until...I stated that I did not tow a Fiver or that I did not have living quarters on my trailer. Sales rep would just say "Sorry sir we can't provide coverage). The Miller Agency IIRC was willing to provide coverage since I had a water system in my Toter...but...limited the registered weight to under 26 K.( I need to register for 52K ) Their underwriter was National Interstate. All sales reps said that National Interstate will not insure a MH unless they are factory built units ( No conversions even to Federal guidelines ) The THUM Agency did provide me with insurance coverage as a "Toter" for private use regardless of what my registration says (But the coverage is not as generous or all encompassing as a Motorhome policy.) I have full coverage (stated value ) and whatever is attached to any of the hitches is covered as well no Bobtail exemption either. I think that the insurance issue with various underwriters depends greatly on how "creative " the sales staff is. The annual cost is about the same as my 1ton daily driver, certainly more than the annual cost of a MH thru Progressive (Had they not cancelled my policy). Mark, I sent Progressive a copy of my title and registration (as motorhome)and they replied "request denied" |
| Jack Mayer 12 January 2010 06:46 PM |
I find it interesting that you were denied by National Interstate when I have a Volvo, titled as a MH, insured with them, and have for a number of years.
The very situation I want to avoid is getting into an accident in the truck and THEN being denied coverage because "I'm sorry Sir, we do not insure trucks like yours and your agent should not have sold you a policy". Don't think it can happen? It happens all the time according to my cousin who owns an independent insurance agency. My BIL also owned an agency and he says the same thing. MAKE SURE that the written policy covers your situation. |
| j506 12 January 2010 07:08 PM |
Jack, I forgot to state in my previous post that Thum did get me coverage with National Interstate ..but not as a MH. I think the problem is, at least in my case is that I tow a flat bed with my "vintage vehicles " aboard. It is recreational use ...but....there are no living quarters on/in the trailer. The sales reps specifically asked "do I tow a travel trailer?" My answer No. "Do you tow a toyhauler?" Yes "are there living quarters on the toyhauler?" No. Usually followed by "Sorry sir your vehicle doesn't fit our guidelines." Basically I think I ended up with a "Non-commercial" "commercial policy" i.e.; no weight restriction, and providing that I haul only "Owned loads" for recreational use or as Pipe put it, a BIG pick-up |
| Jack Mayer 13 January 2010 12:01 PM |
Anyone ever explore Geico? I seem to recall that there was some reason they did not work....but can't remember/find it. |
| Tim / Roseann 13 January 2010 12:13 PM |
We are registered in SD as a truck and went with Allied Ins through Dougherty Associates as FT Insurance |
| rickeieio 13 January 2010 01:18 PM |
I'm new to this forum. Been poking around, looking for info on setting up a HDT to pull our 5th wheel. It's a bit much for our F-350, as it weighs 16k without liquids, motorcycles, food, etc. I've found a 2005 Freightliner w/ condo sleeper, 435 horse C-15 Cat, Fuller 10spd, single axle for just a bit over $10k. Seems like a good starting point, but the insurance seems a bit pricey, thus my presence here. I've forwarded a link to this site to my agent so she can perhaps see that I really don't need a commercial policy through Progressive. So, I guess that's a long-winded way of saying "thanks" for being so helpful. |
| Jeff- C IL 13 January 2010 01:27 PM |
Welcome to the "PLACE TO LEARN"! You can find just about any info on here about using HDT's, just look. The best spot is the Resource Guide at the top. You are on the right track--we upgraded a year ago and couldn't be happier. As a farmer used to lugging big loads with a LDT, I wouldn't even consider towing a big 5th with an LDT at highway speeds. HDT's are just plain better--air ride, air brakes, cheaper, more durable, easy to find parts, etc.
Your insurance must reflect the plate on the truck--and that depends on your state. If you can license as a RV, then you can get reasonable insurance as an RV. By the way, if that truck isn't super high miles or totally beat up, and is mechanically sound, that sounds quite reasonable! |
| rickeieio 13 January 2010 08:55 PM |
The truck is a Ryder lease return, and has 850k on it. It was leased to a horse transport company in Lexington, KY. They have about a dozen of them, nearly identical, at the local Ryder Truck Sales center. Most look like they have hardly any use until you look at the odometer.
With a single axle, and being an '05 model, it had to have been an easy life on the drive train. I bought a 2000 model Mack CH613 w/ 826k from the same outfit 2 years ago and have done NOTHING to it, hauling grain out of fields and to the terminals. I'm impressed with their maintenance program. Following the recommendations I found in this thread, I contacted my Progressive agent, who referred me to an agent in FL. Got a quote of $808 for the truck and '04 Overland 5th. No mention of a discount for a CDL. |
| recla555 14 January 2010 01:37 PM |
I recently applied for insurance with American Modern for my new 39 foot toyhauler and was all set to go with a good quote when the girl told me they no longer write policies for anything over 35 feet! I currently have my 96 Freightliner insured with them as an MH. Anybody have this issue with them? |
| Jeff- C IL 14 January 2010 02:49 PM |
I not the person to ask about insurance--I just went in to my local Country Companies agent here in IL, and told them what I had and what I was doing with it. They insured it as an RV no problem. Insurance cost are SO dependent on where you live and what amount of coverage you want. For instance, I live in a rural area, only use our rig occasionally for camping, and only have liability on it. Thus my insurance is SIGNIFICANTLY less than most on here. However, this option is not right for most on the forum. The age and "quality" of my camper make it right for me. |
| Jofox10 14 January 2010 10:22 PM |
FWIW I had American Modern on my RV also. I have a 40' FW, and was no problem to get it through American Modern. Was a good price also. However, when I got my HDT to tow it with, they told me they would not insure converted road tractors. I then called Farm & City which was who I found from the Resource Guide on this website. They WOULD insure the truck through Progressive... BUT I had to carry my trailer insurance with them also. I think other people have had the same requirement here on this website. SO... I switched to Progressive so that I could insure my truck. The truck quote was excellent I think... but I only carry liability on it. The RV however was VERY HIGH compared to American Modern that I used before. Progressive also REQUIRED that I carry collision on the RV. It is apparent from these kinds of discussions that INSURANCE...along with Licensing/Registration is different no matter where you live and how you go about driving a HDT as a private vehicle. Just wish SOMEONE would come up with a standard that we can all live by without so much hassle.... |
| DonF 15 January 2010 03:11 AM |
So, Jim (and others) --- have you read your policy to confirm that it's in writing?!?
(Gotta hope that any limitations on coverage --- or specific assertions about what's covered with bob-tail vs. hauling -- would be in the "fine print" somewhere, else the only limitation is -maybe- based on their willingness to underwrite the policy.) Miller's put us with Progressive; we got a letter from Progressive about the Volvo title, so just had the Miller rep contact them to complete the under-writing --- apparently, they had some "magic" words to persuade them. This even for a unit that was titled MH since we bought it two years prior to switch.) |
| Hogrydr 15 January 2010 07:36 AM |
Yes Don... I Had to get and appraisal including pictures and list all add-ons and then Progressive wrote a "agreed on value policy for the Truck(MH) and took the invoice price for the RV (I bought it new) and wrote an agreed on value policy for the fiver .....also wrote a two mil umbrella for the rig. Jim |
| Vols Fan 15 January 2010 10:07 AM |
Mayer, on Jan 12 2010, 03:19 PM, said: Jack, I'm with Poliseek and Progressive and when I changed the policy from my MDT to the HDT that I just bought there was no problem. My agent at Poliseek is Ely Schaffer 866-520-7335 X5498. maybe he can help. My policy is with Progressive of Hawaii. |