Canal Insurance Company Review & Complaints: Commercial Truck Insurance (2024)

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About Canal Insurance

Canal Insurance was founded in 1939 to meet the needs of the growing long-haul trucking industry. Originally owned by a bank to cover vehicles they had financed, the company was purchased by an insurance agent in 1939 and began independent operations selling to the public.

By 1960 the company had expanded to cover 42 states and had a highly successful operation. The company’s headquarters remain in Greenville, SC, although they have moved over the years to larger headquarters buildings.

Canal insures a variety of trucking operations, including fleets and single trucks. Policies are sold through agents across the country.

At the time of our visit to the Canal website, we found it to be functioning poorly, with incorrect links and some pages that did not load or took several attempts to load; this is a frustrating experience for a reviewer and even more so for a customer.

Canal Products

The Canal programs are broken up by fleet size, and they are entirely focused on commercial trucking operations.

Express is for fleets of 1-10 trucks, Mid-Fleet for those with 11-50 trucks, and Fleet for those with 51+ trucks.

Coverage includes general trucker’s liability, cargo/freight insurance, physical damage, and of course all of the standards of commercial auto policies. This includes auto liability for property damage and bodily injury.

Canal’s truck insurance program also provides comprehensive roadside assistance, with a mobile mechanic available, as well as towing, tire changing, and other services.

Fleets of 11+ can add enhanced cargo/freight coverage in addition to that which is included in the standard. The cargo coverage is comprehensive and can be customized as needed. The cargo/freight and physical damage coverages have a single deductible option as well.

In addition to the coverage side, Canal offers their Risk360 safety program that provides a variety of related services including fleet monitoring and safety education.

How to Get Rates

Online quoting is not offered from Canal, which is expected for this type of company. Commercial auto, and particularly this type of insurance coverage, is very specific in nature, which means it is much better off quoted with a representative or agent who can further answer your insurance questions.

Quotes can be obtained by contacting a Canal agent; the website offers a search function for this purpose.

Canal Claims Process

Ease of Filing a Claim (Online, Over the Phone, Mobile Apps)

Canal Insurance Company offers several methods for filing claims, ensuring flexibility and convenience for their policyholders. Whether you prefer the ease of online submissions, the personal touch of a phone call, or the convenience of mobile apps, Canal Insurance has you covered.

• Online Form: Canal’s website provides an online claims form that policyholders can easily fill out to report a loss. This online form allows customers to document the details of their claims and attach necessary documents, streamlining the process.
• Phone Support: For immediate assistance, Canal Insurance offers a toll-free 24/7 emergency claim line. Customers can reach out via phone to report claims, especially in cases involving hazardous spills, serious injuries, deaths, or refrigerated cargo claims.
• Alternative Submission: Canal Insurance also accommodates claim submissions through fax or regular mail, providing flexibility for those who prefer traditional methods.

Average Claim Processing Time

While the article doesn’t specify the exact average claim processing time for Canal Insurance Company, it is essential to note that the efficiency of claim processing can significantly impact a policyholder’s experience. Policyholders may want to inquire about average processing times when obtaining quotes or discussing coverage options with Canal Insurance representatives.

Customer Feedback on Claim Resolutions and Payouts

The article mentions that customer reviews on platforms like Yelp have raised concerns about Canal Insurance Company’s claim resolutions and payouts. These reviews suggest that some policyholders have experienced issues with the company’s claims handling, including delays and difficulties in receiving claim payouts.

When considering Canal Insurance for coverage, it is advisable for potential customers to research and review feedback from other policyholders to make informed decisions about their insurance provider.

Digital and Technological Features of Canal

Mobile App Features and Functionality

Canal Insurance Company recognizes the importance of digital accessibility and offers a mobile app for policyholders. While the article doesn’t delve into the specific features and functionality of the app, having a mobile app can enhance the customer experience by providing easy access to policy information, claims filing, and other insurance-related tasks.

Customers interested in utilizing the mobile app should explore its capabilities and how it aligns with their insurance needs.

Online Account Management Capabilities

The article does not provide detailed information about Canal Insurance Company’s online account management capabilities. However, many insurance companies offer online account portals that allow policyholders to manage their policies, view documents, make payments, and track claims online.

Customers interested in these features should inquire about Canal Insurance’s online account management options when obtaining a policy.

Digital Tools and Resources

While the article mentions Canal Insurance Company’s website, it doesn’t elaborate on specific digital tools and resources provided by the company. Many insurers offer online resources such as educational materials, safety tips, and policy documents that can assist policyholders in understanding their coverage better.

To take full advantage of these resources, policyholders should explore Canal Insurance’s website and see what digital tools and information are available to them.

What are the ratings and customer reviews?

Canal Insurance has a B+ rating with the Better Business Bureau (BBB), with a total of five complaints on file in the past three years. The lowered rating is explained as being due to failure to be transparent about ownership, location, or products/service offered. There is no further detail offered as an explanation of what the particular issue was with this company. The complaint volume is low.

The only customer reviews we could find were on Yelp, where there are four one-star reviews. These complaints focus on the failure to pay claims and unprofessional service.

We were unable to find much else in the way of information on Canal, which is reasonable considering this common type of insurance company. This is discouraging to potential customers, however, given that a company with longstanding roots has a history of reputation and service.

What’s the bottom line?

With some issues reported by the BBB and a website that simply wasn’t functioning right at the time of our visit we didn’t come away with a positive impression of Canal. Their complaint volume isn’t high, but the other issues do raise some concerns. Considering the importance of coverage for commercial trucking operations, customers may want to look elsewhere for an affordable rate and online quotes for a commercial policy.