Vanliner Insurance Company was born out of an insurance "crisis" in the moving industry. In 1978, many movers found themselves facing wildly fluctuating premiums, indiscriminate policy cancellations, and coverage gaps among the various policies available from insurers who regarded the mover as "just another customer."
One major transportation company, United Van Lines, provided a solution for its agents and independent owner/operators by organizing its own insurance program, which was Vanliner's forerunner. The timing proved fortunate, with motor carrier deregulation in 1980 further destabilizing the trucking industry and drawing attention to the potential offered by Vanliner.
Over the years, Vanliner's business expanded steadily with United Van Lines agents as its customers. An affiliate of Vanliner, TransProtection Service Company, performed sales, underwriting and claims administration functions.
Encouraged by the success of its initial insurance operations, United took a bold step in 1986 to become "full-service" with the purchase of a domestic insurance company, changing its name to Vanliner Insurance Company. In January 1987, Vanliner began operations.
With state authorities expanded to blanket the country, Vanliner began to selectively write coverages for trucking companies and movers outside the United Van Lines network. Customers noted that they were particularly impressed by the fact that Vanliner had "grown up" in the moving industry and had no interest other than providing top-quality service to this specialized business segment.
Today, Vanliner Insurance Company is headquartered in suburban St. Louis, Missouri. It is a wholly owned subsidiary of UniGroup, Inc., a privately held corporation which is 100% owned by moving professionals. Many of Vanliner's most loyal customers are the same United Van Lines agents who needed insurance help more than a decade ago and, impressed with the competitive rates and prompt service, have chosen to keep their coverages with Vanliner.
These customers have been joined by a growing number of other quality movers who likewise recognize the advantages of being insured by a company which understands their business.