By Steve Pollock

MAYFIELD VILLAGE, OH…  No one ever plans on having an accident.  If you could, the inconvenience and claims process might be much easier.  When a commercial vehicle is involved in an accident it can present some unique challenges.  First, in all likelihood, the truck is under load and secondly, it is almost certainly a long way from home.  If the vehicle is still drivable, most truck owners will try to fulfill their delivery obligation before starting the claims process.

At Progressive Commercial Insurance, the goal is to help the customer to expedite both the claims and repair processes. The company realizes that for Professional Truck Driver Owner-Operators and Fleets everyday one of their trucks is in the shop means lost revenue.

To facilitate quick claims service and timely repairs, Progressive has established a nationwide network of  Senior claims representatives in addition to  network repair centers.  After a Progressive agent has been notified of an accident, a Progressive Claims Representative will contact the policyholder within 12-24 hours.  In many cases the vehicle is still drivable and the specialist will arrange to meet the driver at a designated place, working around the driver’s pickup or delivery schedule.  If the vehicle must be towed or is unsafe to drive, the Senior Claims Representative will make arrangements to look at the vehicle wherever it may be sitting.  By bringing the Senior Claims Representative to the truck, rather than the truck to the Senior Claims Representative, Progressive can cut days off of the claims adjustment period.  Most of Progressive’s Senior Claims Representative has extensive mechanical and/or truck body shop experience.  Each representative receives 18 months of training before going in the field and begins with an experienced mentor to help them get started.  Ongoing education is also provided in areas such as frames and dump bodies so that the field specialist has a well-rounded knowledge of the entire unit.

Once the claim has been approved, the customer can choose between using his or her own repair shop or an approved truck repair shop in the Progressive network.  Progressive network repair centers are located strategically across the country, with plans to continue to expand throughout the year.  Priority scheduling for repairs are given to Progressive customers and all repairs at the network facilities from the loss are guaranteed for as long as the operator owns the vehicle.  These are independent body shops contracted by Progressive to serve their customers.  The same quality of parts, service and painting are provided at these approved repair shops that the customer will get a repair shop of their own choosing.  There are several advantages to using the Progressive repair network; all are designed to help expedite the repair process.  If the vehicle is still drivable the necessary parts can be pre-ordered so they will be on hand when the truck arrives.  Progressive maintains a direct interface with the shop in case unseen damages are detected.  A Progressive representative will contact the customer throughout the repair process to apprise them of the repair progress.  The goal is to repair the truck as quickly as possible, while at the same time providing seamless services from the beginning of the claims process to the completion of the truck repairs.  Progressive customers can also purchase rental insurance for their policy, which will pay for a rental truck while their vehicle is being repaired.

A unique service Progressive policy holders enjoy is the company’s pet insurance that is included with their policy.  Progressive will insure your cat or dog for up to $1,000 automatically with your policy.  Additional pet insurance is available upon request.

You may be able to reduce your premium by reviewing your policy every six months to a year.   As the truck depreciates, the premium cost can often be reduced, simply call your Progressive agent for a policy review.  The trained insurance professionals at Progressive will also help you determine how much of a deductible to carry, based upon on your individual needs and safety record.   

Progressive Commercial Insurance also wants to make getting an insurance quote as quick and easy as possible.  Using Progressive’s Insure My Truck App, simply take a photo of your driver’s license on you smart phone, include your vehicle’s VIN # and submit the information for a quick insurance quote.  To install the free app, go to www.progressive.com/resources/insure-my-truck-app-iphone.aspx or call 1-888-375-7905.

Progressive has also kicked off their Real Life Trucking Hero Contest as of March 16, 2012.  The contest recognizes drivers who have gone beyond the call of duty.  Six finalists will each receive a $1,000 prize and a grand prize winner will receive $15,000 when the contest ends on October 31, 2012.  To enter, go to Progressive’s website, www.progressivecommercial.com/TruckingHero.