Comprehensive Pilot Car Insurance Solutions from Continental Risk / Continental Marine Insurance Services
Continental Risk / Continental Marine Insurance Services places a focused Pilot Car Insurance program for agents needing specialty liability protection for pilot/escort vehicle operators. Built for independent operators and multi-vehicle crews that support oversize and wide-load movements, the program fills gaps that standard auto policies typically leave exposed—especially for on-site incidents and professional services like flagging or height pole surveys.
Ideal Accounts and Appetite
This program is designed for licensed pilot car operators and escort vehicle services. Typical accounts we consider include:
- Independent pilot car operators working regionally or across multiple states
- Escort vehicle fleets that provide flagging, traffic control, or route profiling
- Operators who perform height pole surveys or other load-verification services
We can consider specialized operations subject to underwriting review. Accounts should be professionally managed, compliant with applicable escort vehicle regulations, and able to provide operational details and loss history on submission.
Coverage Highlights and Advantages
The program combines two complementary liability lines to create a broader liability solution for pilot car risks:
- Commercial General Liability (CGL): Protects against third-party bodily injury and property damage that occur outside of automobile use. Typical limits available are $1,000,000 per occurrence and $2,000,000 aggregate to help defend against premises or jobsite exposures and non-auto third-party claims.
- Professional Liability: Covers errors and omissions tied to professional services—such as flagging decisions, height pole measurements, and route surveys—that are often excluded from CGL policies.
When placed together, these coverages address both general liability incidents and the professional exposure unique to pilot car operations.
Underwriting Notes and Minimum Premiums
As an Excess & Surplus (E&S) lines broker, Continental Risk / Continental Marine Insurance Services works with a network of non-admitted carriers to underwrite unique or higher-risk pilot car accounts. Underwriting evaluates factors such as years in business, driver experience, regulatory compliance, scope of services (e.g., flagging, height pole), and loss history.
Minimum premiums vary by operation, territory, and overall risk profile. Submissions should include a completed application, description of operations, vehicle counts, driver qualifications, and recent loss runs to expedite review.
Territories and Availability
The program is available in the following states: AL, AZ, AR, CA, CT, DE, FL, GA, ID, KY, LA, MD, MA, MO, NV, NJ, NC, OH, OR, TN, TX, and VT. Because coverage is placed through E&S markets, terms and availability may differ from admitted programs and are not subject to state-filed rates.
Why Work With Continental Risk / Continental Marine Insurance Services?
Continental Risk / Continental Marine Insurance Services specializes in niche transportation-related risks and offers agents direct access to E&S capacity and underwriting expertise. We provide responsive placement, flexible terms for non-standard operations, and underwriting teams familiar with the operational nuances of pilot car and escort services.
Example placements:
- A sole-proprietor pilot car operator who performs state-to-state escort work and needs combined CGL and professional liability to cover height pole surveys.
- A small escort vehicle fleet that provides flagging and on-site traffic control for oversized loads and seeks limits above what a standard auto policy will provide.
Frequently Asked Questions
What types of accounts are a good fit for this program?
Ideal accounts include licensed pilot car operators, escort vehicle drivers, and independent professionals who support oversized load transportation, including flagging and height pole surveys.
Does the program provide professional liability coverage for flagging and height pole work?
Yes. The professional liability portion can cover exposures related to flagging, height pole usage, and route surveys, subject to underwriting qualifications.
Which states is this program available in?
The program is currently available in AL, AZ, AR, CA, CT, DE, FL, GA, ID, KY, LA, MD, MA, MO, NV, NJ, NC, OH, OR, TN, TX, and VT.
Is this an admitted insurance program?
No. This is a non-admitted program placed through various E&S markets, which allows greater flexibility in underwriting and coverage design.
What information is needed to obtain a quote?
Provide a completed application, description of operations, years in business, driver and vehicle details, and recent loss history. Include specifics about services performed (e.g., flagging, height pole use) to speed underwriting.
Need help placing an account? Connect with a market specialist.