Overview — Cochrane & Company Specialty Auto Insurance
This program is offered by Cochrane & Company through multiple carriers and is positioned to serve agents who need admitted and excess & surplus solutions for specialty commercial auto risks. As a Managing General Agency and Excess & Surplus lines broker, Cochrane provides underwriting access, flexible reporting options, and tailored terms for niche local fleets and specialty operations.
Ideal accounts and appetite
Agents should consider this program for local businesses that operate their own not-for-hire vehicles. Typical clients include local delivery fleets, contractors with work trucks, ready-mix operators, and service businesses that operate within a regional footprint. The program favors operations with disciplined driver selection, good maintenance programs, and stable loss histories.
Example scenarios:
- You have a regional catering company with 10 refrigerated vans that deliver to events within a 200-mile radius — eligible for liability and physical damage coverage.
- A concrete supplier runs mixers and concrete pumpers locally and needs limits above standard commercial auto offerings — this program can provide higher liability limits and cargo options.
Coverage highlights and advantages
- Higher liability limits (up to $5M) for operations with elevated exposure.
- Broad coverages including UM/UIM, PIP/Med pay, and comprehensive/ collision where appropriate.
- Motor truck cargo / inland marine options for legal-liability exposure on local hauls.
- Flexible reporting basis (mileage, gross receipts, per vehicle, or total insured value) to match how your insureds operate.
- Multi-line discounts available when you place additional business through the same carrier relationships.
Underwriting notes and minimum premiums
Underwriters require complete VINs for power units, a full drivers’ list with acceptable MVRs, and loss runs for the current and prior three years. The program does not generally accept risks that allow nonemployee passengers, student drivers, or operations hauling hazardous or regulated waste. Minimum premium: Varies by state, exposure and carrier.
Reporting capabilities
Cochrane offers real-time, flexible reporting options to fit your clients’ operations. Available line/coverage reporting bases include:
- Commercial Auto — Liability (including PIP, UM/UIM, Med pay), Physical Damage, Hired Auto, Trailer Interchange
- Inland Marine — Motor Truck Cargo (Legal Liability Reporting Form)
- Reporting basis options — Mileage, Gross Receipts, Per Vehicle, Total Insured Value
Territories and availability
States available: AK, AZ, CA, CO, ID, MT, NV, NM, ND, OR, SD, UT, WA, WY. Admitted status: Most Available Markets. Carriers: Multiple Carries. Cochrane places business across admitted and non-admitted markets as appropriate for the risk.
Why work with Cochrane & Company on Specialty Auto
- Program-level underwriting expertise for specialty, regional fleets and unique not-for-hire operations.
- Access to multiple carriers and flexible reporting structures to match book-of-business needs.
- Hands-on submission guidance — the underwriting checklist above helps speed placement and reduce follow-ups.
Contact Cochrane & Company today to place Specialty Auto Insurance risks through this program.
Frequently Asked Questions
What types of accounts are a good fit for this Specialty Auto program?
Accounts that operate not-for-hire vehicles within a roughly 300-mile radius and have stable driver programs are a good fit — examples include local delivery fleets, contractors, ready-mix operators, and service businesses with owned work vehicles.
What underwriting information does Cochrane require with a submission?
Provide loss runs for the current and prior three years, complete VINs for all power units, and a full drivers’ list with acceptable MVRs. Clear documentation of vehicle use and mileage or receipts helps select the correct reporting basis.
Are motor truck cargo and inland marine coverages available?
Yes. Motor truck cargo (legal liability) options are available through the program and can be reported using mileage, gross receipts, per vehicle, or total insured value—depending on the exposure.
Need help placing an account? Connect with a market specialist.