Innovative Solutions FAQs

Canal TestDrive is a pay-as-you-drive program that features a telematics device provided by Samsara that Canal Insurance Company sends directly to you. After installing the device to your truck, the miles driven will be reported electronically on a monthly basis to calculate the insurance cost. Canal covers the entire cost of the device for as long as you’re in the Canal TestDrive program.

Only the auto liability coverage is charged on a per mile basis. All other coverages (such as physical damage, cargo, or truckers’ general liability) will have a fixed premium that is divided into equal installments. Your bill each month will include both the auto liability charge based on miles driven and the fixed premium for the other coverages.

A rate per mile is the premium charged per mile driven by each vehicle. Your rate per mile can be found in your policy packet on the form titled Liability and Physical Damage Monthly Reporting Schedule.

Like most insurance products and coverages, your policy’s characteristics determine the rate that is charged to the insured. This could potentially include factors like your driving history, the routes you drive, operation type, garage location, etc. Changes to your policy, such as adding a vehicle, can also impact the rate that is charged during the term.

Canal uses a telematics device plugged into and connected to your truck to measure your miles. After installing the device, the miles you drive are transmitted electronically and automatically to Canal. You can see the miles recorded by Canal on your monthly invoice.

In cases where your truck is idle and the device is transmitting information, you will not be charged during those times. However, it is recommended to contact Customer Support at 888.504.1688. and give the representative an estimate of when you’ll be back on the road. It’s also a good practice to turn on your truck and run the engine of your vehicle for at least 5 minutes on the first and last day of each month to ensure information is transmitted.

Contact Customer Support at 888.504.1688. It is very important that Canal has accurate contact information for your account.

You should expect to receive your device within 24-48 hours from the date of your initial Canal welcome email. Since your device is being delivered by UPS, delivery times may be affected by holidays and weekends. Please note devices cannot be sent to P.O. boxes, suites, or agents.

When you receive the device, it is very important for you to immediately do two things.
First, please plug in your device as soon as possible. Watch this 2 minute tutorial on how to properly install the device. If you have multiple units, please make sure you plug in the correct gateway to the corresponding truck.
Second, please read and return the signed user agreement (included in the package with your device). Please send a photo of the signed user agreement via text (877-770-3880) or email us at testdrive@canal-ins.com.

The agreement ensures you understand the Canal TestDrive program and how Canal will access and use data from the telematics device.

For detailed installation information, please view this 2 minute tutorial on how to properly install the device.

In your package, along with the user agreement and device, you should have received specific cables for your vehicle. With the engine off, locate the ECM diagnostic port. Generally, this ECM diagnostic port is located on the bottom left side of your vehicle’s steering column. You will then need to plug the male connector of the cable into the vehicle’s diagnostic port. Next, plug the Samsara gateway connector into the device. Now, you can turn on your vehicle. The indicator light on the device should blink to let you know that it’s connected. In order for the device to fully connect, you may need to let your vehicle run for a few minutes.

Yes. It is very important for you to plug in and install the device immediately upon receipt, even if you are still awaiting DOT paperwork, such as your license, plates, etc. This will ensure you are compliant with your Canal TestDrive policy and are charged for the actual miles you drive rather than estimated miles.

Yes, the device should be plugged into your unit and transmitting to Canal even if you are in the process of moving full time to your own authority. This will ensure you are compliant with your Canal TestDrive policy and are charged for the actual miles you drive rather than estimated miles.

View instructions for logging into the Driver app..

Please note that you will need to log into your Samsara Dashboard before logging into the Driver app. If you are having issues logging into the Samsara Driver app, it may be necessary to uninstall the app and then reinstall the app on your phone. If you are still unable to log in, please contact Canal TestDrive Customer Support at 877-770-3880.

Yes, this telematics device can be used as an ELD. Canal TestDrive customers have the option of using the device as an ELD for free for the entirety of their active policy period. You can stop or start using the device as an ELD at any time.

View the instructions for ELD usage.

No, using the device as an ELD is optional. You must keep the device plugged into your truck and transmitting to Canal for your Canal TestDrive policy, but you are not required to use it as an ELD and you will not receive additional savings from Canal if you use it as an ELD.

If you wish to use another ELD system, we have mailed you a cord with three connectors that will allow you to connect two devices to your truck at once. One end connects into your truck (at the ECM port where you would plug in your ELD). The second end plugs into the device Canal sent. The third end can be used to plug in any ELD of your choice or can be left empty if you choose to use the Canal device as your ELD. For more information, please view this 2 minute tutorial on how to properly install the device.

No, the device must be plugged in and transmitting at all times to accurately calculate your mileage.

You can go to your Samsara dashboard and click on your device to see the accurate odometer reading of your truck. If you do not see a reading, please contact Canal TestDrive Customer Support at 877-770-3880.

Canal has the ability to view your driving behaviors, but our primary use of the device is to obtain your odometer reading so that you will be billed correctly and accurately. For more information, please refer to your User Agreement.

Collateral is an agreed upon amount Canal collects to secure your policy. This amount is held in escrow by Canal to protect against financial exposure such as unpaid balances.

The initial collateral will be due immediately and is considered past due 5 days after your bill is issued.

Collateral will be generated on any policy changes that result in additional premium throughout the policy term. You will be billed on your next invoice. Additionally if a policy change results in less premium or a premium reduction, excess collateral will be returned to you.

When your Canal policy expires or cancels, the balance of your collateral will be returned once all premium has been paid in full.

The collateral does not count toward your monthly installments, but is held in escrow. No interest is paid on these funds.

Payments are made through the Canal Pay Center. You need your policy number, zip code, and phone associated with your account to log into the portal. For further help, access the instructions on using the Canal Pay Center.

You can find your policy number in the billing email you receive from Canal. The policy number also can be found on the cover letter of your policy.

We accept Visa, MasterCard, and checking account payments.

Yes, you can choose to have your bill paid automatically using the payment method of your choice. Select Enroll in AutoPay in the Canal Pay Center. You also can view more detailed instructions on the Canal Pay Resource Station.

Yes, through our automated payment center. Dial 888.504.1688 and follow the prompts.

The entire bill amount is due by the date listed in the Canal Pay Center. You have the ability to pay a portion of your bill early as long as it is paid in full by the due date.

Yes, through the Canal Pay Center, you have the ability to specify the payment amount for a payment method.

You can review account information by logging into the Canal Pay Center. You can also contact the Customer Billing Support Team at 888.504.1688

Contact the Customer Billing Support Team at 888.504.1688

After each successful payment on the Canal Pay Center, you can choose to download or email a receipt. You can also review your payment history in the Canal Pay Center.

Contact the Customer Billing Support Team at 888.504.1688

Your invoice is a total of all your policy coverages with Canal plus any taxes and/or fees. The auto liability is a pay-as-you-drive program, meaning this portion of your bill is calculated monthly based on:

miles you have driven this month X your rate = your auto liability premium

If applicable, cargo, physical damage and truckers general liability coverages are fixed installment premiums and will remain the same each month unless you have made a policy change that impacts those premiums.

(For example: My invoice this month was for $1,000, but last month it was $900. Why am I charged more money this month?) Canal TestDrive is a pay-as-you-drive program, meaning we charge you based on the total miles your truck is driven each month. This includes mileage when you are not pulling a load. Each month, your bill will vary based on how much you drove.

The rate per mile can be found in your policy packet on the form titled Liability and Physical Damage Monthly Reporting Schedule.

Estimated miles are an estimate of how many miles you will drive based on certain policy characteristics, such as location, type of unit driven and commodity hauled to name a few. When the Canal TestDrive telematics device is not plugged in and not transmitting your mileage, your premium is based on estimated mileage.

These coverages are other policy coverages that are not based on per mile rating such as physical damage, cargo and general liability and are on a traditional installment plan.

The total premium for these coverages can be found in your policy packet on the forms titled Premium Summary and Business Auto Declarations Page.

Yes, your data is secured. Canal’s Pay Center is powered by One Inc., a PCI compliant company specializing in processing insurance payments. Read more about security and compliance here.

Please refer to the Schedule of Fees for a description of each fee associated with your bill. Please note that some fees do not apply in all states.

You can find your policy coverages in your policy packet on the form titled Business Auto Declarations Page.

Policy changes are requested through your retail agent.

Certificates of Insurance are requested through your retail agent.

Call us at 888-247-4424 as soon as you are safely off of the road, and a Canal Service Representative will begin the claims process with you. You can also report a loss on our website.

Absolutely! When a loss occurs, the other party may admit fault at the scene but then change their version of events later. The sooner you bring Canal into the process, the quicker we will be able to investigate the claim. Often cases are defensible, especially when key information is gathered early. Don’t wait until after you receive legal documents to notify us of a claim; crucial evidence necessary to defend you may no longer be available.

As soon as you report your claim, a First Notice of Loss is created and then assigned to a claims adjuster. The core function of the claims adjuster, whether they handle physical damage, liability or cargo claims, is to gather information as quickly as possible to make the best decisions based on the facts of the investigation. In addition to reporting the loss, you may be asked to assist in the process by giving a statement, sharing photographs, providing documents, or making your equipment available for inspection. Once the claims adjuster has completed their investigation, they will communicate their findings with all parties to the loss and proceed with the settlement of damages as applicable.

Miles per Canal is a pay-as-you drive program where Canal pulls your mileage data directly from your existing telematics device. After granting Canal access to your data, the miles driven will be reported electronically monthly to calculate auto liability insurance cost.

The basic criteria to qualify for Miles per Canal are as follows: any experienced trucking business with 1-15 trucks, drivers with at least 2 years CDL driving experience, truck models of 2000 or newer, all trucks must be company owned and operating in the U.S., customers must maintain active use of partnered telematics provider, and customers must allow Canal access to the data for the life of the policy.

Only the auto liability coverage is charged on a per mile basis. All other coverages (such as physical damage, cargo, or truckers’ general liability) will have a fixed premium that is divided into equal installments. Your bill each month will include both the auto liability charge based on miles driven and the fixed premium for the other coverages.

A rate per mile is the premium charged per mile driven by each vehicle. Your rate per mile can be found in your policy packet on the form titled Liability and Physical Damage Monthly Reporting Schedule.

Like most insurance products and coverages, your policy’s characteristics determine the rate that is charged to the insured. This could potentially include factors like your driving history, the routes you drive, operation type, garage location, etc. Changes to your policy, such as adding a vehicle, can also impact the rate that is charged during the term.

Canal uses data from your existing telematics device to measure your miles. Once granted access to your data, Canal will pull the miles you drive and calculate your monthly invoice.

In cases where your truck is idle and your telematics devices is transmitting information, you will not be charged during those times. However, it is recommended to contact Customer Support at 800.452.6911 Ext. 8700 and give the representative an estimate of when you’ll be back on the road. It’s also a good practice to turn on your truck and run the engine of your vehicle for at least 5 minutes on the first and last day of each month to ensure information is transmitted.

Contact Customer Support at 800.452.6911 Ext. 8700. It is very important that Canal has accurate contact information for your account.

Miles per Canal customers can use their existing telematics device from eligible telematic providers enabled through Canal’s partnership with TruckerCloud, a third party integration platform.

After signing your policy documents, the Miles per Canal team will send your telematics account admin an authorization email where they will grant Canal permission to access your telematics data for the life of the policy.

No! Canal will automatically receive your miles and calculate your liability premiums.

Collateral is an agreed upon amount Canal collects to secure your policy. This amount is held in escrow by Canal to protect against financial exposure such as unpaid balances.

The initial collateral will be due immediately and is considered past due 5 days after your bill is issued.

Collateral will be generated on any policy changes that result in additional premium throughout the policy term. You will be billed on your next invoice. Additionally if a policy change results in less premium or a premium reduction, excess collateral will be returned to you.

When your Canal policy expires or cancels, the balance of your collateral will be returned once all premium has been paid in full.

The collateral does not count toward your monthly installments, but is held in escrow. No interest is paid on these funds.

Payments are made through the Canal Pay Center. You need your policy number, zip code, and phone associated with your account to log into the portal. For further help, access the instructions on using the Canal Pay Center.

You can find your policy number in the billing email you receive from Canal. The policy number also can be found on the cover letter of your policy.

We accept Visa, MasterCard, and checking account payments.

Yes, you can choose to have your bill paid automatically using the payment method of your choice. Select Enroll in AutoPay in the Canal Pay Center. You also can view more detailed instructions on the Canal Pay Resource Station.

Yes, through our automated payment center. Dial 800.452.6911 Ext. 8700 and follow the prompts.

The entire bill amount is due by the date listed in the Canal Pay Center. You have the ability to pay a portion of your bill early as long as it is paid in full by the due date.

Yes, through the Canal Pay Center, you have the ability to specify the payment amount for a payment method.

You can review account information by logging into the Canal Pay Center. You can also contact the Customer Support Team at 800.452.6911 Ext. 8700

Contact the Customer Support Team at 800.452.6911 Ext. 8700

After each successful payment on the Canal Pay Center, you can choose to download or email a receipt. You can also review your payment history in the Canal Pay Center.

Contact the Customer Support Team at 800.452.6911 Ext. 8700

Your invoice is a total of all your policy coverages with Canal plus any taxes and/or fees. The auto liability is a pay-as-you-drive program, meaning this portion of your bill is calculated monthly based on:

miles driven x your rate = auto liability premium

If applicable, cargo, physical damage and truckers general liability coverages are fixed installment premiums and will remain the same each month unless you have made a policy change that impacts those premiums.

(For example: My invoice this month was for $1,000, but last month it was $900. Why am I charged more money this month?) Miles per Canal is a pay-as-you-drive program, meaning we charge you based on the total miles your truck is driven each month. This includes mileage when you are not pulling a load. Each month, your bill will vary based on how much you drove.

The rate per mile can be found in your policy packet on the form titled Liability and Physical Damage Monthly Reporting Schedule.

These coverages are other policy coverages that are not based on per mile rating such as physical damage, cargo and general liability and are on a traditional installment plan.

The total premium for these coverages can be found in your policy packet on the forms titled Premium Summary and Business Auto Declarations Page.

Yes, your data is secured. Canal’s Pay Center is powered by One Inc., a PCI compliant company specializing in processing insurance payments. Read more about security and compliance here.

Please refer to the Schedule of Fees for a description of each fee associated with your bill. Please note that some fees do not apply in all states.

You can find your policy coverages in your policy packet on the form titled Business Auto Declarations Page.

Policy changes are requested through your retail agent.

Certificates of Insurance are requested through your retail agent.

Call us at 800.452.6911 Ext. 8700 as soon as you are safely off of the road, and a Canal Service Representative will begin the claims process with you. You can also report a loss on our website.

Absolutely! When a loss occurs, the other party may admit fault at the scene but then change their version of events later. The sooner you bring Canal into the process, the quicker we will be able to investigate the claim. Often cases are defensible, especially when key information is gathered early. Don’t wait until after you receive legal documents to notify us of a claim; crucial evidence necessary to defend you may no longer be available.

As soon as you report your claim, a First Notice of Loss is created and then assigned to a claims adjuster. The core function of the claims adjuster, whether they handle physical damage, liability or cargo claims, is to gather information as quickly as possible to make the best decisions based on the facts of the investigation. In addition to reporting the loss, you may be asked to assist in the process by giving a statement, sharing photographs, providing documents, or making your equipment available for inspection. Once the claims adjuster has completed their investigation, they will communicate their findings with all parties to the loss and proceed with the settlement of damages as applicable.