In the trucking industry, the concept of “comprehensive coverage” in insurance terms is often misunderstood, although in everyday language it is associated with comprehensive protection; in reality, heavy equipment policies are for named perils , explained Marco Antonio Fernández Vargas , an insurance agent specializing in fleets and heavy equipment.
“If the risk isn’t explicitly stated in the policy, it’s simply not covered,” he noted. He explained that in the case of a fire resulting from an electrical failure, the claim wouldn’t apply unless specifically covered.
Fernández warned that, although some companies may offer commercial support in exceptional cases, coverage depends strictly on the contracted terms. Therefore, he recommended that companies carefully review the scope and exclusions of their policies , especially when managing large fleets.
Based on their experience, insurers evaluate two essential factors when defining premiums and conditions: claims history and preventive actions .
“Today, companies analyze what the customer has done to reduce accidents or thefts, and what they are doing to prevent them. Both aspects—reactive and preventive—are equally important,” he noted in an interview with T21.
Regarding road safety culture, Fernández acknowledged that a major challenge remains. “It’s very difficult to have a company with an organizational culture focused on road safety. It involves not only operators but also administrators, middle managers, and senior management.”
With offices in Mexico City and a new headquarters in Nuevo Laredo , he commented that his company is undergoing a process of internal strengthening.
“Today we are investing in a system that allows us to control the entire process, from issuance to claims follow-up, in addition to defining clear manuals and procedures,” he explained.
Beyond selling policies, he emphasized, the goal is to support clients at every stage. “We love participating in prevention and being part of the operation. I don’t sell policies; I participate in my clients’ operations ,” he stated.
Leadership, he emphasized, is based on empathy. “We must understand how much it costs to have a unit down or lose a good operator. Taking care of them and being there from the first minute after an accident makes all the difference.”
Transportation insurance today faces a double challenge: understanding the real limits of coverage and building a preventive culture that reduces accidents.
In an environment where every minute of downtime represents a loss, timely risk management becomes not only a contractual obligation, but a key strategy for fleet operational continuity.
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