What Type Of Insurance Do I Need For Trucking?

May 31, 2022

The truck driver is the most important person on a freight delivery, and they need to be protected from many types of risks that can happen during their workday.

The best way to protect your drivers is by having them insured with an insurance company that specializes in trucking insurance.

What Type Of Insurance Do I Need For Trucking?

If you are looking for truck insurance quotes, there are several things you should know before getting started.

Truckers have special needs when it comes to insuring their vehicles because of the nature of their job. They must insure their trucks against all sorts of risks, including:

Liability coverage – This protects the owner or operator of the vehicle if someone gets hurt while using the truck. It also covers damage caused by the truck itself.

Physical Damage Coverage (PDC) – This helps cover the cost of repairs after a collision.

Cargo Coverage – This protects the cargo being transported by the truck.

Medical Payments Coverage – This pays medical bills for people who get injured in accidents involving the truck.

Property Damage Coverage (PPC) – This helps pay for damages to other property that occurs as a result of the truck driving into something.

Workers’ Compensation Coverage – This provides benefits to employees who are injured at work.

How To Find The Right Insurance For Trucking

Insurance companies do not like to write policies for trucking companies because of the high risk involved. In fact, some states require trucking companies to carry liability insurance.

However, this does not mean that trucking companies cannot save money by choosing a cheaper policy.

There are several ways to lower the costs associated with trucking insurance without compromising quality. Here are three tips to help you find the right insurance for trucking:

1. Get multiple quotes. You may think that only one quote will suffice, but that is often not true. Getting more than one quote allows you to compare prices and see which company offers the best deal.

2. Shop around. Not every insurance company works the same way. Some offer better rates through discounts or incentives. Make sure you shop around to find out what options are available to you.

3. Ask about discounts. Many insurance providers offer discounts for certain types of customers. These include those who drive less than 10,000 miles per year, those who have good safety records, and others. Check with your current provider to see if any discounts apply to you.

How Much Does Truck Insurance Cost?

There are two main factors that determine how much truck insurance will cost. First, the type of insurance you choose determines the price.

Second, where you live affects the cost. If you live in a state that requires liability insurance, then you will likely pay higher premiums.

On the other hand, if you live in a state with low requirements, you could end up paying far less.

Types Of Commercial Trucking Insurance 

Commercial trucking insurance can be broken down into four categories:

Collision & Comprehensive – This includes both physical damage and liability coverage.

Deductible – A deductible is an amount of money that drivers must pay before their insurance kicks in. The higher the deductible, the lower the premium.

Excess/Co-insurance – This refers to the percentage of the total loss that the driver must pay before his insurance starts covering the rest.

Liability – This covers bodily injury and property damage claims against the driver.

What Types Of Trucks Are Insured By Commercial Auto Insurance?

Trucks come in many sizes and shapes. They also vary greatly in terms of weight capacity, horsepower, and fuel efficiency. All these differences make it difficult to generalize about commercial auto insurance.

However, there are some common features that all trucks share. Below are some examples of the most common types of trucks insured by commercial auto insurance:

Pickup trucks – These are large, boxy vehicles built to haul cargo. They typically weigh between 3,500 and 6,000 pounds.

Flatbeds – These are used to transport goods on flat surfaces, such as roads and highways. They usually range from 7,500 to 12,000 pounds.

Cargo vans – These are smaller versions of pickup trucks. They are designed to hold larger loads of cargo. They typically weigh 5,000 to 8,000 pounds.

What Is Covered Under Commercial Auto Insurance?

The following items are covered under commercial auto insurance:

1. Physical Damage

This covers damages done to the vehicle itself. Examples of this would be dents, scratches, and rust.

2. Property Loss

This covers losses caused to personal belongings inside the vehicle. Examples of this would include damaged seats, windows, and electronics.

3. Personal Injury

This covers injuries suffered by passengers while riding in the vehicle. It does not cover injuries sustained outside the vehicle.

4. Medical Payments

This covers medical expenses incurred by people injured in accidents involving your vehicle.

5. Uninsured Motorist Coverage

This protects you if someone else’s negligence causes an accident.

6. Bodily Injury Liability

This protects you if you cause bodily injury or death to another person.

7. Automobile Theft

This protects you if your vehicle is stolen.

8. Fire And Extended Warranty Protection

If your vehicle catches fire or has a major mechanical problem, this coverage pays for repairs.

9. Roadside Assistance

This provides assistance when you need help getting back home after being stranded somewhere.

10. Trailer Rental

If your truck hauls trailers, this will protect them.

Conclusion

To conclude, the type of insurance required for trucking is determined by the size and shape of the vehicle, its weight capacity, and the type of cargo it carries.

You should engage in thorough research prior to purchasing insurance that may not cover your truck specifically.