Blog - Page 2 of 8 - Navigator Truck Insurance Agency

The Relationship Between Driver Retention and Crash Rates

Recent research suggests that there is a link between high levels of driver retention and lower crash rates. A study published by the National Surface Transportation Safety Center for Excellence (NSTSCE) entitled Examining the Relationship Between CMV Driver Retention and Safety took a unique approach to this topic. The study analyzes data from more than 12,000 drivers for single large carriers who were evaluated over a 3-year period. Previous research has proven that a relationship exists between retention and safety, but these studies have fallen short of comparing the relationship between drivers who voluntarily change jobs and the impact on safety with

Do young drivers bring more risk?

One debate that has been tossed around the industry for years is whether young drivers can safely operate trucks and how young drivers impact loss experience. Generally, it has been agreed upon that young drivers bring more risk. While there has been research linking risk and driver age, there hasn’t been much information on the relationship between age and experience. A recent study conducted by the NSCSTE examined how age and driving experience affect safety and risk for trucking companies. The study compared 9,000 drivers in 6 age groups and 8 driving experience categories. The findings suggest that experience might be the

Do you need garagekeepers coverage?

If you run a shop, do some towing, or allow other truckers to park on your premises, you may be held legally liable for a loss to a non-owned auto. A garagekeepers policy provides physical damage coverage for trucks, tractors, or trailers that you do not own but are in your possession for service or storage as part of your garage operations. Direct primary garagekeepers coverage will compensate the vehicle owner even if you are not responsible for the loss, such as in the case of weather-related damages. This type of coverage can protect your operation and preserve goodwill in

Is an individual doing work for me an independent contractor or employee?

Several tests can be used to determine whether an individual qualifies as an independent contractor or employee for the purposes of state and federal laws. Fundamentally, all of these tests seek to answer the question, does the company control how the work will be performed (suggesting an employer-employee relationship) or does the company deal only with the results of this work (suggesting an independent contractor relationship)? Five of the most common tests are: IRS Factor Control Test (or 20 Factor Test): used in regard to IRS withholding, Immigration Economic Reality Test: used in regard to Fair Labor Standards Act, Workers’

What is Workers’ Compensation?

Workers’ compensation is a state-regulated program, and is required of certain employers by law in most states. It covers wage-loss benefits, medical treatment, and rehabilitation for employees who suffer a work-related injury or illness. Workers’ compensation also includes employer liability coverage, meaning that employees who receive these workers’ compensation benefits cannot file suit against their employer in connection with the work-related injury or accident, with few exceptions. When an employee suffers a work-related injury or illness, the workers’ compensation policy covers the costs of the employee’s wages and medical care, and many workers’ compensation policies have programs which help to

Does a driver need to be tested for drugs and alcohol after an accident?

FMSCA regulations require alcohol and drug testing of drivers who are required to have a CDL. Alcohol tests must be taken two to eight hours after the accident occurred. Drug test must be taken within 32 hours of the accident. Unless there are extenuating circumstances, the driver must be available for testing, or it may be assumed that the driver has refused testing. A refusal is considered the same as a positive test. For more information on this and other insurance topics and coverage, please call our office.

The Navigator Blog