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What Insurance Coverages Will You Need to Drive a Truck?

Trucking is profitable but also too risky as well as an expensive undertaking. Whether you are an independent trucker, own a transporting business, or have a fleet of trucks that are used to haul goods, carrying commercial truck insurance is not optional for you. Having the right insurance not only helps you operate legally but also shields your investment from various possibilities on the road. As a trucker, you require some important coverages for your commercial vehicles that provide a safe financial net in case any mishap occurs.

A single accident can put a long hiatus on your trucking operation. If your livelihood is entirely dependent on the trucking business then even a small incident can make you greatly suffer financially. Such catastrophes occur when you least expect them, so you better be prepared. Commercial truck insurance comprises all the necessary coverages that you require as a trucker. However, it is pointless to take unneeded addons on your policy because you end up paying extra money for coverage that you don’t even need. To save your time and money, we have included all the important coverages in this post that protect your investments on and off the road.

insurance coverage

10 necessary coverages that you need as a trucker

Adequate trucking insurance protects you from paying hefty bills that are levied on you after being involved in an accident. Whether the incident is big or small, it impacts your operations to a great level. Here commercial truck insurance offers a financial cushion by reimbursing all the costs you suffer in the incident. But truck insurance is a broad concept and many drivers get confused when it comes to buying the right policy. Some people either take needless coverage and others end up opting for less. In both cases, you pay extra money out of your pockets. So, you need to be aware of the coverages that are important for you as a trucker such as:

1 Primary liability

Whether you drive your own truck or operate a leased unit, you must carry primary liability coverage. This policy is mandated by state and federal law that protects the public from serious injury or property damage that arises in an accident. Primary liability solely protects the third party from the damages that your vehicle causes.

2 Physical damage coverage

Physical damage coverage protects the truck as well as the trailer attached to it from all the losses in the event of theft, natural disaster, vandalism, fire, and collision. Additionally, in case your truck becomes heavily damaged or reaches a level where it becomes irreparable then this coverage will replace it with a new one. The cost of the premium is calculated after considering the equipment and size of the truck.

3 General liability

General liability is also a mandatory coverage required by state law. This policy comes into play when your trucker causes physical injury or property damage in a crash. This coverage also protects you against the losses happening on other people’s premises while loading docks or taking halts. It also pays for the loading mistakes.

4 Non-trucking liability

Also called bobtail insurance is beneficial in circumstances where your trucks are of dispatch or used for personal motives. In a situation where the business owner is not covered by the mandatory policy like primary liability then this policy proves to be a great support. However, this insurance doesn’t cover the loss happening when they are using the truck for another company, pulling a trailer, or making extra money.

5 Rental reimbursement

Rental reimbursement coverage does what it says. This policy pays the money you pay for renting a truck when your own vehicle is going under repair procedure. It pays out all your truck renting expenses incurred after an incident.

6 Motor truck cargo insurance

This goes without saying that the cargo you move is as important as your trucking business. The cargo is the lifeblood of your business, so you need to protect every bit of it with motor truck cargo insurance. This policy pays for the loss that occurs in the event of theft, fire, vandalism, explosion, etc. The premiums associated with this policy depend on the type of cargo you haul.

7 Trailer interchange

Trailer interchange coverage offers protection against the physical damage to the trailer which is being pulled. This coverage is very important to carry for people who own a leased trailer, also called a non-owned trailer. This policy pays for the loss that arises in the event of theft, fire, explosion, vandalism, or collision.

8 Reefer breakdown coverage

This type of coverage is essential for refrigerated trucks. Reefer breakdown or refrigeration breakdown coverage covers cargo loss, damage to the shipment, or failure of refrigeration. Such policies have a few exclusions. For instance, some products are not included in this coverage such as seafood, tobacco, or frozen food. So, check the inclusions before purchasing this policy.

9 Medical payment

Each state has a different set of requirements for this coverage. But commonly, this coverage pays for the medical bills of the drivers and passengers who get physically hurt in an accident.

10 Uninsured/underinsured motorist

When a driver without or no insurance hits you and damages your property or does bodily injury to you, this policy kicks in. Underinsured/uninsured motorist coverage is very helpful in such circumstances.

Wrapping up

By reaching this part of the post, you must have understood the importance as well as the necessary coverages that you need as a trucker. All the above-mentioned truck coverages benefit the insurer at the time of need. It offers great financial support when you suffer a hefty loss in an accident.

Appropriate commercial truck insurance helps you in recommencing your trucking operations ASAP after an accidental hit. Even the most minute incident can stop your transport processes. This not only causes loss but also harms your business goodwill. So, you need truck insurance along with the essential coverages that protect you, your business, drivers, and the public on the road.


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