About United Shortline Insurance Services
Since the Staggers Rail Act of 1980 ushered in the short line railroad era, United Shortline Insurance Services, Inc. (USIS) has focused exclusively on the unique insurance needs of the short line railroad industry. With decades of experience and a national footprint, we help agents and brokers across the U.S. place specialized railroad liability coverage for their clients.
The short line railroad industry is dynamic and highly specialized, requiring insurance solutions that go beyond standard general liability coverage. Our Railroad General Liability program is designed specifically for short line railroads and related operations, offering comprehensive protection, expert claims handling, and risk control services to keep your clients’ operations safe, compliant, and profitable.
Ideal Accounts and Appetite
Our program is ideal for:
- Short line and regional railroads
- Railroad contractors working within 50 feet of track
- Businesses with construction or demolition operations near rail lines
- Properties with private grade crossings
Whether your client owns and operates a railroad or performs work adjacent to rail property, we can help structure tailored liability protection to meet contractual and operational needs.
Coverage Highlights and Advantages
- ISO-based Railroad Protective Liability coverage form
- Project-specific coverage available for short-term jobs or contracts
- Protection for private grade crossings on private property
- Automatic inclusion of Terrorism coverage
- Limits up to $5 million per occurrence / $10 million aggregate
Our policies are issued by an “A”-rated carrier with decades of experience in railroad-related risks. We also offer first-dollar claims management and emphasize fair, efficient resolution—always valuing policyholder input in the process.
Underwriting Notes and Minimum Premiums
Premiums are experience-rated—based on your client’s individual loss history, not pooled with others. This approach offers more stability and potentially lower rates for well-managed operations. Minimum premium requirements vary based on risk characteristics and project scope.
Territories and Availability
Our Railroad General Liability program is available in most states, including AL, AK, AZ, AR, CA, CO, CT, DE, FL, GA, HI, ID, IL, IN, IA, KS, KY, LA, ME, MD, MA, MI, MN, MS, MO, MT, NE, NV, NH, NJ, NM, NY, NC, ND, OH, OK, OR, PA, RI, SC, SD, TN, TX, UT, VT, VA, WA, DC, WV, WI, and WY.
Why Work With United Shortline Insurance Services?
At USIS, we understand that placing railroad business requires specialized knowledge, responsive service, and access to experienced partners. Our dedicated team of program associates focuses solely on the railroad segment, allowing us to deliver high-quality coverage and responsive claims handling customized to this niche.
Whether you're placing a railroad contractor with short-term project needs or a long-established short line operator, we help you meet railroad industry insurance requirements and fill gaps that standard general liability policies often miss.
United Shortline Insurance Services—constructing coverage to keep your business chugging along.
Frequently Asked Questions
What types of accounts are a good fit for this Railroad General Liability program?
This program is ideal for short line and regional railroads, contractors working near rail lines, and businesses with private grade crossings or railroad exposure on their property.
Is this coverage available nationwide?
The program is available in most states across the U.S., including high-demand rail states like TX, IL, PA, and CA.
What sets United Shortline Insurance Services apart in this niche?
USIS focuses exclusively on the short line railroad industry, offering tailored policies, experienced claims handling, and underwriting expertise specific to railroad exposures.
Can this program accommodate project-specific coverage needs?
Yes, we offer project-specific Railroad General Liability coverage for individual contracts or short-term operations near or on railroad property.
Are policies issued on an admitted basis?
Most coverage is available on an admitted basis in many states. Please inquire about specific state availability during the submission process.
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