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80–90% of Pest Control Claims Start Here | Ep. 261

📅 October 22, 2026 ⏱️ 33:10 🎤 Alan Draper, Joe Steiner

Chapters

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  • 0:00
    Commercial Auto Risks
    The episode opens discussing how commercial auto is the biggest pain point for pest control businesses, especially for new hires.
  • 1:45
    Liability & Protection Focus
    Host Alan Draper introduces the topic of liability and self-protection, an often-overlooked but crucial aspect for growing pest control companies.
  • 5:22
    Guest Introduction: Joe Steiner
    Alan introduces Joe Steiner, a partner at The Mahoney Group and a specialist in insurance and risk management for pest control companies.
  • 8:29
    Insurance Importance & Claims
    Joe explains that insurance is a necessity but its true impact is felt during a loss, stressing the importance of understanding policies before a severe claim.
  • 10:39
    Auto Insurance Mistakes & Hiring
    Joe details common commercial auto mistakes, emphasizing good hiring practices and the risks associated with young drivers.
  • 13:21
    Driver Training Resources
    Joe outlines available resources for driver training and how implementing risk strategies can lead to better insurance rates.
  • 15:39
    Dashcams: Yay or Nay?
    The discussion turns to internal and external dashcams, with Joe explaining their benefits in proving fault but also potential downsides with internal cameras.
  • 24:59
    Auto Claims Dominance
    Joe reveals that commercial auto accounts for 80-90% of total claims activity for pest control businesses, far surpassing other claim types.
  • 26:58
    Out-of-Pocket vs. Claims
    The episode delves into deciding whether to pay for minor damages out of pocket versus filing an insurance claim, considering deductibles and rate increases.
  • 32:40
    Shopping for Insurance
    The hosts and Joe discuss the intricacies of shopping for insurance and why a specialized agent is crucial due to limited market access and state-specific regulations.
  • 39:28
    Agent's Role in Underwriting
    Joe highlights the immense importance of an agent effectively telling a client's story to underwriters to secure the best rates and overcome declinations.
  • 43:46
    Truck Choice & Premiums
    The conversation shifts to whether the type of truck impacts auto insurance premiums significantly, concluding that driver liability is a much larger factor than vehicle cost.
  • 45:28
    At-Fault Accidents & Termination
    Joe advises on handling at-fault accidents, suggesting they be grounds for termination or involve penalties to ensure drivers take responsibility.
  • 51:17
    Why Mahoney Group?
    Joe provides an elevator pitch for The Mahoney Group, emphasizing their specialization, market access, and expertise in pest control insurance.

Speakers

A
Alan Draper
Host
J
Joe Steiner
Partner and Pest Control Practice Vertical Leader at The Mahoney Group

Key Takeaways

✦

Prioritize driver training and implement clear hiring practices to mitigate commercial auto risks, as inexperienced drivers (18-19 year olds) significantly increase liability.

✦

Invest in outward-facing dashcams to protect your company from fraudulent claims, as they can quickly resolve disputes and prevent unnecessary claim payouts.

✦

Understand the impact of filing claims on your loss history; for minor damages close to your deductible, consider paying out of pocket to avoid potential rate increases.

✦

Partner with an insurance agent who specializes in the pest control industry and can effectively communicate your company's risk management efforts to underwriters.

✦

Clearly define consequences for at-fault accidents in employee agreements, such as termination or requiring technicians to pay deductibles, to promote safe driving.

✦

Recognize that commercial auto insurance is likely your biggest liability, accounting for 80-90% of claims, making proactive risk management in this area paramount.

✦

Regularly review your insurance policies, especially the details of liability coverage, to avoid surprises during a severe loss or lawsuit.

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