WE’RE ALL IN THIS TOGETHER
Oldtimers used to say “…young people today don’t know how good they have it. In my day, we had it tough!” Someday, when COVID-19 has been consigned to the history books, those of us left standing will be able to say the same, but without exaggerating. What we’ve all endured these past months bears no comparison to anything anyone has gone through before. And it’s not over. Shut downs, lost revenue, freight rates too low to cover costs, the financial hits keep coming. And then there’s insurance. You can’t operate without coverage, but the money to pay for it is melting like snow in the Spring. It’s cold comfort to be reminded that traffic volumes are down, so you can get to point B a little faster. What difference does that make if you have to wait 90 days or more to get paid?
At Eastern Atlantic we feel like we’re right there in the truck with you. We don’t insure anything but truckers, so when you suffer, we suffer. Some states have ordered us to provide rate relief to those of you in need. The fact is, we don’t have to be ordered; we’re working to hold on to our business just as you are. Here are some of the things we have done to help:*
- Reduced liability rates
- Removed cargo coverage from parked trucks
- Removed collision coverage (unless you have a lienholder we’re obligated to protect)
- Offered no-interest, no penalty premium financing in-house
To offer these accommodations, we need to know your situation. We can’t help if we don’t understand what you are going through. So, if you haven’t hauled more than a couple of loads in the last three months, tell your agent. If you’ve had to furlough drivers and park all but one truck, discuss that with your agent too. But, be sure to tell him or her all you’re trying to do to keep going. Then, we’ll do what we can. It adds up. We have insureds we’ve been helping since late March. Are they still in business because of what we’ve been able to do for them? That’s hard to say, but they might not be had we done nothing.
“We’re all in this together” is a rallying cry that has become familiar all over this battered, but proud country. Fine words, but little else if they aren’t backed up with action. Let us prove we mean it. And keep going forward. This too will pass.
*(Assistance is based on each insured’s particular circumstances. Eastern Atlantic cannot guarantee rate relief can be offered, or that it will keep you solvent.)
