Finding reliable commercial truck insurance can feel like navigating through a maze of options, especially when your livelihood depends on making the right choice. Great Western Casualty Company has been a prominent name in trucking insurance for over 60 years, but is it the right fit for your operation?
This comprehensive review examines Great West Casualty insurance from every angle, including their A+ financial ratings, specialized trucking coverage, and real customer experiences. We’ll help you determine whether this industry veteran deserves a spot on your list of best semi truck insurance companies.
What is Great Western Casualty Company?
Great Western Casualty Company emerged in 1956 with a singular focus: becoming the premier insurance provider for the trucking industry. Founded by Joseph Morten and his son, the company filled a crucial gap by creating the first-ever dedicated truck insurance product.
In 1985, Great West joined the Old Republic Insurance Group, significantly expanding its resources and financial backing. This partnership strengthened their position in the commercial trucking insurance market.
Today, Great West Casualty operates in 46 states, maintaining its trucking-only focus while serving owner-operators, small fleets, and large trucking companies. With 1,001-5,000 employees dedicated to the trucking industry, they’ve built specialized expertise that general insurers often lack.
Great West Casualty Insurance Ratings and Financial Strength
Financial Ratings Breakdown
Great West Casualty boasts impressive financial ratings that reflect its stability and claims-paying ability:
| Rating Agency | Rating | Meaning |
| AM Best | A+ (Superior) | 2nd highest of 13 categories |
| Moody’s | A2 | 6th highest of 21 categories |
| Standard & Poor’s | A+ (Strong) | 5th highest of 20 categories |
What These Ratings Mean for Truckers?
These ratings indicate exceptional financial strength and a high probability that Great West can pay claims even during economic downturns. For truckers, this translates to peace of mind knowing your insurer won’t disappear when you need them most.
The A+ rating from AM Best, the insurance industry’s leading rating agency, particularly stands out. Only financially robust companies with consistent performance earn this designation.
Industry Recognition and Awards
While specific awards weren’t mentioned in available sources, Great West’s longevity and consistent high ratings speak volumes. Their 60+ years serving truckers exclusively demonstrates sustained industry trust and performance.
Great West Truck Insurance Coverage Options
Great West offers comprehensive coverage designed specifically for trucking operations. Their product lineup addresses virtually every risk truckers face on the road.
Auto Liability Coverage
Great West’s auto liability policies provide customizable limits to meet state requirements and shipper demands. The company determines annual premiums based on your operations, then breaks them into convenient monthly payments based on mileage, gross revenue, or equipment value.
Special features include:
- Commercial auto extension endorsement for leased equipment
- Protection for trip leasing agreements
- Coverage for rental or borrowed units
Cargo Insurance
Cargo protection remains a top priority for Great West, with comprehensive coverage designed to minimize losses. Their cargo insurance includes recovery and salvage services to protect both your interests and your reputation with shippers.
Optional coverages enhance protection:
- Hired Auto Cargo: Extends coverage when using other trucks
- Infidelity Coverage: Protects against dishonest employees or drivers
- Temperature-controlled cargo protection: For refrigerated loads
Physical Damage Protection
Great West leverages long-term relationships with repair facilities, parts suppliers, and towing companies to get your equipment running quickly. Their physical damage coverage includes:
- Comprehensive and collision coverage
- Downtime protection for lost revenue
- Electronic equipment coverage
- Rental reimbursement options
- Single deductible endorsement
- Trailer interchange coverage
General Liability
This coverage protects your assets from non-trucking exposures at terminals, customer locations, and other premises. Protection includes:
- Property damage and bodily injury (excluding autos)
- Medical expense coverage
- Personal and advertising injury
- Fire legal liability for rental property
- Product and completed operations
- Erroneous delivery protection
Owner-Operator Packages
Great West understands owner-operators need specialized coverage. Their Choice Plus bundle includes:
- Personal property protection
- Electronic equipment coverage
- Miscellaneous equipment (chains, tarps, binders)
- Mechanical breakdown coverage
- Emergency expense reimbursement
- Non-trucking use liability
Additional owner-operator options include lease value coverage when your loan exceeds the truck’s actual cash value and motor carrier reimbursement for contractual obligations.
Specialty Coverages
Beyond standard policies, Great West offers:
Umbrella Coverage:
- Catastrophic loss protection
- Self-insured retention as low as $10,000
- Worldwide coverage
- First-dollar defense
- No employee suit exclusions
Workers’ Compensation:
- State-specific coverage
- Claims assistance
- Injury prevention programs
- Return-to-work support
Occupational Accident:
- Coverage for independent contractors
- Medical expense benefits
- Disability income
- Accidental death benefits
Unique Features That Set Great West Apart
Several distinctive features make Great West stand out among trucking insurers, demonstrating their commitment to the industry.
Great West maintains its own aircraft fleet for rapid accident response. When major accidents occur, they can dispatch investigators immediately to protect your interests, salvage perishable cargo, and begin the claims process.
Their 24/7 claims service (800.228.8040) connects you with trucking specialists who understand the urgency of getting back on the road. Unlike general insurers, their adjusters know trucking regulations and industry practices.
The Safety Services Department provides valuable resources including:
- Compliance seminars and training
- Online video library
- Safety newsletters
- Regulatory update alerts
- CSA score improvement strategies
For experienced drivers with clean records, Great West offers deductible reimbursement programs that can eliminate out-of-pocket costs for qualifying claims.
Great West Casualty Claims Process
How to File a Claim
Filing a claim with Great West involves:
- Call 800.228.8040 immediately after any incident
- Provide basic information about the accident
- Follow adjuster instructions for documentation
- Cooperate with the investigation process
Claims Response Time
Great West truck insurance reviews frequently mention quick initial response times. Their 24/7 availability means you’ll speak with someone immediately, and adjusters typically make contact within hours for serious claims.
For major accidents, their aircraft deployment capability enables on-scene investigation within hours, not days. This rapid response can make significant differences in liability determination and cargo salvage.
What to Expect During the Process?
The claims process typically follows these steps:
- Initial report and information gathering
- Adjuster assignment and investigation
- Damage assessment and repair authorization
- Settlement negotiation (if liability involved)
- Payment processing and claim closure
Great West’s specialized trucking knowledge often streamlines this process compared to general insurers who may not understand industry-specific issues.
Great West Insurance Reviews: What Real Customers Say
Positive Customer Experiences
Long-term customers particularly praise Great West for tractor coverage. Common positive themes include:
- Knowledgeable agents who understand trucking
- Fair claims handling for not-at-fault accidents
- Deductible waivers for loyal customers
- Industry expertise that shows in policy design
One customer noted: “They were on the ball taking care of me after someone hit my truck. I’ve been with them so long I don’t have to pay a deductible.”
Common Complaints and Issues
However, Great West Casualty insurance reviews also reveal some concerns:
Certificate of Insurance Delays: Multiple reviews mention hours-long waits for COIs, with incorrect information appearing “90% of the time” according to one customer.
Premium Costs: Several customers note higher premiums compared to competitors, though some feel the specialized service justifies the cost.
Claims Disputes: Some customers report difficulties with claim settlements, particularly regarding compensation for missed work time during repairs.
BBB Rating and Complaint Resolution
Great West Casualty maintains a presence with the Better Business Bureau, though they’re not BBB accredited. Customer feedback varies significantly, suggesting experiences may depend on specific agents and adjusters.
| Review Source | Key Findings |
| WalletHub | Mixed reviews with complaints about COI delays |
| TruckersReport | Generally positive from experienced truckers |
| Glassdoor | 3.4/5 employee rating indicates stable company |
Great West Casualty Pricing and Cost Factors
What Affects Your Premium
Great West determines premiums based on multiple factors:
- Driver qualifications: Age, experience, CDL type, violation history
- Operation type: Long-haul, regional, local, specialized cargo
- Equipment value: Truck age, type, and condition
- Coverage limits: Higher limits increase premiums
- Deductible choices: Higher deductibles reduce premiums
- Safety record: CSA scores and accident history
- Annual mileage: More miles typically mean higher premiums
Payment Options and Flexibility
Great West offers several payment structures:
- Mileage-based payments for variable operations
- Revenue-based options for percentage contracts
- Fixed monthly payments for predictable routes
- Equipment value-based calculations
This flexibility helps truckers manage cash flow during slow seasons or when building their business.
Cost Comparison with Competitors
While specific rates vary by operation, Great West typically prices higher than mass-market insurers but competitively among trucking specialists. Factors affecting relative costs include:
- More comprehensive standard coverage
- Specialized claims handling
- Industry-specific risk knowledge
- Additional services like safety training
For established truckers with good records, the premium difference may be offset by better claims experiences and industry understanding.
Who Should Consider Great West for Tractor Coverage?
Great West best serves specific trucker profiles based on their underwriting requirements and service focus.
Ideal candidates include:
- Owner-operators with 2+ years experience
- Small to medium fleets seeking specialized service
- Truckers age 23 or older with clean CDLs
- Operations requiring comprehensive coverage
- Companies valuing industry expertise over lowest price
Driver qualification requirements:
- Minimum age: 23 years
- Valid CDL in home state
- No DUIs within 6 years
- No license suspension in 3 years
- Maximum 4 moving violations in 38 months
- No more than 2 violations in past year
- No felony convictions
- Minimum 2 years tractor-trailer experience
Are You a Good Fit for Great West?
✓ You have at least 2 years trucking experience
✓ Your operation needs specialized coverage
✓ You value claims service over lowest price
✓ You maintain a clean driving record
✓ You want trucking-specific safety resources
✓ You operate your own equipment
✓ You need flexible payment options
Pros and Cons of Great West Casualty Insurance
| Pros | Cons |
| 60+ years trucking specialization | Higher premiums than some competitors |
| A+ financial ratings | COI processing delays reported |
| 24/7 claims service | Limited availability for new truckers |
| Aircraft for accident response | Requires 2+ years experience |
| Deductible reimbursement programs | Not available in all states |
| Trucking-specific safety resources | Some claims settlement disputes |
| Flexible payment options | May require trucking association membership |
| Old Republic backing | Complex application process |
How to Get a Great West Insurance Quote?
Required Information
Prepare these details before requesting a quote:
Business Information:
- DOT and MC numbers
- Years in business
- Operation radius
- Cargo types hauled
Driver Information:
- CDL details and endorsements
- Driving record (MVR)
- Experience verification
- Age and home state
Equipment Details:
- Year, make, model of all units
- Current values
- Financing information
- Existing damage
Quote Process Timeline
The typical quote timeline follows these steps:
- Initial contact with agent (Day 1)
- Information gathering and verification (Days 1-3)
- Underwriting review (Days 3-5)
- Quote preparation and delivery (Days 5-7)
- Coverage discussion and adjustments (Days 7-10)
Tips for Better Rates
Improve your chances for competitive rates:
- Maintain clean CSA scores
- Document safety training completion
- Consider higher deductibles
- Bundle multiple coverages
- Join trucking associations
- Improve driver qualifications
- Invest in safety technology
Alternatives to Great West Casualty
While Great West offers strong trucking coverage, consider these alternatives:
Progressive Commercial: Offers competitive rates for newer truckers but less specialized service.
OOIDA Insurance: Provides member benefits through the Owner-Operator Independent Drivers Association, including occupational accident insurance.
Nationwide E&S/Specialty: Another trucking specialist with similar experience requirements.
Compare quotes from multiple insurers to find the best combination of coverage, service, and price for your operation.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Great West Casualty a good insurance company?
Yes, Great West Casualty is considered a good insurance company for experienced truckers. Their A+ financial ratings, 60+ years of trucking specialization, and comprehensive coverage options make them a solid choice. However, they’re best suited for established operations rather than new truckers.
How long does Great West take to process claims?
Great West offers 24/7 claims reporting with immediate response. Initial contact typically occurs within hours for serious claims. Total processing time varies by claim complexity, but their trucking expertise often expedites settlements compared to general insurers.
Does Great West offer insurance for new trucking companies?
Great West typically requires at least 2 years of verifiable trucking experience and established operating authority. New trucking companies may need to start with other insurers and transition to Great West after meeting experience requirements.
What states does Great West Casualty operate in?
Great West Casualty operates in 46 states, covering most of the continental United States. Contact them directly to confirm availability in your specific state, as regulations and offerings may vary.
Can owner-operators get insurance through Great West?
Yes, Great West specifically designs coverage for owner-operators, including their Choice Plus bundle and specialized protections like non-trucking use coverage. They understand owner-operator needs and offer flexible payment options suited to independent operations.
Conclusion
Great Western Casualty Company stands out as a specialized trucking insurer with deep industry knowledge and comprehensive coverage options. Their A+ ratings, 60-year history, and unique features like aircraft deployment demonstrate serious commitment to trucker needs.
While higher premiums and experience requirements may exclude some truckers, those who qualify often find the specialized service and claims handling worth the investment. Great West works best for established truckers prioritizing expertise and comprehensive protection over lowest price.
Ready to explore your trucking insurance options? Contact Great West at 800.228.8602 for a customized quote, or compare multiple insurers to find your ideal coverage. Your trucking business deserves protection from insurers who understand the road ahead.