Safety poster: The most frequent and severe insurance claims

Click the image above to download and print the poster.

The most frequent claims reported to ARA Insurance in 2022: 

Auto Liability Property Damage  

• Property Damage falls under liability coverage. Claims for Auto Liability/Property Damage is property damage caused to a third party — such as damages to the other vehicle(s), fences, buildings, etc.

Auto – Collision (First party damages) 

• Damages caused to your vehicle and physical damage caused in an accident. 

Inland Marine – Theft/burglary/robbery 

• Equipment stolen from a location or theft of services/conversion. 

Tips to avoiding an auto claim 

Drive defensively  

• Allow the appropriate amount of time to get to your destination. 
• Be aware of your surroundings and pay attention to road conditions. 
• Remove all unnecessary distractions — including cellphones. 

Know your load  

• The heavier your load means the longer it will take to stop. 
• Properly secure a load — never overload your vehicle. 
• Make sure your vision is not blocked or compromised. 

Take steps to be proactive  

• Maintain all vehicles in your fleet. 
• Have a written safety program in place — including a cellphone usage policy. Review the program with all drivers. A sample document is available through ARA Insurance. 
• Send a second employee on deliveries when available — they can assist in giving directions, answering calls and help direct the driver while they are backing. 
• Do not rely on a customer or bystander to direct you while backing if it can be avoided. 

Tips to avoiding a theft claim 

On premises theft  

• Secure the facility — fencing, alarm systems, camera surveillance and overnight lights can help deter potential thieves. 
• Ensure all keys are removed from equipment that is kept outdoors. 
• Chain lighter, easily stolen equipment to the building. 
• Utilize wheel locks on larger equipment. 
• If possible, install tracking devices on larger, more expensive pieces of equipment. 
• Register equipment with National Equipment Register (NER). 

During the rental process  

• Check the renter’s photo identification carefully and keep a record of the vehicle description and license plate number of their vehicle. 
• Make sure that the renter understands that they are responsible for the equipment while it is in their possession on rent. 
• Never drop equipment off at a site (unattended) and leave it there. Always deliver it to a person and have them sign off on the delivery. 

Source: ARA Insurance