CHARLES JAMES CAYIAS INSURANCE INC.

PILOT CAR PROGRAM
FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS

Q. Is your program guaranteed to be the cheapest? 

A. In many instances our program is found to be the least expensive when comparing the combined cost of commercial auto, general/ professional liability (if you qualify for coverage).  Typically savings are 20-30%. Not only does our program cover all three but the professional liability coverage is on an “occurrence” made basis rather than a “claims made” basis.  As any agent, it is almost impossible to find professional liability coverage this way.

Q. Why do I want or need General Liability and Professional Liability coverage? 

A. If your auto itself is not what causes the loss or damage; the auto policy coverage will not provide coverage. Even if you are not the one at fault you will need to hire an attorney to defend you. Wouldn’t it make more sense to pay a couple thousand for a policy that protects your assets than $10,000 or more for an attorney to defend you against the other person’s insurance company? So that you don’t suffer potential financial ruin due to an unpaid claim you’ll want to make sure you have both Commercial Auto Liability and General/ Professional Liability coverage as soon as you can get it!

Q. My agent says my Commercial Auto policy is all the coverage I need. 

A. Unfortunately there are not a lot of Insurance agents that actually understand the state rules and regulations, Certification requirements, and the working operations of a pilot car. There is no insurance class code specific to the pilot car which means there’s no data for agents to learn. We are the only ones in the country with a true package policy created for Pilot car operators based on their working operations and have worked with pilot cars all over the country since 2007. Our office has even attended the Utah Certification class at least once. Why place your trust in anyone else?

Q. What coverage does the package offer:

A. Commercial Auto Liability, Commercial General Liability, Commercial Professional Liability (if you qualify), permanently attached equipment to your vehicle, and unattached equipment or Inland marine coverage.

Q. Why is reviewing my contracts important?

A. The trucking companies may have requirements the insurance carrier cannot comply with due to nature of services being provided. A lot of contracts are written to cover the needs of trucking companies and not pilot cars. We are not an attorney and advise you consult one in regards to wording and requirements other than Insurance section.

 Q. If I’m off route or doing something illegal will it void my coverage?

A. The claims adjuster will determine that but if as a result of breaking the law you cause or contribute to an accident you may be at risk for your insurance company declining to pay for a claim. Why take a chance? You pay your Insurance premium and want to make sure you have the coverage when you need it. Be clear on your responsibility and duties to your insurance company.

Q. Subcontracted work or brokering business: I wasn’t the one driving the vehicle or escorting the load so I’m not liable.

A. This is absolutely false, you are on the hook and can and most likely will be named in a lawsuit if you are collecting premiums and paying the pilot car.  Don’t put yourself and assets at risk.

Q. I have a General Liability policy so I am covered for doing Height pole work, route surveys…not necessarily.

A. General Liability is a basic coverage in which the business operations are described and specified.  An office policy can have general liability also but it will not cover you for operations as a pilot car operator. Don’t take any chances…get it in writing.

Q. My Agent can’t figure out what they are doing or find me coverage.

A. Why take a chance you won’t have the protection you need. Don’t take chances, work with someone that specializes in working with pilot cars.