Frozen food and produce haulers face a distinct set of risks — refrigeration system failures, temperature excursions, spoilage, transit delays, and the resulting business interruption and liability exposures. Colonial General Insurance Agency, Inc. offers a focused Frozen Foods or Produce Insurance program designed for commercial truckers who transport perishable frozen goods such as fruits, vegetables, dairy and other temperature-sensitive food products.
Through Colonial General’s transportation and refrigerated-cargo expertise, agents and brokers get access to tailored cargo solutions that help protect their clients’ livelihoods and reduce exposure to costly loss events. The program is aimed at real-world refrigerated operations and balances flexible coverage options with underwriting discipline to keep accounts sustainable over the long term.
Ideal Accounts and Appetite
This program is intended for commercial trucking operations that regularly move frozen produce and other perishable food items in refrigerated trailers. Typical fits include:
- Independent refrigerated owner-operators and small fleets running scheduled frozen-food routes
- Regional or long-haul refrigerated carriers serving grocery chains, food distributors, wholesalers, or cold storage facilities
- Fleets with consistent temperature-control protocols and documented maintenance programs
Accounts with routine spoilage expectations due to perishability can be considered when the operator demonstrates strong equipment maintenance and loss-control practices. Colonial General will review exposures for route length, commodity mix, refrigeration equipment type (reefer units vs. multi-temp trailers), and loss history when evaluating appetite.
Coverage Highlights and Advantages
Colonial General offers flexible cargo solutions designed for refrigerated haulers:
- Unlimited radius available on mono-line cargo policies — suitable for long-haul operations
- Excess over primary cargo capacity — limits available up to $750,000
- Standard cargo limits up to $100,000, inclusive of refrigerator breakdown protection
- Refrigeration breakdown protection available (standard $2,500 deductible)
These coverages address common refrigerated exposures including temperature control failure, vehicle accidents that damage cargo, and delays that can lead to spoilage and financial loss.
Underwriting Notes and Minimum Premiums
Colonial General works with multiple admitted and excess & surplus markets to place refrigerated cargo risks. Submissions should include:
- Detailed description of hauling operations and typical routes
- List of commodities hauled and shipment values
- Refrigeration equipment details, maintenance schedules and service records
- Loss history and any preventive controls (GPS, temperature monitoring, trailer seals)
Underwriting flexibility is available for well-managed accounts that demonstrate strong controls and disciplined maintenance. Minimum premium requirements vary by carrier and risk profile — contact Colonial General for target minimums and specific underwriting guidelines.
Territories and Availability
This program has a regional focus and is available in the following states: Arizona, California, Colorado, Idaho, Nevada, New Mexico, Utah, and Wyoming. Colonial General combines regional market knowledge with access to broader excess capacity when needed.
Why Work With Colonial General
As a Managing General Agency and Excess & Surplus Lines Broker, Colonial General Insurance Agency, Inc. provides agents and brokers access to specialized underwriting for refrigerated cargo risks and markets that general carriers may not write. Colonial General’s strengths include:
- Dedicated transportation and refrigerated-cargo underwriting expertise
- Access to admitted and E&S placements to fit a range of account characteristics
- Responsive service and market placement support for complex or higher-limit accounts
Example fits: You might have an owner-operator running weekly frozen produce runs between states who needs reliable refrigerator breakdown protection and unlimited radius cargo coverage. Or you could place a small regional fleet that supplies grocery distribution centers and requires higher excess limits over their primary cargo policy.
Frequently Asked Questions
What types of accounts are a good fit for this Frozen Foods or Produce Insurance program?
Accounts that consistently haul frozen fruits, vegetables, dairy, or other perishable foods using refrigerated trailers are ideal. Both small fleets and owner-operators with regular routes are welcome.
Is refrigeration breakdown coverage included automatically?
Yes — refrigerator breakdown protection is included with cargo limits up to $100,000, subject to a $2,500 deductible.
Can this program handle long-haul trucking operations?
Yes. The program offers unlimited radius on mono-line cargo policies, making it suitable for long-haul and regional carriers.
What are the cargo limit options?
Standard cargo limits are available up to $100,000, with the option to provide excess over primary cargo coverage up to $750,000.
Which states is this program available in?
This program is currently available in AZ, CA, CO, ID, NV, NM, UT, and WY.
Need help placing an account? Connect with a market specialist.