# Canal Insurance Company > Specialty commercial trucking insurer using telematics and digital technology to serve the transportation industry\. ## At a glance | Field | Value | | --- | --- | | Type | Carrier | | Region | NA | | Headquarters | Greenville, South Carolina, USA | | Founded | 1939 | | Stage | Established | | Employees | 201-500 | ## Overview Canal Insurance Company is a specialty commercial lines insurer headquartered in Greenville, South Carolina, with a primary focus on commercial trucking and specialty transportation insurance. Founded in 1939 and acquired by William R. Timmons in December 1942 for USD 17,500, Canal has grown from a regional carrier into a nationally recognized specialty insurer serving the transportation industry for over 80 years. The company holds an A+ (Superior) financial strength rating from A.M. Best, reflecting strong underwriting discipline and consistent financial stability. Canal distributes its products exclusively through select professional general agents and wholesale brokers -- notably Amwins National Transportation Underwriters -- rather than through retail channels, enabling focused underwriting expertise in its transportation niche. In July 2024, Canal formed Canal Financial Group (CFG) as a holding company to enhance operational efficiency and foster continued innovation. The company has made significant technology investments in telematics-based underwriting, digital platforms, and AI-powered claims resolution, positioning itself as a technology-forward specialty carrier. ## Products & services ### Express Coverage Coverage programs for small trucking operations with 1-10 trucks, featuring streamlined underwriting for start-ups and smaller carriers. ### Fleet Insurance Comprehensive fleet programs for multi-vehicle transportation operators (11+ trucks) with tailored coverage solutions. ### Canal TestDrive Telematics-enabled underwriting program assessing driver behavior and safety metrics before binding coverage, enabling risk-based pricing for new insureds. ### Miles Per Canal Usage-based insurance program priced on actual mileage, rewarding low-mileage operators with favorable rates. ### DRIVEN Program Driver safety and risk management program focused on loss control and risk mitigation. ### CanalConnect Digital platform for agents and policyholders to manage policies, view documents, and access claims information online. ### Canal Pay Digital payment system integrated into the customer portal for convenient premium payments. ## Notable customers - Amwins National Transportation Underwriters \(primary wholesale distribution partner\) ## Links - Website: - Directory profile: - Linkedin: - Our story: - Our people: --- *Last updated: 2026\-05\-11*