Sentry commercial car insurance review November 2018
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Business policies that cover your company car or fleet and everything in between.
Sentry offers customized policies for nearly any industry in all 50 states through a network of local agents for company cars, fleets, trucks, cargo and other vehicles you rely on for daily operations. But you aren’t able to purchase a policy online, and Sentry doesn’t earn the most glowing customer reviews.
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Who is Sentry best for?
Sentry specializes in business auto insurance. Its policies range from those covering company cars or trucks, vehicles fleets, even dealerships.
If you’re looking to cover your personal vehicle, you might want to try Dairyland, a subsidiary offering personal protection.
Where is Sentry insurance available?
Sentry protects customers in all 50 states, but availability depends on your industry, your business’s location and the type of policy you’re interested in. Reach out to a local agent to explore whether your closest office offers car dealership, trucking, fleet or healthcare industry protection.
What car insurance coverage does Sentry offer?
Sentry offers a lineup of business auto insurance policies that cater to industry needs:
Trucking insurance. Covers individual trucks or fleets through a network of more than 70 specialized agencies.
Commercial auto insurance. Covers company vehicles you lease, rent or own for business use against accidents and other damage.
Dealership auto coverage. Flexible liability and physical damage coverage options for company vehicles and inventory.
Commercial auto liability. Protects your business if one of your employees or customers is liable for injuring or damaging the property of another person.
Motor carrier insurance. Covers your employees driving rented vehicles for company business and protects you against losses due to bodily injury or physical damage, loss-of-use expenses due to the theft of a company vehicle and the loss of personal items in a stolen company vehicle.
Motor truck cargo insurance. Covers cargo, losses due to mechanical reefer breakdown, debris removal and freight charges you’ve earned but can’t collect after a covered loss.
Physical damage insurance. Covers the costs of repairs, replacement or actual value for damaged vehicles, both on the road and in your lot.
Nontrucking liability insurance. Provides liability coverage when you or your employees are driving for purposes outside of business.
What industries does Sentry serve?
Sentry offers products that cater markets that include:
Car dealerships
Truck or trailer dealers
Retailers and distributors
Trucking
Automotive repair
Industrial equipment dealers
Manufacturing and processing
Construction
Real estate
Health care
Pros and cons of Sentry car insurance
Pros
Dedicated claims system. File claims 24/7 by phone or online with quality assistance.
One-on-one support. Policies are sold through a network of agents that strive for personalized services.
Financial stability. Sentry has earned an of A+ from AM Best for 25 consecutive years and counting.
Industry-specific products. Policies are designed to suit the needs of your industry, making for fewer gaps in coverage.
Cons
Limited availability. Sentry doesn’t transparently advertise the areas it services. Instead, you’ll need to speak to an agent to find out if coverage for your industry is available where you do business.
You can’t buy online. To purchase coverage, you must start with a local agent.
Costs are hard to nail down. Sentry doesn’t provide much information online regarding costs and features of its policy, making it hard to compare your options without speaking to an agent.
Multiple complaints. Many customers complain online about Sentry’s products and services.
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What do customers say about Sentry?
Sentry is not accredited with the Better Business Bureau, but it earns an A+ rating from the BBB based on factors like the company’s transparency and advertising practices.
As of August 2018, however, all 15 of its customer reviews on the BBB are negative, and more than 110 customers have filed claims against the company. Many customers say they’ve had issues with customer service, unfair claims payouts and delayed payments.
What is Sentry?
Headquartered in Stevens Point, Wisconsin, Sentry was founded in 1904 and has since grown to become one of the largest mutual insurance companies in the country.
Sentry specializes in business insurance for various industries, covering property and casualty coverage, life insurance, workers’ compensation insurance, commercial auto insurance and more.
How to apply
To apply for a policy with Sentry, you must call a local agent in its network.
Phone. Call 800-473-6879 to speak with customer service and connect with an agent.
Online. On Sentry Insurance’s website, click Find an agent and enter your ZIP code and your industry to view contact details from a local agent to discuss coverage and purchase a policy.
How to file a car insurance claim with Sentry
Start your claim through your online by logging in to your account, then follow the prompts to file your claim online. Or you can call 800-473-6879 to report a claim. Monitor the progress of your claim by phone or online.
What do I need to file a claim with Sentry?
Sentry requires the following information to file a claim:
Details of the incident, including the date and location.
Personal and contact information for all parties involved.
Insurance information for everyone involved, including the policy number and insurer.
Information for your business, including the name and phone number.
Whether you’re a Sentry customer or a third-party claimant.
Medical provider details, if anyone is injured.
Where can I find a Sentry office near me?
To speak to an agent about your claim in person, visit a regional claims offices in any of these locations.
Davenport, Iowa
Edwardsville, Illinois
Goldsboro, South Carolina
Irvine, California
Montgomery, Alabama
Richmond, Virginia
Salem, Oregon
Scottsdale, Arizona
Stevens Point, Wisconsin
Westford, Massachusetts
How to contact Sentry
Like many traditional insurers, Sentry offers flexible options to speak with a rep for help:
By phone. Call 800-473-6879 to speak with a customer service rep.
By agent. Find your local agent’s phone number or email online.
By email. Complete a secure online form to have a Sentry representative get in touch with you.
Does Sentry offer any other types of insurance?
Yes, though its products may be sold through a subsidiary.
401(k) and retirement plans
Personal life insurance
Business life insurance
Workers’ compensation
Commercial property insurance
Business owner insurance
General liability insurance
Personal auto insurance through Dairyland
Horticulture-related insurance through Hortica
Sentry auto insurance competitors
Sentry specializes in commercial insurance, with business auto insurance at the heart of its product lineups. But it’s not the only insurer offering business protection.
Nationwide. One of the largest personal providers in the country, Nationwide also offers commercial auto policies.
Farmers Insurance. Established in 1928 as a means to provide affordable auto insurance to farmers and ranchers, today Farmers sells a range of personal auto insurance policies alongside a lineup of commercial auto coverage options.
Progressive. Though this insurer is best known for its personal auto insurance offerings, Progressive Commercial sells policies designed for businesses.
Compare Sentry car insurance competitors
Bottom line
Sentry is an established business auto insurance provider offering a wide range of industry-specific policies nationwide with hands-on service. But availability varies depending on where you live and the industry you work in.
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Frequently asked questions about Sentry
Yes, it offers personal car insurance through its subsidiary Dairyland.
Sentry’s website is unclear about your savings options, though many insurers offer discounts. Call or visit your nearest agent to ask how you can save on your premium.
No, you must buy a policy through a local agent, who can help you find the coverage you need.
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