Commercial auto can create placement challenges for tree care contractors, especially when an incumbent carrier changes its requirements. For one established Pennsylvania utility line clearing contractor, the incumbent carrier non-renewed the commercial auto coverage because the client did not use telematics. The broker needed to find a new home for the client’s coverage, but other carriers either declined the account or offered premiums that were significantly higher.
That is what made this TreePro by NIP Group account stand out.
The Account: Full-Service Tree Care and Utility Line Clearing
The client is an established utility line clearing contractor that also provides full-service tree care. Its operations include:
- Residential and commercial tree removal
- Tree pruning
- Stump grinding
- Lot clearing
- Utility line and right-of-way work
These operations require an insurance program that can account for both traditional tree care services and specialized utility line clearing exposures.
The account included:
- Commercial auto
- General liability
- Inland marine
Looking at the Full Operation
Rather than addressing the commercial auto challenge separately, the TreePro underwriting team considered how the client’s vehicles, equipment, and liability exposures fit within the full operation. TreePro was able to write all three lines together, giving the client a coordinated solution for commercial auto, general liability, and inland marine.
The placement also provided premium savings for the client.
For the client, that meant finding a new home for its coverage after the non-renewal while avoiding the significantly higher premiums quoted elsewhere. For the broker, it meant securing multiple lines together rather than continuing to market each coverage separately.
What This Means for Brokers
An auto non-renewal can put an entire tree care account at risk, particularly when the client maintains a fleet, operates specialized equipment, or performs utility line and right-of-way work. Telematics and driver-monitoring requirements may also affect how carriers evaluate commercial auto risks.
For brokers, the takeaway is straightforward: A commercial auto non-renewal does not always mean you need to separate the account or accept an excessive premium. TreePro may be able to bring multiple lines together and provide a more competitive option.
Have a tree care or utility line clearing client facing an auto non-renewal or limited market options? Submit the risk to TreePro for consideration.
