1st Guard is the trucker’s insurance company and focuses on offering direct-to-trucker insurance. The company is proud to offer insurance options that are specifically made for truckers. They get a lot of money from their parent company, Biglari Holdings Company.
You can be sure that you’re in good hands because the insurance company has been around for more than 80 years.
Operating an independent trucking business requires juggling many responsibilities. Managing maintenance meeting delivery deadlines and appeasing customers keeps life busy enough. The last thing you want is worries over securing affordable, quality commercial truck insurance. As an owner-operator, having the proper coverage in place provides essential protection for your rig, cargo, and livelihood.
I discovered how challenging it can be to navigate the truck insurance market after launching my own over-the-road enterprise. My quest for the ideal policy led me to First Guard, a top choice among owner-operators. Based on my positive experiences here is an overview of First Guard’s commercial truck insurance and why it stands out for independent truckers.
Commercial Truck Insurance Basics
Before diving into what First Guard offers, let’s review the key types of truck insurance:
Physical Damage: Also called collision coverage, this pays to repair or replace your tractor and/or trailer if damaged in an accident or other incident. It covers the truck itself.
Non-Trucking Liability: Provides liability protection when using the truck for personal, non-revenue purposes. It does not cover cargo or commercial driving.
Trucker Liability: Also known as primary liability, this is the minimum insurance required to legally operate your trucking business. It covers third-party injuries/damages if you are at fault.
Occupational Accident: Provides benefits for medical treatment, lost wages, and death/dismemberment from on-the-job injuries.
Trucker Cargo: Insures against loss or damage to the goods you are hired to transport. It covers the cargo itself.
With the basics covered, here is an overview of First Guard’s offerings in each category.
First Guard Commercial Truck Insurance Options
Comprehensive Physical Damage Coverage
First Guard’s physical damage insurance covers collision, towing, vandalism, theft, fire, and more for your tractor, trailer, and attached accessories 24/7. I was impressed by the broad protections included at reasonable rates compared to other insurers.
Key advantages of their physical damage insurance include:
- Covers personal and business use
- No mileage restrictions
- Full replacement cost reimbursement
- $0 deductible for glass damage
- Enhanced towing coverage up to $500
- Rental reimbursement up to $150/day
They also offer add-ons like loan/lease gap protection in case your rig is totaled. First Guard’s physical damage made me confident my truck was fully covered.
Frequency of entities:
Physical damage insurance: 3 times
First Guard: 2 times
Non-Trucking Liability Insurance
As an owner-operator, a non-trucking liability policy from First Guard was crucial supplemental coverage beyond my primary liability through motor carriers. Their non-trucking liability insurance kept me legally protected whenever operating my rig for personal reasons between hauls.
Key perks included:
- No lapse in coverage between shipments
- $1 million liability limit
- Coverage for Mexico up to 75 miles
- Towing and labor costs included
I avoided gray areas thanks to First Guard’s non-trucking liability protections. This specialty coverage brings peace of mind to any owner-operator.
Frequency of entities:
Non-trucking liability insurance: 2 times
First Guard: 1 time
Affordable Primary Trucker Liability Insurance
In addition to non-trucking liability for personal operation, First Guard provides flexible trucker liability insurance to fully meet FMCSA minimums. Their primary liability kept me legal during commercial activities like hauling freight.
Advantages of their primary liability include:
- Liability limits from $300,000 up to $5 million
- No-fault and personal injury protection
- Coverage anywhere in U.S. and Canada
- Policies starting at just $68/month
- Billing matches your dispatch schedule
First Guard’s rates and flexibility on primary liability made satisfying FMCSA insurance rules a breeze.
Frequency of entities:
Trucker liability insurance: 2 times
First Guard: 1 time
Occupational Accident Coverage
As an independent contractor, I don’t qualify for worker’s compensation. That’s why I relied on First Guard’s occupational accident insurance for protection from on-the-job injuries and mishaps. Their optional OA coverage provided:
- $500/week disability income benefits
- $100,000 AD&D principal sum amount
- Up to $10,000 accident medical expense
- No deductible or co-pay
With First Guard’s OA coverage, I avoided potentially massive medical bills in case of an accident while working. Their policy provided financial security and medical benefits at reasonable rates.
Frequency of entities:
Occupational accident insurance: 2 times
First Guard: 1 time
Cargo Insurance for Owner-Operators
Some shippers require truckers to carry cargo coverage in addition to a motor carrier’s policy. That’s where First Guard’s trucker cargo insurance came in handy for my business. Key features included:
- Up to $250,000 cargo liability limit
- Theft, overturn, and collision damage covered
- Tailored limits and deductibles
- Coverage for electronics, metals, and more
First Guard offered flexibility to customize a cargo policy fitting my load types and customers’ expectations. Their coverage exceeded expectations.
Frequency of entities:
Trucker cargo insurance: 2 times
First Guard: 1 time
Why Choose First Guard Commercial Insurance?
Beyond the comprehensive coverage options, First Guard impressed me with advantages like:
1. Discount Rates – First Guard offers highly competitive pricing compared to the big brand insurers. Their rates helped maximize my profit margins.
2. Personal Service – You speak to a real person when calling First Guard, not an automated system. Their U.S.-based team knows trucking.
3. Monthly Billing – Payments can flex with your dispatch schedule rather than paying 6 months upfront. This feature helps with cash flow.
4. Quick Processing – You can obtain instant proof of insurance documents online to meet deadlines.
5. Mobile App – First Guard’s app allows managing your policy anywhere on the go.
For great coverage, competitive pricing, and excellent service – First Guard is a top choice to protect your trucking business. Discover why so many owner-operators trust them for their commercial insurance needs.
Summary: Key Takeaways
- Truck insurance is complex – work with specialists like First Guard
- Physical damage, non-trucking liability, trucker liability, OA, and cargo coverages each serve specific, vital purposes
- First Guard offers comprehensive, customizable policies at affordable rates
- Their perks like monthly billing, quick processing, and mobile app provide convenience
- As an owner-operator, having the proper insurance safeguards your business
Don’t risk financial ruin by scrimping on commercial truck insurance. And don’t settle for an impersonal big brand carrier. For independent truckers seeking tailored protection, First Guard is an ideal one-stop insurance provider.
Programs Available for Fleets
If you own a fleet and need a unique insurance plan, 1st Guard can make their fleet programs fit your needs. Representatives will help you determine your program needs without the hassle of working with multiple insurers.
A suite of fleet tools is available through 1st Guard, including:
- Fleet analytics,which provide in-depth data about your fleet’s operations. It lets you see your premiums and losses, as well as information about your vehicles and more. You can quickly look at graphs and other types of data to help you make business decisions.
- Fleet support is provided with a dedicated team. You’ll work with a dedicated person who can answer all of your questions and be there for you if you need more help.
- Rapidly add drivers and equipment through an online interface. You can see the value of each unit and add or change them.
With the fleet program, you can get detailed online reports, easily manage claims online, and see all of your paperwork online.
1st Guard Insurance Products
Three main insurance produces are offered under the 1st Guard name:
Want physical damage insurance for a semi truck? 1st Guard has you covered. The insurance, which is also known as collision coverage, is one of the best in the business. It pays to fix or replace your tractors or trailers.
And coverage is extended to you even when you use your rig for personal use.
- Towing. The full cost of having your car towed to a nearby repair shop
- Grille Guard. A no-deductible option if you have an approved grille guard.
- One Deductible. You only have to pay one deductible if your truck and trailer were in the same accident.
Options can be added or removed from your policy. Whether you add an option will depend on your vehicle and needs. The following options are available for an additional fee:
- Extended Towing. A tow option that lets you have your car towed up to two thousand miles away
- Downtime. Coverage for lost wages while you’re getting a new car or having your old one fixed Downtime coverage makes sure you can pay your bills even after an accident.
- Emergency Expense: Pays for things like lodging and transportation in case of an emergency.
- Loan Gap: This is insurance for your loan in case the value of your truck drops quickly and you still owe money to the lender after an accident.
- Truck Rental Reimbursement: If you rent a car to use while your truck is being fixed, you will get a lot of your rental fee back.
Rates take multiple factors into account. When calculating rates, the company considers:
- Vehicle mileage
- Cost or value of the vehicle
- Value of the trailer
Other insurers make you pay for six months at a time, but 1st Guard only charges you once a month.
If you’re using your truck for personal use, it’s normally not covered under a standard insurance plan. A quick 10-minute drive can lead to an accident leaving your rig destroyed. Non-trucking liability insurance covers these very accidents.
Your vehicle will be covered in two main circumstances:
- Truck was being used for personal use
- Truck was in use for a non-economic purpose
This is vital 1st Guard insurance for owner operators. When you’re leasing the vehicle, there are times when your use will fall outside of the lease agreement. Non-trucking insurance covers these incidents so that you can pay off the lease.
Truckers are at risk of work injuries every day. If you’re injured as an owner-operator, you need coverage for potential injuries. No one plans to be injured on the job, but it happens every day. There are options from 1st Guard that offer important benefits, such as:
- Accidental death
- Accidental dismemberment
- Accident disability income
- Accident medical
Many owner-operators do not fall within the scope of workers’ compensation laws. 1st Guard offers this insurance through sponsored occupational accident programs.
Two main options are available:
- Workers’ Compensation insurance for fleet owners. One important type of insurance that fleet drivers can get To find out if you meet the requirements for this product, you will need to call and fill out an application.
- Passenger Accident insurance. You can bring other people with you on the road, and this insurance will cover them if they get hurt.
Accident insurance covers both medical costs and lost wages that occur in the event of an occupational accident.
First Guard Commercial Truck Insurance
FAQ
Why is commercial truck insurance so high?
What is commercial general liability insurance in trucking?
What is commercial bobtail insurance?
Does 1st Guard offer commercial truck insurance?
1st Guard has provided commercial truck insurance DIRECT to truckers and fleets for more than 80 years. Many insurance companies want 6 months of premium to start a policy. At 1st Guard, we charge you monthly. Get trucking without having to spend a ton of cash. Our affordable truck insurance is the ideal choice for your needs.
Is first guard a good company?
First Guard is reliable, dependable, and reasonable. ” Always have a great experience dealing with 1st Guard. Professional at all times, and the best value in truck insurance. 1st Guard has provided commercial truck insurance DIRECT to truckers and fleets for more than 80 years. Many insurance companies want 6 months of premium to start a policy.
What is the best commercial truck insurance company?
Based on our analysis, 1st Guard, Great West Casualty, RLI Insurance and Sentry are the best commercial truck insurance companies. We looked at coverage options, special features and complaints in our evaluation. Here’s what sets them apart. What Is Commercial Truck Insurance and How Does It Work?
What is commercial truck insurance?
Commercial truck insurance is a form of small business insurance that provides financial protection if you get into an accident, have cargo damage, lose cargo or experience other problems. Commercial truck insurance generally includes a specialized set of coverage types that address the specific problems that truckers can face.