Choosing the Right Trucking Insurance For You

Do you remember the last time you made a mistake because you didn’t know a tiny detail?

It’s a frustrating feeling, but that’s nothing compared to wondering if you have the right trucking insurance.

Picking the right insurance policy for trucking doesn’t have to feel more complicated than car insurance. It is possible to understand the essentials in about five minutes.

Don’t put off something as important as a policy for your truck a moment longer, and learn about your options by reading the rest of this article today.

Types of Trucking Insurance

Buying commercial truck insurance begins and ends with understanding the types of coverage available. This list is not comprehensive, but it does represent the most common options out in the wild.

Primary Auto Liability

If a third party gets hurt by one of your trucks, this protects your business from overwhelming liability for damages. Coverage also includes damage to properties, and going without this can result in fines. Federal law requires that you have this type of insurance for a truck and trailer, whether leased or owned. 

General Liability

This type of policy protects against damage to an individual’s property or person. Load delivery mistakes or other incidents while operating a vehicle are also covered. Ask for details, but slip and falls or other accidents get rolled into this policy.

Physical Damage Coverage

This coverage protects your truck and trailer against an automobile accident. Your equipment has extraordinary value to your business, and protecting its value keeps you up and running. The law does not mandate that you carry this type of policy, but a lienholder will require you to have it.

Cargo Insurance

As you may expect from the title, this coverage protects losses or damages caused to freight during transit. The concept sounds fine, but plenty of exclusions may apply that leave you liable. Review these types of policies with a fine-tooth comb or with a company you can trust, like Hot Shot Trucking Insurance.

Bobtail Coverage

If you or another individual drive rigs for off dispatch or personal reasons, this covers the liability for that type of activity. Driving a truck while pulling a trailer doesn’t apply, but almost anything not picked up by primary liability can be a part of this automobile insurance.

Ask the Right Questions

The best way to have confidence in your policy is to ask direct questions to an insurance representative. Start with the following:

• Do you offer cargo coverage?
• What events can change the cost?
• Is a combined deductible available?
• How much coverage do you recommend?
• How quickly can you make changes to a policy?

Write down more questions that apply to your situation and read them over a time or two. Once you have answers from the companies you’re considering, comparing the answers will tell you most of what you need to know.

Find a Great Policy

Now that you understand trucking insurance essentials, it’s time to put your knowledge to work. Start making calls and gathering quotes today with highly-rated local representatives.

Did this article help you today? Don’t forget to check out more of the great content on our blog.