Why Do I Need Cargo Coverage?

As a truck owner-operator, there are a lot of moving parts to keep track of while running your business. From making sure that your trucking equipment is properly maintained to managing your contracts, there’s a lot on your plate.

One of those tasks is finding the right trucking insurance for your business. In this blog post, we’ll discuss what you need to know about cargo coverage.

Cargo Coverage 101

To put it simply, cargo coverage is for the load that is in the trailer, on the trailer, or strapped down to the trailer. It does not provide coverage for the actual trailer. If you’re driving with a piece of equipment on your trailer and don’t have cargo coverage, the cargo you’re carrying is probably not covered.

If you’re driving as a contractor for a company, you’re likely required to have your own coverage. However, if you’re permanently leased onto another carrier, you should be covered by that company’s cargo coverage whenever you’re under contract. If you’re not sure whether or not you have cargo coverage, talk to the carrier or an independent insurance agent today.

Theft, Accidents, and Other Disasters

The most common causes of cargo loss are:

1. Accidents

2. Theft

Depending on what you’re hauling, you could be at a higher risk for theft while on the road. Electronics and some types of goods are especially susceptible. Cargo coverage can help protect your business assets if cargo is stolen or damaged while on the road.

Taking a proactive approach to keeping your cargo safe is always a good idea. In addition to being properly covered, be sure to park in well-lit areas whenever possible, and try to avoid leaving your truck alone for long periods of time while you’re on the road. Don’t detach the trailer from your truck until you arrive at your destination.

When it comes to preventing accidents, the best thing you can do is to take care of yourself to make sure that you can react to unexpected situations quickly. Stop and rest when you’re tired, eat regular meals, and stay hydrated. Make sure to get a good night of sleep before hitting the road. Stay alert and aware of your surroundings.

Get Additional Coverage, Even If You Have Another Policy

It’s important to remember that there could be a variety of commodities that are excluded from your standard cargo form. Things like batteries, seafood, and copper tend to be tougher to get cargo coverage for. If you have your truck insured through another company and need additional cargo coverage, contact Kincaid Insurance to find out how we can help.

Indiana Cargo Coverage

We’ve been writing trucking policies for over two decades, and we know the challenges you face when it comes to running your business. Our independent insurance agents are here to help you find the right policy for your needs and budget.

Our headquarters is located in Rockport, Indiana, just minutes from Evansville. We write cargo coverage and other trucking policies in Indiana, Ohio, Kentucky, Illinois, and Tennessee. Call us toll free at 1-877-888-5506 for a no-obligation free quote today!

What is Cargo Coverage?

As an independent owner-operator, there are several things you need to keep track of to keep your trucking operation running smoothly. One of those items is trucking insurance. Do you have the right coverage for your trucking business?

In this article, we’ll explore cargo coverage and discuss when you need this particular type of coverage.

Cargo Coverage

Cargo coverage is insurance for the load that is in the trailer, on the trailer, or strapped down to the trailer. It is not coverage for the actual trailer. Typically, if you have cargo coverage and are hauling a tractor on your trailer, the tractor is covered but the trailer is not.

Cargo coverage can protect your business in the event of theft of cargo or damage to cargo due to an accident. Theft is a major concern for certain types of cargo, such as computers, jewelry, and other high end items.

Is Cargo Coverage Required?

Whether cargo coverage is required depends on the type of operation. If you are a contractor with a 1099, you’re usually required to have your own coverage. But, if you are permanently attached or leased onto another carrier, whenever you’re under that contract you’ll most likely be covered by that company’s cargo coverage.

Your insurance agent should help you understand what type of coverage you are required to have for your trucking business.

Monoline Cargo Coverage

In some cases, owner-operators may learn that certain commodities, such as seafood, batteries, or electronics, are excluded by the company’s standard cargo form. In those cases, monoline cargo coverage can be a good option. This provides the driver with the flexibility to get everything covered under the same cargo coverage policy without needing to change the main trucking insurance policy.

Typically, cargo coverage falls between $100,000 to $250,000, since items on the trailer are calculated at their wholesale value. The cost for this type of coverage varies and depends on several factors, like the amount of power units on the policy and what is being hauled.

Why Kincaid Insurance?

Here at Kincaid Insurance, we’ve been writing trucking policies for more than twenty years. Our independent insurance agents understand the trucking industry as well as the unique challenges you face. Need access to your cargo coverage certificate at a moment’s notice? You can log into the system 24 hours a day, 7 days a week to print your certificate.

You’ll find our headquarters in Rockport, Indiana. We write trucking policies in Indiana, Kentucky, Ohio, Tennessee, and Illinois. Contact us today for a no-obligation free quote by calling us toll free at 1-877-888-5506.

Bobtail Owner Operator

You have to make a lot of decisionsBobtail Owner Operator each day as an owner operator. Should you take that new load? Does your truck need to go in for maintenance? What’s the best route to take to avoid getting stuck in traffic?

There are lots of things like this to consider for your trucking business on a regular basis, but there are other choices that need to be made less frequently. For example, making the decision to have bobtail owner operator coverage might be something you do annually, but it can have a major impact on your business.

Here’s why.

Manage Your Risk

As an owner operator, your truck may only be insured when you’re under dispatch for another company. If you need to drive in order to pick up your next load, you probably don’t have coverage during that time without bobtail insurance. You can think of this as similar to a gap coverage for any incidents that may occur when you’re not under dispatch.

Damages from an accident can ruin a small trucking operation, especially in today’s lawsuit-focused society. Having bobtail owner operator coverage can help you protect your business while you’re between loads.

Stay Independent

Covering your assets with bobtail owner operator insurance not only reduces risk; in some cases, it might actually make your service more attractive to potential clients. In many cases, companies will require that you have this coverage to qualify for certain contracts. Lenders often require this coverage for certain types of business loans.

In other words, having bobtail owner operator coverage may actually help you grow your business and, in turn, maintain your independence.

The Kincaid Difference

Here at Kincaid Insurance, one of our specialties is writing policies for owner operators like you. In fact, we’ve been writing trucking insurance policies for over two decades. We write truck policies in Indiana, Kentucky, Illinois, Ohio, and Tennessee.

With flexible payment options for bobtail owner operator coverage, there’s a plan to fit every budget. We also provide a dedicated contact in the office for owner operators. If you ever need a certificate of liability insurance, we can help.

Indiana Bobtail Owner Operator Coverage

Having the right type of coverage can mean the difference between keeping your business running smoothly and struggling to pay the bills. Located in Rockport, Indiana, Kincaid Insurance provides insurance for truckers throughout the Tri-State. Contact us today for a no-obligation quote for bobtail owner operator coverage.

You can reach us by calling toll free at 1-877-888-5506.

Indiana Bobtail Phys-Dam Coverage

The U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics estimates that there are more than 50,000 heavy and tractor-trailer truck drivers in the state of Indiana. Many of those drivers are owner-operators who rely on their trucks for their livelihood. If you drive as an owner-operator, you need to protect yourself and your equipment whenever you’re not under dispatch.

Many owner-operators have both bobtail and bobtail phys-dam coverage, because they are often written as two parts of the same policy. Both have components of what truck owner-operators need. In this post, we’ll explore each type of coverage.

Bobtail Coverage

Driving a semi without an attached trailer is frequently referred to as bobtailing or deadheading. Bobtail and deadhead insurance are the same. This type of liability coverage fills in the gaps when a driver is not under dispatch. For example, if a driver is traveling to and from the terminal without the trailer, bobtail insurance would cover the driver’s liability if an accident occurs when the driver is not under dispatch.

Bobtail Phys-Dam Coverage

If an owner-operator gets into an accident and the truck is totaled, bobtail phys-dam will help the driver replace the truck. This coverage is the value the driver will get back from the insurance company, less the deductible. For many truck drivers, having this type of insurance can mean the difference between getting back to business and struggling to make ends meet.

Checking the Boxes

Banks often require bobtail phys-dam coverage to cover the value of the loan if a driver has a lien or lease. This is especially important to consider if you’re trying to qualify to expand your trucking operation. Having bobtail/bobtail phys-dam coverage is also a requirement for working with some trucking companies, so having it in place can give owner-operators a competitive advantage.

Policies average between $2,000 and $3,000; pricing varies based on driving history. Some owner-operators are hesitant to take on bobtail coverage due to cost, but there are a variety of flexible payment options available. If you ever drive your truck anywhere when you’re not under dispatch, bobtail insurance is essential for protecting your business.

Indiana Bobtail Insurance

Kincaid Insurance, located in Rockport, Indiana, has been writing trucking insurance policies for more than twenty years. We know how important your truck is to your business, so we make it our business to help you protect it. At Kincaid, you’ll have an appointed office contact for your business needs. Should you ever need to provide proof of coverage, we can quickly provide a certificate of liability insurance for your records. We write truck policies in Indiana, Illinois, Kentucky, Tennessee, and Ohio. Contact us today for a no-obligation bobtail phys-dam insurance quote.

Insurance for Daycares in Indiana

From bee stings to playground boo-boos, kids are prone to injuries. Providing childcare in your home or at a daycare facility is a career that brings a lot of laughs–kids really do say the funniest things–but it can also involve a lot of risk if you don’t have proper certification and coverage for your business.

In this post, we’ll explore the unique insurance needs of childcare facilities.

Liability Coverage

It’s important to make sure that you are following all of your state’s legal guidelines for operating a daycare. There are often strict government guidelines associated with providing childcare. You can find information about the state of Indiana’s rules and regulations here.

Most childcare businesses are legally required to have liability coverage. This is not always the case for home-based providers, but you may want to talk to your insurance agent about your homeowners insurance policy. Most homeowners policies do not cover home-based businesses, so you may need to purchase a separate business insurance policy to protect the children, your business, and your employees. Liability insurance typically covers damage to property as well as personal injuries that may occur.

Business Coverage

What is the best daycare insurance policy for your facility? There are a number of factors to consider. That’s why you need an insurance agent you can count on to help you understand the ins and outs of various policies.

In our experience, most daycare providers have professional liability and workers compensation coverage. A premises liability policy can also help cover the area around your daycare facility, including any play areas. You’ll also need a commercial vehicle liability policy if you will be transporting children.

Without proper daycare insurance coverage, something unpredictable could devastate your business. For example, if a child breaks an arm after falling on your playground, you could be looking at thousands in medical expenses and court fees.

Additional Considerations

Do you serve breakfast, lunch, or snacks at your daycare? What would happen if a child became ill due to food poisoning? What would you do if someone vandalized or stole your playground equipment? As you can see, there are many additional considerations that some providers fail to consider – until it is too late.

Daycare Insurance You Can Trust

Finding an insurance agent you can rely on may seem like searching for a needle in the proverbial haystack, but Kincaid Insurance is here to help with all of your insurance needs. Our experienced independent insurance agents are trained to help you assess your business and your coverage needs.

Serving the tri-state area of Indiana, Illinois, and Kentucky, Kincaid Insurance is located in Rockport, Indiana. Our agents work with business owners in Vincennes, Mt. Vernon, Louisville, Evansville, Owensboro, Mt. Vernon, and the surrounding area.

Contact Kincaid Insurance today at 1-877-888-5506.

Insurance for Massage Therapists

Massage therapists work hard to help people relax and recover from various injuries. According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, there were more than 132,000 massage therapists in the United States in 2012. The industry has continued to grow at a higher than average rate, making massage therapy a great career choice.

As with any profession, there are certain risks associated with massage therapy. In this article, we’ll discuss the topic of insurance for massage therapists.

Massage Risks

Despite the massage therapy industry’s great overall outlook, no industry is without risks and liabilities. Independent massage therapy business owners can be vulnerable to a number of customer-related risks. These may include:

• Blood clots

• Strained or pulled muscles

• Slip and fall incidents

• Sexual harassment suits

• Products liability

• Advertising injury

• Property damage

A single lawsuit could cause serious financial consequences for a massage therapist without proper insurance coverage. An independent insurance agent, such as the team at Kincaid Insurance, can help you determine the best coverage for your specific practice.

Indiana Licensing Requirements

In order to become a licensed massage therapist in the state of Indiana, you must have proof of your professional liability insurance that lists the state as an additional insured. Professional liability coverage for massage therapists is sometimes referred to as “malpractice insurance” due to the fact that massage therapy is part of the healthcare industry.

Professional liability insurance is designed to protect massage therapists from any claims that are connected to massage services. For example,  if a client is injured due to a massage table malfunction, professional liability insurance can help protect your massage business.

Property and Liability Insurance

Massage therapists practice in a variety of locations. Some own their own massage centers, others work in a shared office space, and still others offer mobile services in homes or offices. Some massage therapists practice in their own homes. Depending on where you work as a massage therapist, you may need to consider property insurance to protect your building and equipment.

General liability coverage can also be important for massage therapists. If a client slips and falls on the premises, general liability can serve as a protection against a financially devastating lawsuit.

Massage Therapist Insurance

The independent insurance agents at Kincaid Insurance can help you discover the best coverage for your massage therapy business.

Kincaid Insurance is headquartered in Rockport, Indiana. Our independent insurance agents work with massage therapists throughout the tri-state area of Indiana, Illinois, and Kentucky, including: Newburgh, Mt. Vernon, Louisville, Evansville, Owensboro, and Vincennes.

Contact Kincaid Insurance today by calling 1-877-888-5506. Our independent insurance agents will work with you to assess your massage therapy practice’s needs before providing you a free no-obligation quote.

4 Insurance Agent Stereotypes

You might have a certain image in mind when you picture an insurance agent. After all, there are some commonly held ideas about what to expect when working with an agent.

In this post, we’ll take a look at four of the most common insurance agent stereotypes and share our perspective.

1.) Agents Push an Agenda

Working with an independent insurance agent is special. You talk to us about your insurance needs, we do extensive research on your behalf, we present you with options, you make an informed decision. That’s it. We aren’t rooting for you to choose a particular policy; we want to help you find the option that is truly right for you. We’re here to offer you objective information. Our experienced agents are always happy to offer advice if you have questions or concerns, but they will not push an agenda.

2.) Agents Only Help Businesses

Some people mistakenly think that insurance agents only help businesses. Here at Kincaid Insurance, we can help you find renter’s insurance, homeowners insurance, car insurance, boat insurance, or any other type of policy you may need to protect your personal assets. We have hundreds of home and auto clients throughout the tri-state. If you do own a business, you may be happy to find that we offer both personal and commercial policies. You can keep things simple by working with a single company for all of your insurance needs.

3.) Agents are Always a One-Person Shop

When you hear that we are an independent insurance agency, you might picture one person sitting behind a desk taking calls all day. In reality, we have a highly experienced team of agents and support staff. You’re always welcome to stop by our office (on Main Street in Rockport, Indiana) to meet our entire team.

4.) Agents Only Serve a Limited Geographic Area

While we focus on the tri-state of Indiana, Illinois, and Kentucky, we actually have clients who are located throughout the country. We are not limited to only offering insurance in the tri-state. Our independent agents can help you find insurance solutions throughout the United States.

See for Yourself

Our team of independent insurance agents is probably very different than you imagined before reading this post. However, we do fit a few insurance agent stereotypes: some of us wear glasses and we probably drink too much coffee. (But we did ditch the pocket protectors!) Want proof? Get to know us! Give us a call toll free at 1-877-888-5506.

Experienced Insurance Agents in Evansville, IN

There are a lot of insurance agents in Evansville, Indiana.

You might be wondering what makes Kincaid Insurance unique. Here are just a few reasons to consider our agency for your insurance needs.

Dedicated Claims Manager On Call 24/7

When you get into a claim situation, you need to be able to get in touch with your insurance company right away. Here at Kincaid, Roxy Decker is on call 24/7 to help you manage claim situations. Weather events can strike at any time. Your teenager is starting to drive back and forth to the high school football games. There are all sorts of scenarios that might require assistance (hopefully not!) outside of normal business hours. You can find peace of mind with the knowledge that Roxy and the rest of the Kincaid team are there to support you whenever trouble strikes.

We’re Celebrating 20 Years in Southern Indiana

Kincaid Insurance has been providing commercial and personal insurance solutions in Evansville and the surrounding area for more than twenty years.

To mark this milestone, our team celebrated with a week of fun office events. (To the right, you’ll see a photo from our celebratory banquet.) Twenty years in business is a testament to the loyalty of our customers. We’re happy to be in the tri-state for the long haul!

We Love Our Community!

Our office is located in Rockport, just a short drive from Evansville. The Kincaid Insurance staff loves being involved in the community and participates in a number of events, such as dressing up to hand out candy to local trick-or-treaters.

Last year we really enjoyed volunteering with Feed My Starving Children. Our team filled 33 boxes, each containing 36 bags. Since each bag holds 6 servings, we packed 7,128 servings of food to help feed hungry children all over the world. Giving back to the community that we love is important to all of us.

Insurance Agents Evansville, IN

If you’re looking for an independent insurance agent in the Evansville area, you’ve come to the right place. Kincaid Insurance has been providing personal and business insurance solutions in the area for the past twenty years. Our experienced independent insurance agents are happy to meet with you to discuss your policy needs and provide a no-obligation free quote.

Our office headquarters is located in Rockport, Indiana. Kincaid Insurance agents work with businesses and individuals throughout the area, from Vincennes to Louisville and beyond. Stop by our office or give us call toll free at 1-877-888-5506.

Bobtail Insurance Indiana

Bobtail physical damage (“phys-dam”), contingent liability, non-trucking liability, and deadhead insurance are all different titles for the same genre of insurance coverage. For anyone not in the trucking industry, these words can almost sound foreign. But, to an owner-operator driving a semi for a living (or the owner of a trucking company using owner-operators to haul loads), these words are very frequently heard. Nonetheless, even for the most experienced driver or trucking professional, the above-mentioned coverages can be somewhat confusing.

In this post, we’ll try to help clarify the term “bobtail insurance.” We’ll also provide information to help ensure you’re properly covered, whether you own a truck, drive a truck for someone else, or own a company that has employees / owner-operators.

What is Bobtail Insurance?

Bobtail phys-dam is the type of insurance that is needed for a driver who owns his truck, but he is driving while not under dispatch for the company he works for. For example, if John Doe owns a semi-truck, drives for ABC Trucking, and is driving that truck under dispatch for ABC Trucking, he is most likely already covered under ABC Trucking’s insurance. Where bobtail phys-dam insurance would apply is when John Doe finishes his route for the week, unhooks his trailer, and then decides to drive his truck back home. If he were to get into an accident while on the way home (since he is not under dispatch from ABC Trucking), he would need to have bobtail insurance. Otherwise, he may be uninsured for that accident.

How Much Does Bobtail Insurance Cost?

Bobtail insurance is relatively affordable for most qualified drivers. On average, Indiana truckers can expect bobtail insurance to run anywhere between $1,000 to $3,000 annually, but actual quoted prices can vary based on a number of factors.

One response commonly heard from drivers is that they don’t need bobtail insurance. Some claim that it is more or less a waste of money. It can’t be urged enough that bobtail insurance (or deadhead insurance) is something almost every owner-operator needs.

Talk to a Bobtail Insurance Agent in Southern Indiana

Do you own and operate a truck? Need help finding the right bobtail coverage for your business? Contact our team at Kincaid Insurance, headquartered just outside of Evansville, Indiana in Rockport. We’ve helped truckers for more than twenty years, and we look forward to serving your trucking business. Call, click, or email us for more information. We’re happy to pull together a no-obligation bobtail insurance quote for you.

Charity Event Insurance

If you’ve helped organize an event such as a 5K run/walk or church festival to raise funds for a cause that is near and dear to you, you know that it only looks easy. In fact, it often seems like as soon as you complete one task on your to-do list, another pops up in its place!

If you’re planning a run/walk, carnival, or other type of fundraiser for your nonprofit, church, school, or maybe even a friend with major medical bills, it’s important to make sure that your general liability policy covers the event. After all, no one wants to work hard on a fundraiser only to have a day-of accident cause them to need to host another fundraising event! Talk to your independent insurance agent today to find out if your current policy provides the coverage you need for your special event.

5K Run / Walk Coverage

Hosting a 5K run/walk is a great way to raise money, but there are many logistics to consider (have you gotten all the proper permits? how much should you charge for entry?) and there are risks involved. After all, you’re responsible for volunteers, spectators, the facility/location, and your participants. A participant liability policy provides coverage for any claims related to bodily injury or property damage due to the event.

Special Event Coverage

You can purchase single event coverage for your charity event; the price will be based upon the number of people in attendance at the event. Special event coverage provides liability coverage in the case of an injured guest or damaged venue. Some venues require this type of coverage before allowing you to host your event at their facility.

Other Considerations

If you’re planning a festival, carnival, or other event with food, will alcohol be served? How will this impact your liability coverage? If alcohol will be served at your charity dinner, silent auction, street festival, or other event, make sure that your policy includes host liquor liability coverage.

Serving food at your event also brings the risk of food poisoning or food spoilage. Because each event is unique, it’s best to speak with an independent insurance agent about what type of additional coverage (if any) your event needs.

Charity Event Insurance Indiana & Beyond

You’re planning your special charity event for a cause. Let the independent insurance agents at Kincaid Insurance help you find the coverage you need for your special event so you can focus on the fundraising. Our agents will work with you to take a look at your risks and policy needs for your event before offering you a no obligation free quote.

The Kincaid Insurance headquarters are located in Rockport, Indiana. Our experienced agents work with both individuals and businesses throughout the Tri-State of Indiana, Kentucky, and Illinois, including: Vincennes, Mt. Vernon, Louisville, Evansville, Owensboro, and Newburgh. Reach Kincaid Insurance now by calling us at 1-877-888-5506.