How do I generate a quote on the Cover Whale Platform?
last updated on 8/5/2026
Follow these step-by-step instructions to go through the entire quote-to-bind process with our self-service platform:
- Open Smart Quote and, if available, upload supporting documents (quote sheet, dec page, loss runs, vehicle list, driver list, etc). The system may pre-fill parts of the application automatically. Prefer to start from scratch? Select New Quote.
- New Quote takes you to the DOT Pre-Screen. Enter the applicant's DOT Number. The system will run a pre-screen and pull in key details automatically, including the policyholder's name, business address, and commodities hauled. Review the eligibility results right away — if an ineligible commodity is flagged and the insured no longer hauls it, you can proceed with the quote. However, before binding, double-check that the insured's SAFER/MOTUS profile is current and reflects their actual operations.
- On the Coverages page, select the coverages to quote (auto-liability needs at least one additional line) and enter the desired effective date.
- On the Insured page, verify any pre-filled fields from the DOT Number. Add in Doing Business As (DBA) and any Additional Insureds, if applicable.
- On the Producer page, select the agent quoting and ensure that the agent is licensed in the state quoted.
- On the Limits page, Enter the number of trucks and trailers to be quoted, along with their total values (cumulative), and select the desired coverage limits. Pick if a Waiver of Subrogation, or Primary and Non-Contributory for TGL or AL is needed.
- On the Operations page, we introduce the Drive Smart Program and telematics requirement for AL coverage. The insured has 10 days from the effective date to connect telematics on an AL policy, or the policy may move into pending cancellation.
- Answer the Federal/State Filings, Cancellations, Bankruptcies, and Description of Operations questions accurately. Then confirm the operation isn't on the ineligible list and press Next.
- On the Radius page, the system works to prefill from FMCSA using the DOT Number. Ensure the mileage and radius details are correct, and that the combined radius details equal 100%.
- On the Cargo page, choose the Motor Truck Cargo limit, list all Commodities hauled, and indicate whether Refrigerated Goods are involved.
- The garaging location is listed on the Terminals page. You can add any additional garaging locations here. If garaging spans multiple states, be ready to explain why for underwriting review.
- Verify Vehicle and Trailer details pulled from FMCSA, confirming class and body type are correct. Since this is a scheduled policy, make sure every owned and non-owned unit is listed, adding any that are missing.
- Add driver and owner information on the Driver page. This is self-reported for the quote, so the final price may change if anything is inaccurate. If you don’t have an MVR for your drivers, you can select the drivers who need one and purchase it through Samba Safety.
- On the Losses page, enter three years of loss runs.
- On the Fees page, add any applicable broker fees (noting any that should be returned in commissions, like ordering an MVR for the insured)
- On the Summary page, add any operations or driver notes that underwriting should see (i.e new venture, experienced drivers of 10+ years, etc)
- Under Review, review and agree to the Terms of Use and Privacy Policy, then click “Request Quote”.
- Once the quote is requested, confirm the status by the submission number shows New Business Quoted. Need to make a change? Click Revise Quote.
- To review the full quote, go to Files, locate CWIS Quote, and open the link — page 5 has the Pricing Breakdown by Coverage Line and Premium Finance details. This is direct financing, with the insured responsible for payment.
Requesting the Bind
- 1–5 vehicles: Select Request to Bind. This sends signature documents to the agent, and a separate email goes to the insured for signature and down payment. Once payment clears, the policy binds instantly and certificates can be accessed from the Cover Whale platform.
- 6+ vehicles (fleet accounts): Follow the same quoting steps, then upload supporting documents in the Files tab before requesting the bind. Visit "How do I get the fastest turnaround time on my fleet submission?" for the full document checklist.