Forge covers Commercial Auto with a nimble and friendly alternative to the big carrier algorithms on small business auto accounts. Providing competitive premiums for light and local operators, Forge excels at 3-9 unit accounts as well as larger fleets covering 12 industry groups. Their team stands ready to offer excellent service from quote through claim. Start earning a commission of 8% on New Business and Renewals. Watch the webinar recording below to see how you can leverage Forge for your clients.
Overview of Forge Insurance
Brian presented an overview of Forge, a DC-based insurance carrier founded in 1938, highlighting its stability and focus on small business commercial auto insurance. He emphasized Forge's unique value proposition, including direct employee handling of claims, a strong balance sheet, and personalized service from experienced underwriters and claims leaders. Brian also mentioned Forge's recent AM Best rating upgrade to A- and ongoing investments in technology, while noting that the company currently has limited distribution for its small business product.
Local Auto Insurance for Small Businesses
Dale explained Forge's focus on "light and local" commercial auto insurance, targeting small businesses like contractors, landscapers, and tradesmen within a 200-mile radius. He outlined the variety of business auto risks Forge insures, including artists, consultants, and religious services. Brian emphasized that while the average policy has just over 3 units, Forge can accommodate fleets of all sizes, from 1 to over 300 units. He described the FHIRE engine as the fastest way to get quotes for non-fleet accounts, with enhancements planned for 2025. Dale mentioned that renewals are processed 60 days before the renewal date and confirmed within 30 days. He also highlighted Forge's direct billing policy and lack of charges for third-party data and MVRs, as well as the 10% pay-in-full discount and available telematics and CDL discounts.
Telematics Discounts for Larger Fleets
Dale discussed the benefits of telematics discounts for larger fleets and emphasized Forge's focus on promoting safer driving cultures. He outlined the criteria for acceptable business classes, noting that for-hire trucking, high-hazard commodities, and vehicles exceeding 45,000 pounds GBW are not accommodated. Dale also mentioned that food delivery and last-mile DSP are not within Forge's scope, and he encouraged potential clients to consult with Forge if they have questions about their business class.
Approved Business Models and Insurance
Dale clarified that FedEx contractors, Amazon routes, NEMT paratransit services, and rental car fleets like Turo are prohibited, but he approved a business model involving the rental and installation of inflatables and party supplies. Becky confirmed that Forge Insurance does not cover rental car fleets. Brian discussed the company's history, financial strength, and reinsurance partners, emphasizing their expertise as a monoline commercial auto carrier.
Forge Service Agent Sign-Up Overview
The meeting focused on discussing Forge's services and how agents can sign up. Brian explained that Forge offers black car service and Uber Black, but has limited capacity for passenger transportation. He clarified that Forge does not distribute products through wholesale channels, working instead with independent agencies and network partners. McKenzie demonstrated how agents can request access to Forge through the portal, emphasizing that the process is straightforward and the webinar recording will be available in the resource portal.
Commercial Auto Insurance Coverage Discussion
Dale discussed insurance coverage for various vehicles, explaining that Forge writes policies for box trucks, pickups, and vans within their appetite range. He addressed questions about using vehicles for hire versus personal service, noting that commercial auto insurance is complex and depends on the specific use case. Dale also clarified that while insured design can work out of their home state, there are exceptions, particularly for states like New Jersey where regulatory environments are more challenging. Brian presented a map showing Forge's current operation in 19 states, primarily in the mid-Atlantic and Midwest regions, with some outliers in Oregon and Maine.
Quote Processing and State Expansion
Brian confirmed there are no plans to expand into new states in 2026, though some additions may occur in the long term. Dale explained the current turnaround time for quotes under 10 vehicles is less than a day, with quotes submitted in the afternoon being returned the next morning, and they aim to improve this to straight-through processing in the future. Dale also clarified that they accept various formats for larger accounts, including ACORDs, Excel sheets, and even carrier pigeons, though the latter method is suspended until the new year due to the holidays.
Commercial Auto Policy Acceptance Criteria
The FORGE team discussed acceptance criteria for commercial auto policies, explaining that matricula consular IDs and international driver's licenses would result in no-hit driving records and require alternative validation methods. Dale clarified that vehicles titled in individual names rather than business names are acceptable as long as there's an insurable interest, and Becky confirmed that spouse-owned vehicles for personal use should be on personal, not commercial, policies. McKenzie concluded the session by thanking attendees for their participation in the launch event, particularly close to the holidays.