With the current economic situation and rising fuel bills Hauliers have another problem to face and this is the increase in criminal damage to their vehicles and theft from them too.
In 2010 it was reported that theft from lorries had risen by 63% compared to the previous decade and as a result this had cost the economy £250m.
How does this affect the insurance industry?
Like any policy when insurance companies have to make frequent payments for claims they are going to increase the premiums for that industry in order to recover some of their losses and the haulage industry is no different.
Many insurer’s now increase premiums in certain areas of the UK where there is a high crime rate from trucks this can be up to 25% of the premium which is a hefty levy for struggling haulage companies to pay.
What is the answer?
There is no simple quick fix to this problem but if the Police and insurance companies work closely with Hauliers and the trade associations then over a period of time the crime rate will fall.
For example, the Police should be sharing their data with haulage companies and trade bodies advising of safe places for drivers to stop for their rest and where drivers need to be vigilant.
Insurance companies should be offering more incentives to haulage companies to ensure drivers are fully aware of their responsibility to secure the vehicle whilst they are asleep or when they leave it unattended to prevent damage and theft from the vehicle. If the haulage company does take heed of the advice then the insurers can offer rebates at renewal.
Haulage companies also need to vet and check all of their staff as a high number of theft from vehicles tends to be an “inside job” so by obtaining references and querying anything out of the ordinary may prevent a crime not only against themselves but other haulage companies.
Source: Essential Risk Solutions 2011
Avis Insurance has been arranging commercial insurance since 1983 and would be happy to assist you with your truck or commercial insurance requirements.
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