Observed Reality
A backhoe tips during transport and the loss falls under inland marine terms, not the auto policy the team expected.
Why That Happens
Mobile equipment exposures include rollover, loading damage, and third-party injury. Theft is only one slice of the loss profile.
Why It Stops Working
Assuming auto or property coverage will pick up every loss leads to gaps, especially during transit or offsite staging.
Tradeoffs
Lower deductibles reduce shock losses but raise premium. Higher limits and broader terms cover more scenarios at a cost.
Price Levers
- Risk signals: transport frequency, operator training, and loss history.
- Coverage structure: inland marine terms, scheduled equipment values, and deductibles.
- Market timing and carrier fit: appetite for heavy equipment classes and usage.
Deeper context
For broader jobsite context, see Construction Claims: Active vs Completed Operations, in Plain English.
Decision Rule
If equipment losses involve rollover or transit, review inland marine terms; if not, raise deductibles.
Minnesota note: claim patterns and contractor timelines vary by county, so Twin Cities experience isn’t always a perfect proxy for outstate Minnesota.