> ## Documentation Index
> Fetch the complete documentation index at: https://docs.coverwhale.com/llms.txt
> Use this file to discover all available pages before exploring further.

# Introduction

> Get started with the Cover Whale API for commercial trucking insurance

# Cover Whale API

The Cover Whale API provides programmatic access to commercial trucking insurance quoting, submission management, and policy binding. It is designed for insurance agents, brokers, and integration partners who need to embed Cover Whale's insurance products into their workflows.

## What You Can Do

<CardGroup cols={2}>
  <Card title="Get Indications & Quotes" icon="calculator">
    Submit DOT numbers and fleet details to receive preliminary pricing or binding-eligible quotes across 5 coverage lines.
  </Card>

  <Card title="Manage Submissions" icon="folder-open">
    Track submission status, update insured information, and add vehicles, drivers, and trailers.
  </Card>

  <Card title="Bind Policies" icon="file-contract">
    Convert quoted submissions into active policies with coverage selection, e-signature, and financing options.
  </Card>

  <Card title="Policy Lifecycle" icon="arrows-rotate">
    Create endorsements, process cancellations, reinstatements, non-renewals, and declines.
  </Card>
</CardGroup>

## Base URL

The API has separate production and test environments. See the [Base URL](/base-url) page for both URLs and guidance on switching between them. Curl examples throughout this documentation use the **test** environment so you can run them safely.

## Getting API Access

To start integrating with the Cover Whale API:

1. **Request credentials** — Contact [api-support@coverwhale.com](mailto:api-support@coverwhale.com) or your Cover Whale account representative
2. **Receive your credentials** — You'll get a username and password for API authentication
3. **Authenticate** — Exchange your credentials for an `AccessToken` via the [authentication endpoint](/api-reference/authentication/get-authentication-token)
4. **Start building** — Follow the [Quickstart](/quickstart) to make your first API call

<Note>
  API credentials are issued per integration partner. Each set of credentials is scoped to your agency and its submissions. Contact your Cover Whale representative to discuss your integration needs.
</Note>

## Authentication

The API uses token-based authentication. Include your `AccessToken` in the header of every request:

```bash theme={null}
curl -X GET https://api.coverwhale.dev/v1/submission/2172961 \
  -H "Accept: application/json" \
  -H "AccessToken: eyJraWQiOiJnRk5oTTh2RnRKWXVDVXU1S..."
```

<Warning>
  The header name is `AccessToken` — not `Authorization` and not `Bearer`. This is a custom header.
</Warning>

Tokens expire after **1 hour**. Use the refresh token to obtain a new access token without re-entering credentials. See the [Authentication guide](/authentication) for details.

## API Versioning

The current API version is **v1**. The version is included in the base URL path. Breaking changes will be introduced in new versions.

## Rate Limits

API requests are rate-limited to protect service stability. If you receive a `429 Too Many Requests` response, wait before retrying. Contact the API team if you need higher limits for your integration.

## Error Handling

The API uses standard HTTP status codes. See the [Error Handling guide](/error-handling) for details on error response formats and troubleshooting.

| Code          | Meaning                                                      |
| ------------- | ------------------------------------------------------------ |
| `200` / `201` | Success                                                      |
| `400`         | Bad request — check your request body                        |
| `401`         | Unauthorized — missing or invalid `AccessToken`              |
| `404`         | Resource not found or submission not in required status      |
| `422`         | Validation error — check the `errors` object in the response |
| `429`         | Rate limited — wait and retry                                |

## Support

For API access, credentials, or technical support:

* **Email**: [api-support@coverwhale.com](mailto:api-support@coverwhale.com)
* **Urgent issues**: Contact your Cover Whale account representative directly