I finally got a quote back (not from Merrick's guy) and here it is for those of you who were curious:
Liability and Physical Damage: $6390/yr; $1616.25 down and 9 pmts of $535.42.
Cargo: $2236/yr; $675 down and 9 pmts of $192.45.
That's a total of $8,626/yr.
BTW, Physical Damage was for a $30,000 tractor and $9,000 flatbed trailer.
The liability and PD were thru Progressive and comes with a 300 mile radius. That in itself is really not a big deal for me, though, as I am planning to stick with shorter runs. I live between Atlanta and Birmingham and there is tons of good flatbed freight in this area.
My brother-in-law stays within this radius by choice. He gets home a couple of nights a week and makes get money running less miles. Today, for instance, he emptied out in Duluth (northeast side of ATL). He deadheaded 38 miles to Mableton to pickup first thing in the morning, then will carry his load 141 miles to Albertville, AL for $400. Then he'll deadhead 43 miles to Cullman, AL to pickup another load that will pay $443 to go 136 miles to Jasper, TN. Neither load tarps so with some luck he will be in Jasper first thing Thurs to unload.
That figures $843 for 277 loaded miles, or $3.04/mi. With deadhead added in, it comes to $2.35/all miles (mileage from truckmiles.com).
Of course, the fly in the ointment with this strategy is if you get excessively delayed loading or unloading. So far, he's doing pretty well. It also helps that he has his grown daughter at home booking loads for him and handling all the paperwork.
But it would be nice, Merrick, to not be bound at all times by this 300 mile tether, so I will give your guy a call tomorrow. This agent today also said that as far as he knew, I would have to stay with Progressive until I have two years CDL experience. Does that sound right?
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But it would be nice, Merrick, to not be bound at all times by this 300 mile tether, so I will give your guy a call tomorrow. This agent today also said that as far as he knew, I would have to stay with Progressive until I have two years CDL experience. Does that sound right?
You can switch insurance anytime you want to if someone else will take you.
Some companies only ask how long you've had your CDL. So the 2 year clock has already started. Although, you never know when they might change the questions they ask.
Merrick, you're right, that guy rocks! He was much more knowledgeable and helpful. He is going to be able to beat the first quote by at least $600, maybe more, will know for sure Monday. He is also going to be able to get me a much lower down payment if I do an EFT agreement for payments.
Thanks for the help. BTW, check your private messages.