Insurance Rate Increases Expected For Nation's Tank Truck Carriers
Oct 8, 2001 12:00 PM
TANK TRUCK carriers were facing extraordinary insurance costs before the September 11 terrorist attacks on New York and Washington, but now the situation has only worsened, according to Jeff Magner of Premiere Transportation Insurance Agency, Indianapolis, Indiana.
Although the industry has about $3 trillion in total assets, claims from the recent tragedies are expected to total at least $25 billion and some estimates are as high as $40 billion; and those are initial estimates and do not include life insurance claims, he said.
"There is appropriate capital to pay what may be even staggering losses from the World Trade Center," said Magner. However, he added that the cost of insurance will continue to escalate because of the anticipated drain on the insurance companies.
"Premiums will be going up, especially on the reinsurance side (umbrella coverage)," he predicted.
Magner discussed the state of the insurance industry at a meeting of the National Tank Truck Carriers Western Safety Council meeting October 5 in Houston, Texas.
"Safety is more critical now than it ever was," he said, advising carriers to evaluate and enhance their safety programs to lower risks. Although tank truck carriers have a relatively low risk rating, they are bundled into the category that includes all types of trucking companies, many of which have higher ratings. That also boosts premiums.
To contend with the expected rising insurance premiums, and to be sure their insurers are financially sound, he recommended that carriers evaluate insurers' ratings.
"Be sure that the insurance company has the capacity to pay the bills," he said, noting expenses from claims and lawsuits that can challenge coverage. "Some of the insurance companies may be hit too hard.”
Carriers can check ratings through several avenues, including A M Best Company and Standards & Poor's, Magner said. More information can be found on their Web sites at www.ambest.com and www.standardpoor.com, respectively.
Another source of information can be found by visiting the National Underwriters Web site at www.nationalunderwriters.com.
