Northland Insurance Review 2026
Practical Trucking Coverage Built on Midwest Values
Competitive rates with straightforward coverage for working truckers
Our Verdict
Northland Insurance Company, operating as a division of Travelers, brings the financial muscle of a major insurer to the trucking market while maintaining a practical approach to coverage.[^1] Founded in 1948 in St. Paul, Minnesota, Northland has built a solid reputation for providing straightforward trucking insurance at competitive rates. The company holds an A++ (Superior) rating from AM Best.[^2]
Pros & Cons
- Competitive rates for standard trucking operations
- Strong financial backing through Travelers
- Efficient policy processing and service
- Good option for local and regional haulers
- Less specialized than trucking-only insurers
- Limited appetite for specialized or high-risk operations
- Customer service can vary by region
Pricing Plans
Primary Liability
- $750K to $1M coverage
- FMCSA filing services
- Competitive fleet rates
Physical Damage
- Actual cash value coverage
- Comprehensive and collision
- Deductibles from $1,000+
Motor Truck Cargo
- Standard cargo coverage
- Loading/unloading included
- Common commodity coverage
Key Features
Full Review
Coverage Options
Northland offers core trucking coverages designed for standard operations:
Primary Liability Insurance: Coverage meeting FMCSA requirements from $750,000 to $1 million or higher.[^5][^6] Northland handles necessary federal filings and offers broad form coverage options.
Physical Damage Coverage: Actual cash value protection for tractors and trailers with comprehensive and collision options. Deductibles typically start at $1,000 with options for higher deductibles to reduce premiums.
Motor Truck Cargo Insurance: Standard cargo coverage suitable for common commodities with typical limits up to $100,000. Loading and unloading coverage is included in standard policies.
Non-Trucking Liability: Bobtail coverage available for owner-operators leased to motor carriers.
General Liability: Business liability coverage beyond auto operations.
Workers' Compensation: Available for trucking companies with employee drivers (availability varies by state).
Claims Process
Northland's claims operation benefits from the Travelers infrastructure, providing established processes and nationwide adjuster networks. Claims are handled professionally with reasonable response times.
Standard claims experience includes:
- 24/7 claims reporting capability
- Established adjuster networks
- Reasonable processing times
- Access to repair facility programs
While Northland's claims service is solid, it may lack the trucking-specific expertise found at carriers focused exclusively on the industry. Complex trucking claims may require more explanation than with specialist insurers.
Customer Service
Service quality with Northland can vary depending on your geographic region and specific agency relationship. The company provides standard policy services efficiently, with certificates and endorsements processed in reasonable timeframes.
For straightforward trucking operations, Northland's service model works well. Operators with complex needs or unusual situations may find better support from trucking specialists who understand industry nuances more deeply.
The Travelers backing ensures financial resources for customer service infrastructure, though the trucking division does not always receive the specialized attention that trucking-only insurers provide.
Additional Benefits
Financial Strength: As part of Travelers, Northland benefits from one of the largest property and casualty insurers in the United States.[^1] With an A++ (Superior) AM Best rating and a Financial Size Category of XV (over $2 billion), claims-paying ability is not a concern.[^2]
Multi-Line Capabilities: For trucking companies needing general liability, workers' compensation, and commercial auto through one carrier, Northland can often accommodate the full package.
Fleet Programs: Competitive pricing structures for small to medium fleets with standard risk profiles.
Online Services: Policy management tools for certificates and basic policy services.
Regional Expertise: Particularly strong in the Upper Midwest where they have deep market presence and agent relationships.
Final Verdict
Northland Insurance represents a solid, practical choice for trucking operations seeking competitive rates without requiring the specialized expertise of trucking-focused insurers. Backed by Travelers' financial strength, policyholders can trust that claims will be paid.
The ideal Northland customer operates a straightforward trucking business, hauling standard commodities locally or regionally, with experienced drivers and good equipment. If that describes your operation, Northland's competitive pricing makes them worth considering.
However, if you run a specialized operation, haul unusual commodities, or simply prefer working with people who live and breathe trucking, you may find better fits with trucking-dedicated insurers like Great West Casualty. Northland is a solid generalist in a field where specialists often provide meaningful advantages.
For operators prioritizing budget over specialized service, Northland delivers reliable coverage at competitive rates.
Rating: 4.0/5 - A practical, competitively-priced option for standard trucking operations, backed by strong financials but lacking the specialized trucking expertise of dedicated carriers.
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Competitive rates with straightforward coverage for working truckers
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