BASICS
How does Miles per Canal work?
Miles per Canal is a pay-as-you drive program where Canal pulls your mileage data directly from your existing telematics device. After granting Canal access to your data, the miles driven will be reported electronically monthly to calculate auto liability insurance cost.
Am I eligible for Miles per Canal?
The basic criteria to qualify for Miles per Canal are as follows: any experienced trucking business with 1-15 trucks, drivers with at least 2 years CDL driving experience, truck models of 2000 or newer, all trucks must be company owned and operating in the U.S., customers must maintain active use of partnered telematics provider, and customers must allow Canal access to the data for the life of the policy.
Are all my coverages calculated on a per mile basis with Miles per Canal?
Only the auto liability coverage is charged on a per mile basis. All other coverages (such as physical damage, cargo, or truckers’ general liability) will have a fixed premium that is divided into equal installments. Your bill each month will include both the auto liability charge based on miles driven and the fixed premium for the other coverages.
What is a rate per mile?
A rate per mile is the premium charged per mile driven by each vehicle. Your rate per mile can be found in your policy packet on the form titled Liability and Physical Damage Monthly Reporting Schedule.
What factors impact my rate?
Like most insurance products and coverages, your policy’s characteristics determine the rate that is charged to the insured. This could potentially include factors like your driving history, the routes you drive, operation type, garage location, etc. Changes to your policy, such as adding a vehicle, can also impact the rate that is charged during the term.
How does Canal measure miles?
Canal uses data from your existing telematics device to measure your miles. Once granted access to your data, Canal will pull the miles you drive and calculate your monthly invoice.
What if I don’t drive my truck for a long period of time?
In cases where your truck is idle and your telematics devices is transmitting information, you will not be charged during those times. However, it is recommended to contact Customer Support at
800.452.6911 Ext. 8700 and give the representative an estimate of when you’ll be back on the road. It’s also a good practice to turn on your truck and run the engine of your vehicle for at least 5 minutes on the first and last day of each month to ensure information is transmitted.
How do I update my contact information (phone number, email address etc.)?
Contact Customer Support at
800.452.6911 Ext. 8700. It is very important that Canal has accurate contact information for your account.
What telematics providers can I use?
Miles per Canal customers can use their existing telematics device from eligible telematic providers enabled through Canal’s partnership with TruckerCloud, a third party integration platform.
CANALPAY
COLLATERAL
What is collateral?
Collateral is an agreed upon amount Canal collects to secure your policy. This amount is held in escrow by Canal to protect against financial exposure such as unpaid balances.
When is my collateral due?
The initial collateral will be due immediately and is considered past due 5 days after your bill is issued.
Is there collateral on policy changes?
Collateral will be generated on any policy changes that result in additional premium throughout the policy term. You will be billed on your next invoice. Additionally if a policy change results in less premium or a premium reduction, excess collateral will be returned to you.
Do I get my collateral back?
When your Canal policy expires or cancels, the balance of your collateral will be returned once all premium has been paid in full.
Does my collateral count towards my monthly installments?
The collateral does not count toward your monthly installments, but is held in escrow. No interest is paid on these funds.
PAYING MY BILL
How do I pay my bill to Canal Insurance?
Payments are made through the
Canal Pay Center. You need your policy number, zip code, and phone associated with your account to log into the portal. For further help, access the instructions on using the Canal Pay Center.
Where can I find my policy number?
You can find your policy number in the billing email you receive from Canal. The policy number also can be found on the cover letter of your policy.
What forms of payment do you accept?
We accept Visa, MasterCard, and checking account payments.
Can I set it up so my bill is paid automatically each month?
Yes, you can choose to have your bill paid automatically using the payment method of your choice. Select Enroll in AutoPay in the
Canal Pay Center. You also can view more detailed instructions on the Canal Pay Resource Station.
Can I make a payment over the phone?
Yes, through our automated payment center. Dial
888.504.1688 and follow the prompts.
Can I pay part of my bill?
The entire bill amount is due by the date listed in the
Canal Pay Center. You have the ability to pay a portion of your bill early as long as it is paid in full by the due date.
Can I use more than one method to pay my bill?
Yes, through the
Canal Pay Center, you have the ability to specify the payment amount for a payment method.
I haven’t received my bill. What do I do?
You can review account information by logging into the Canal Pay Center. You can also contact the Customer Billing Support Team at
888.504.1688
I am having trouble accessing the Canal Pay Center. What should I do?
How do I know if I paid my bill?
After each successful payment on the Canal Pay Center, you can choose to download or email a receipt. You can also review your payment history in the
Canal Pay Center.
I am having problems entering my payment information. What should I do?
UNDERSTANDING MY BILL
How is my bill calculated?
Your invoice is a total of all your policy coverages with Canal plus any taxes and/or fees. The auto liability is a pay-as-you-drive program, meaning this portion of your bill is calculated monthly based on:
miles you have driven this month X your rate = your auto liability premium
If applicable, cargo, physical damage and truckers general liability coverages are fixed installment premiums and will remain the same each month unless you have made a policy change that impacts those premiums.
Why do I owe different amounts each month?
(For example: My invoice this month was for $1,000, but last month it was $900. Why am I charged more money this month?) Canal TestDrive is a pay-as-you-drive program, meaning we charge you based on the total miles your truck is driven each month. This includes mileage when you are not pulling a load. Each month, your bill will vary based on how much you drove.
How much is my rate per mile?
The rate per mile can be found in your policy packet on the form titled Liability and Physical Damage Monthly Reporting Schedule.
What are scheduled estimated miles?
Estimated miles are an estimate of how many miles you will drive based on certain policy characteristics, such as location, type of unit driven and commodity hauled to name a few. When the Canal TestDrive telematics device is not plugged in and not transmitting your mileage, your premium is based on estimated mileage.
How much are my set coverages?
The total premium for these coverages can be found in your policy packet on the forms titled Premium Summary and Business Auto Declarations Page.
Is my data and payment information secure?
Yes, your data is secured. Canal’s Pay Center is powered by One Inc., a PCI compliant company specializing in processing insurance payments. Read more about security and compliance
here.
What are the fees on my bill?
Please refer to the
Schedule of Fees for a description of each fee associated with your bill. Please note that some fees do not apply in all states.
CLAIMS
How do I file an insurance claim?
Should I still file a claim with Canal if it’s not my fault?
Absolutely! When a loss occurs, the other party may admit fault at the scene but then change their version of events later. The sooner you bring Canal into the process, the quicker we will be able to investigate the claim. Often cases are defensible, especially when key information is gathered early. Don’t wait until after you receive legal documents to notify us of a claim; crucial evidence necessary to defend you may no longer be available.
How does the claims process work?
As soon as you report your claim, a First Notice of Loss is created and then assigned to a claims adjuster. The core function of the claims adjuster, whether they handle physical damage, liability or cargo claims, is to gather information as quickly as possible to make the best decisions based on the facts of the investigation. In addition to reporting the loss, you may be asked to assist in the process by giving a statement, sharing photographs, providing documents, or making your equipment available for inspection. Once the claims adjuster has completed their investigation, they will communicate their findings with all parties to the loss and proceed with the settlement of damages as applicable
