The Hartford Commercial Truck Insurance Review
Overview
The Hartford is a longstanding and reputable provider of commercial truck insurance, serving businesses of all sizes with a strong focus on customizable coverage and risk management. With over 200 years in business and high financial strength ratings (A+ from AM Best and S&P), The Hartford is a reliable choice for trucking companies seeking robust protection and specialized options.
Coverage Options
The Hartford offers a comprehensive suite of coverages tailored to the needs of commercial trucking operations:
Liability Insurance: Meets or exceeds federal and state requirements for commercial trucks, covering bodily injury and property damage.
Physical Damage: Protection against collision, theft, fire, and vandalism.
Motor Truck Cargo Insurance: Covers loss or damage to freight, including sensitive or high-value goods.
General Liability: Protection for business activities not directly involving the truck.
Specialized Add-Ons: Includes bobtail insurance, refrigeration breakdown, rental reimbursement with downtime, on-hook towing, trailer interchange, property in transit, and livestock transit.
FleetAhead Program: Uses real-time telematics data to help fleet managers improve safety and potentially earn discounts.
Pros
Comprehensive Coverage: The Hartford stands out for its wide range of customizable coverages, including options for specialized cargo and unique trucking risks.
Strong Reputation: Consistently high customer satisfaction, with a 4.8-star rating from over 16,000 commercial insurance customers and an A+ BBB rating.
Best for High-Risk Drivers: The Hartford is recognized for offering competitive options and discounts for high-risk drivers, making it accessible for those with less-than-perfect records.
Claims Experience: Customers report efficient, hassle-free claims handling, with prompt resolutions and payments.
Financial Strength: High ratings ensure claims are paid reliably and the company is stable.
Cons
Higher Premiums: The Hartford’s comprehensive plans tend to have higher starting premiums compared to some competitors.
Limited Fleet Discounts: Fleet savings are generally capped at around 5%, which is less generous than some rivals.
No Online Quotes: Prospective customers must contact an agent directly to obtain pricing and policy details, which may be less convenient for some businesses.
Customer Satisfaction
The Hartford receives above-average satisfaction scores in most customer surveys and is praised for its claims service and policy flexibility. However, some third-party reviews note that overall customer satisfaction can vary by region, and the company scored lower in a recent J.D. Power survey for small business insurance satisfaction.
Summary Table: The Hartford Commercial Truck Insurance
| Feature | Details |
|---|---|
| Financial Strength | A+ (AM Best, S&P) |
| Coverage Types | Liability, physical damage, cargo, general liability, specialized add-ons |
| Fleet Management | FleetAhead telematics for safety and discounts |
| Fleet Discounts | Up to 5% |
| Customer Satisfaction | High (4.8/5 stars from 16,000+ reviews) |
| Premiums | Higher than average |
| Agent Network | National, but no online quotes |
| Notable Strengths | Best for high-risk drivers, comprehensive and customizable coverage |
| Notable Limitations | Higher premiums, modest fleet discounts, agent contact required for quotes |
Conclusion
The Hartford is a top-tier choice for commercial truck insurance, particularly for businesses seeking comprehensive and customizable coverage or those with high-risk drivers. Its strong reputation, financial stability, and focus on safety and claims efficiency make it a reliable partner for trucking operations. However, businesses should be prepared for higher premiums and limited fleet discounts compared to some competitors. For those prioritizing coverage quality and customer service, The Hartford remains a leading option in the commercial truck insurance market.