I hit black ice and rolled my Silverado into a ditch. I was okay, and my Commercial Auto policy covered the truck. But the back window smashed, and $5,000 of tools were ejected into the mud and snow. Some were crushed, some were lost in the deep brush. My Auto adjuster said, “We cover the truck. We don’t cover the cargo.”
Key Takeaways
- Collision Covers the Vehicle Only: Standard Commercial Auto Collision coverage repairs the bent metal of the truck. It specifically excludes “Personal Property” inside.
- Transit Coverage: You need an Inland Marine policy with “Transit” coverage. This covers tools while they are being transported.
- “Secured” Requirement: Some transit policies deny claims if the tools weren’t “properly secured.” If they were loose on the dashboard, you might have a fight on your hands.
- Pollution Cleanup: If your tools (batteries/paint) spill and cause environmental damage in the ditch, you need “Pollutant Cleanup” coverage, or the EPA cleanup bill is on you.
The “Why” (The Trap): Two Different Policies
The trap is assuming “Full Coverage” on a truck means “Everything in the truck.”
It doesn’t.
- The Truck: Covered by Auto Insurance.
- The Tools: Covered by Inland Marine (Tool Floater).
If you don’t have the Tool Floater, the moment those tools fly out the window, they are uninsured debris.
The Investigation: “I Called Them”
I asked about coverage for ejected cargo.
1. Commercial Auto (Progressive)
- Scenario: Tools ejected during rollover.
- Result: Denied. They offered $1,000 for “Personal Effects” (like clothes/phone), but specifically excluded “Tools and Equipment used in business.”
2. Inland Marine (Travelers)
- Scenario: Tools damaged in vehicle collision.
- Result: Covered. This is a standard peril.
- Bonus: They also covered the labor to search the ditch for the missing items (“Debris Removal/Recovery”).
3. Cargo Insurance
- Scenario: Hauling goods for others.
- Result: Different policy. If you are a courier, you need Motor Truck Cargo. If they are your tools, you need Inland Marine.
Comparison Table: Rollover Coverage
| Item Damaged | Auto Policy (Collision) | Inland Marine (Tool Floater) |
| Truck Body | Covered | Not Covered |
| Ladder Rack (Bolted) | Covered | Not Covered |
| Tools Ejected | Denied | Covered |
| Tools Crushed Inside | Denied | Covered |
Step-by-Step Action Plan
- Check Your Tool Floater: Does it cover “Collision, Upset, or Overturn of conveying vehicle”? (Almost all do, but check).
- Secure Your Load: Insurance aside, secure tools to prevent them from killing you in a crash. A loose drill in a rollover is a missile.
- Document the Scene: If you crash, take photos of the scattered tools before the tow truck cleans up. You need to prove they were damaged in the crash, not stolen later.
- Review “Pollution” Limits: If you carry 5 gallons of paint or thinner, ensure your Auto policy has a “Broadened Pollution” endorsement.
FAQ
Q: My tools were in a trailer that rolled. Covered?
A: Same rule. Trailer body = Auto. Tools inside = Inland Marine.
Q: Does the “Locked Vehicle” warranty apply to crashes?
A: No. That warranty applies to theft. Crash damage is covered regardless of whether the door was locked.
[IMAGE: Graphic illustrating a rollover. Truck = “Auto Policy”. Flying Drill = “Inland Marine Policy”.]