REFRIGERATED TRUCK INSURANCE CASE STUDY

Two Refrigerated Vehicles for a Multi-Site Hospitality Group, Insured Days Before Settlement After Three Declines

Settlement was days away and the vehicles were being collected that weekend. Three insurers declined on refrigerated goods. Three quoted, on two different valuation bases, more than $7,000 apart.

01

THE SITUATION

A multi-site hospitality group came to Tank Insurance with settlement on two refrigerated vehicles days away and collection planned for the weekend. The brief was clear: the client cared about what was covered, not the cheapest price, because vehicle downtime in a food business is the daily headache.

02

OUR APPROACH

  • Six insurers were approached for commercial motor on the two refrigerated vehicles, on a no-claims basis.
  • Three declined because of the refrigerated goods exposure.
  • Three quoted: approximately $10,600 and $12,700 on a market value basis, and approximately $18,500 on an agreed value basis of around $87,000.
  • The valuation basis was explained so the client could weigh a lower premium on market value against a fixed payout on agreed value.
03

THE CHALLENGES

Refrigerated vehicles carry a fridge unit that is both a high-value asset and a source of loss, and three of the six insurers approached declined the class here. The timing was the other constraint: a settlement in days leaves no room for a referral that sits with an underwriter for a week, so the submission went to every market at once.

04

THE OUTCOME

Both refrigerated vehicles were insured with Vero at a premium of approximately $10,600 a year on a market value basis, quoted on a no-claims basis, in place for settlement and collection.

Final Solution: Two refrigerated vehicles for a hospitality group at around $10,600 a year, bound before settlement after three declines.

This case records one historical outcome; current insurer appetite, premium, timing and terms depend on the complete risk at the time of application.

For the wider buying context, see our refrigerated truck insurance guide and the commercial motor insurance brokers page.

REFRIGERATED OPERATOR QUESTIONS

What this placement answers for other refrigerated transport operators

Why do insurers decline refrigerated vehicles?
The fridge unit and the perishable cargo change the loss profile. A breakdown can mean a spoiled load as well as a repair, and some commercial motor insurers exclude the class rather than rate it. Three of six declined here on refrigerated goods alone.
Agreed value or market value for a refrigerated truck?
Agreed value fixes the payout at a stated figure and costs more; market value pays what the vehicle is worth at the time of loss and costs less. In this placement the agreed value quote was around $18,500 against market value quotes of around $10,600 and $12,700 for the same two vehicles. Which is right depends on how quickly the vehicles depreciate and how much certainty the business wants.
How fast can refrigerated vehicles be insured before settlement?
With the vehicle details, values and driver information supplied at once, terms can come back in as little as 24 hours and are usually available within 48 to 72 hours. This placement went to six insurers at the same time because settlement was days away.

REFRIGERATED TRUCK INSURANCE

Put this placement in context

Case-study results are historical and are not a promise of current pricing, capacity or policy terms. This page is general information only and does not take account of your objectives, financial situation or needs.

Refrigerated Vehicles to Insure Before Settlement?

Send us the vehicle details, values and drivers. We put the risk to the commercial motor insurers that write refrigerated units at once, and explain the valuation basis before you choose.

Last updated: 06/09/2026

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