Company is one of the most respected specialized trucking insurance carriers in the United States β a name that carries significant weight in the heavy-haul and long-haul trucking community. Unlike generalist carriers that write trucking among dozens of other lines, Great West is a specialist. Everything they do is trucking. That singular focus is both their greatest strength and a factor that defines exactly who they’re right for.
Who Is ?
Founded in 1956 and headquartered in South Sioux City, Nebraska, Company is a stock insurance company that writes commercial trucking insurance exclusively. They are part of the Old Republic International group and hold an A (Excellent) AM Best financial rating. operates in all 50 states and has built their reputation on deep trucking industry expertise, fast claims response, and specialized underwriting knowledge.
Importantly, only sells through independent insurance agents and brokers β they do not offer direct-to-consumer quotes. This means to access , you need to work with an appointed broker who has access to their markets.
What Coverage Does Offer?
- Primary Auto Liability β Their core product, written for interstate and intrastate carriers with limits from $750,000 to $5M+
- Physical Damage β Comprehensive and collision for power units and trailers, including Stated Value options for high-value equipment
- Motor Truck Cargo β Broad cargo coverage with options for high-value commodities
- Trailer Interchange β Covering non-owned trailers pulled under interchange agreements
- General Liability β Including premises liability and products/completed operations
- Workers’ Compensation β Available for trucking fleets in most states
- Occupational Accident β For leased owner-operators
Pricing
Great West is not the cheapest carrier in the market β they’re not trying to be. Their pricing reflects deep underwriting expertise, fast claims service, and coverage breadth that specialists in heavy freight, oversized loads, and long-haul operations value highly. For the right risk profile, however, can be very competitive.
They are most competitive for established carriers with 3+ years of operating history, strong safety programs, and clean loss records. Single-truck owner-operators with less than 2 years of authority may find prices their risk conservatively β or may not be eligible at all. Their underwriters prefer established operations they can build long-term relationships with.
Pros of
- 100% trucking-focused β Deep expertise that generalist carriers simply can’t match
- Excellent claims reputation β Fast response, specialized trucking claims adjusters
- Strong financial stability β A-rated by AM Best, part of Old Republic International
- Broad coverage options including specialty cargo and high-value equipment
- Safety resources β Loss control programs and driver training support for policyholders
- Long-term carrier relationships β They value customer retention and long-term accounts
Cons of
- Broker-only access β You cannot get a quote directly; requires an appointed agent
- Not the lowest-cost option β Premium pricing for premium service
- Tighter underwriting standards β New authority and high-risk operations may not qualify
- Less digital self-service than newer insurtech carriers
- Not always the best fit for single-truck owner-operators on tight budgets
Who Is Best For?
Great West is an excellent fit for: established long-haul carriers with 5+ units, operations involving high-value cargo or specialty freight, owner-operators with 3+ years of clean history and equipment worth $80,000+, and any operation where claims service quality matters as much as price. If you’ve ever had a claim handled poorly by a cheap carrier, ’s reputation for claims excellence becomes very appealing.
How to Access
Since only sells through appointed brokers, the path to getting a quote runs through an independent specialist broker. Full Coverage LLC works with and can obtain quotes on your behalf β comparing their pricing and coverage against 30+ other carriers to ensure you’re truly getting the best option for your operation.
If Great West is the best carrier for your risk profile, we’ll place you there. If another carrier offers better value, we’ll tell you that too. Our job is to find the right fit, not to steer you toward any particular company.
Get a quote comparison from Full Coverage LLC β
Frequently Asked Questions:
Can I buy insurance directly?
No. only distributes through independent insurance agents and brokers. To get a quote, you’ll need to work with an appointed broker who has access to their market. Full Coverage LLC is available to obtain quotes alongside other carrier options.
Is good for new authority trucking companies?
prefers established operations with operating history. Most new authority truckers (under 2 years) will not qualify for ’s preferred programs. Specialty new-entrant carriers are generally a better starting point, with the option to move to once you’ve built a track record.
How does handle trucking claims?
Great West is consistently praised for fast, professional claims handling with adjusters who understand trucking operations. They maintain regional claims offices and field adjusters who specialize in truck accidents and cargo claims. This specialized expertise can make a significant difference in how quickly and fairly your claim is resolved.
What is ’s AM Best rating?
holds an A (Excellent) AM Best financial strength rating. This is an important indicator of their ability to pay claims β when evaluating any insurance carrier, financial strength ratings from AM Best, Moody’s, or S&P should always be part of your assessment.
How does compare to other trucking carriers?
Great West is generally viewed as a premium carrier β excellent service and coverage, priced accordingly. For operators who prioritize claims excellence and carrier expertise over finding the absolute lowest premium, consistently ranks among the top choices in the industry. A broker can help you weigh whether ’s advantages justify their pricing for your specific situation.
Frequently Asked Questions: Comparing Trucking Insurance Carriers
How do I choose the best trucking insurance company?
The best trucking insurance company depends on your specific operation β there is no universal answer. Key factors: AM Best financial rating (A or better preferred), appetite for your cargo type and radius, claims handling reputation, and premium competitiveness for your risk profile. Work with a specialist broker who can run quotes across multiple carriers simultaneously.
Should I go directly to an insurance company or use a broker for trucking insurance?
For commercial trucking, using a specialist broker is almost always the better approach. A broker accesses multiple carriers simultaneously, compares pricing and coverage structure, handles FMCSA filings, and advocates on your behalf at claims time. Going direct means one quote, one underwriting decision, and no market comparison. The time savings and better pricing from broker comparison consistently outweigh any perceived convenience of going direct.
How often should I shop my trucking insurance?
You should request a competitive market comparison at every annual renewal. Trucking insurance markets shift β carrier appetites change, loss ratios affect pricing, and your own risk profile evolves. Brokers who work with 20+ carriers can often find meaningful savings or coverage improvements year over year. Don’t let a policy auto-renew without shopping it.
What is an AM Best rating and why does it matter for trucking insurance?
AM Best is the insurance industry’s primary financial strength rating agency. An A rating or better indicates the insurer has strong financial capacity to pay claims. For commercial trucking, you should only work with A-rated carriers β in the event of a major loss, you need certainty that your insurer can pay. B-rated or unrated carriers carry meaningful insolvency risk.