It is our intent to regularly inform you of trending claims affecting our insureds. Having examined our most recent claims data, our analysts have detected a trend in carelessness.
Our claims handlers have been receiving claims where our insureds have been colliding with stationery items such as fire hydrants, low hanging cables, sprinklers, open doors, vehicles, etc. While rearend crashes continue to be at the top of our list, claims like these that are largely preventable have been adding up.
There are a few things to address regarding these types of incidents. First, it is imperative to know the height of your rig. If you’re at all close to the height of a ceiling, you need to be sure that you’re going to fit. That includes inspecting the ceiling for anything hanging that would reduce that height and cause you to crash into it.
Second: Whenever you’re in a tight area or unfamiliar area, do not simply rely on your mirrors for maneuvering. Get out and walk around the rig to get a better understanding of your obstacles and/or utilize a spotter.
Lastly, do not be in too big of a rush. You probably have a normal routine in the way you get in and out of your truck. You likely do a quick visual inspection – if for nothing more than to know that nothing is largely out of place. These routines are important and do not take much time. Do not skip these because you are feeling rushed.
Crashes for an individual do not normally happen, they happen abnormally and infrequently. It is often when we are out of our normal area, out of our normal routine, and or driving outside of our normal speed, that crashes take place. Take extra care anytime you are outside the norm and do not rush past your routine.
Additional loss prevention tips: Park in well-lit, high-traffic lots; position your truck in the view of surveillance cameras and/or guards, whenever possible; make sure the windows are closed and the doors locked whenever you leave the vehicle – even when loading and unloading; activate the vehicle alarm system, if equipped, when locking your vehicle; utilize all available security equipment for added layers of protection when the vehicle is unattended.