Progressive Insurance Expands Protections for For-Hire Truckers with Cargo Plus Initiative

Progressive Insurance has announced a significant enhancement to its offerings for for-hire truckers by launching the Cargo Plus endorsement. This new endorsement is designed to broaden the scope of protection provided by Progressive’s existing motor truck cargo policy. Already operational in 42 states across the United States as of April 2025, Cargo Plus introduces additional coverage options that aim to address more specific risks faced by truckers, particularly those involving cargo preservation under various conditions.

Cargo Plus expands the fundamental motor truck cargo policy, which originally focused on protecting against legal liability for goods under a trucker’s care. Recognizing the evolving demands of the trucking industry, Progressive has incorporated coverage for damage due to wetness, rust, and corrosion. This is particularly critical for truckers transporting sensitive goods that are susceptible to environmental damage. Furthermore, for those with Refrigeration Breakdown coverage, Cargo Plus extends protection to include temperature fluctuations, a common concern for those handling perishable goods in refrigerated loads. This initiative is part of Progressive's commitment to providing comprehensive insurance solutions that cater to the nuanced needs of their trucking clientele.

Peter Niro, the truck product development manager at Progressive, emphasizes that the new endorsement is not only a response to client needs but also a strategic evolution of their product offerings. 'Our trucking customers rely on Progressive Commercial for a broad range of insurance solutions, competitive pricing, and excellent customer service. The new Cargo Plus endorsement allows us to better serve the coverage needs of our trucking customers,' Niro states. The endorsement reflects Progressive’s dedication to customer-centric service and is automatically included in new policies under the Motor Truck Cargo coverage. Existing customers with qualifying policies can benefit from these enhancements even before their policy renewal, ensuring uninterrupted and enhanced coverage.

The rollout of Cargo Plus across the United States is a phased one, with expectations to reach 49 states by May 21, 2025. Progressive aims for full national availability by the end of the year, subject to regulatory approvals. However, it's important to note that Refrigeration Breakdown coverage is currently unavailable in California and Florida due to state-specific regulations. Progressive’s expansion strategy underlines their proactive approach in adapting to the insurance needs of for-hire truckers. This aligns with their broader strategic objectives, as evidenced by their consistent growth, marked by a 22% increase in net premiums by the end of 2024. Through initiatives like Cargo Plus, Progressive continues to solidify its position as a leader in providing robust and adaptable insurance solutions.