Pilot/Escort Vehicle Insurance
Pilot car operators perform work that is not without risk to the P/E vehicle operator, the motoring public, and to infrastructure such as bridges. While some states require that P/EVO’s carry insurance, there are other even more compelling reasons for P/EVOs to be covered. Damage to bridges or harm caused to other motorists can easily result in claims in the hundreds of thousands, and even millions, of dollars. Without proper insurance, a P/EVO-involved incident puts the operator and their company at the risk of financial ruin.
Picking the Right Policies
Many P/EVOs who have realized the importance of insurance have had the unfortunate experience of being sold insurance that is not adequate to cover activities performed as a P/EVO. The problem is that many insurance carriers simply do not understand what a P/EVO is, and the nature of the work performed.
Policies available from the big national insurance companies may not cover you to the degree you expect. Some policies only cover damage to your vehicle. Imagine a bridge strike that causes $200,000 in damage: your policy might replace your high pole and any damage to your bumper, but leave you exposed to the six-figure damages to the bridge.
To ensure adequate coverage, pilot/escort vehicle operators are required to carry three types of insurance:
- Commercial automotive insurance, to protect against damages to your vehicle
- General liability insurance
- Professional errors and omissions (E&O) insurance, a professional liability insurance which protects against injury or property damage above and beyond the coverage your general liability insurance policy provides
It is important that you contact an agent who specializes in these types of policies. There are only a few in the United States, but with a reputable agency that focuses on pilot cars, you are more likely to have coverage to protect you if the unthinkable occurs. Make sure the agent knows what you do as a P/EVO, and that you understand the exact coverage and limitations of each policy.
Certification Training Discounts
Insurance providers are increasingly aware of the risk reduction potential to P/EVOs who have completed a formal training program. Some providers will even offer a discount for successful completion of training. Evergreen Safety Council’s Pilot/Escort Vehicle Operator training is widely regarded as one of the best P/EVO training programs available in the United States.
Known P/EVO Insurance Providers
Provided below are known P/EVO insurance providers you might want to consider when shopping for P/EVO insurance. Evergreen Safety Council does not endorse any particular insurance agency or insurance product. This information is provided to assist you with your research. If you are aware of other providers of P/EVO insurance that you believe should be represented here, please let us know.
Charles James Cayias Insurance, Inc., Salt Lake City, UT
V.R. Williams & Company, Winchester, TN