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Truck drivers in the US requires commercial to carry some sort of liability insurance, in every state. This coverage covers the driver in the event of a collision with a passenger or property. It also provides insurance for the driver operating on another person’s property.
According to statistics there are approximately 3.6 million truck drivers in the United States, working for over 711,000 trucking businesses. With these many trucks traveling on our roads, it’s of great importance that there is a need to find the best truck insurance possible.
This coverage is required for commercial trucks when hauling goods across state lines. However, the amount of liability cover that a driver needs depends on the size and type of the truck and the cargo it is carrying.
If you are an employee of a trucking company, your employer’s insurance will cover you if you cause an accident. This type of insurance is also beneficial for truck drivers because it gives them a better chance of recovering damages.
it is important to know the specific policy requirements in your state. The policies in US can be complex and confusing, but you should be aware of them. The insurance coverage you have will protect you and your business.
What kind of insurance is required for truck drivers in US
When choosing insurance for your truck, look for a company with low premiums. If you have a history of accidents, look for a company with a lower premium than your current one. Some companies offer discounts for multi-car, multiple-policy, and even multiple-car insurance.
You may even be able to get additional price breaks as your driving record improves and safety measures are implemented.
In addition to the type of coverage that you need, you should also consider your driving record. If your driving record is spotless, it may affect your ability to get coverage, which will in turn lower your overall premium.
In addition, maintaining a good driving record will lower your insurance costs. If you are not a safe driver, you need to consider a company that offers affordable policies. A company that offers discounts will be able to offer you a better deal on the insurance you need.
The Different Types Of Truck Insurance That You Need
A basic motor truck cargo policy will not cover your loads. In addition, a commercial truck driver should also make sure that he or she is properly insured to avoid any potential accidents. If you own a trucking company, you must also buy general liability insurance for the business itself. Although it may seem like a hassle, you can save up to 15% by paying for your insurance in full. The different truck insurance coverages include:
1. Primary Auto Liability
You are required by federal regulations to have this insurance coverage. Every one of your trucks, including leased units, must carry commercial auto insurance. This liability insurance provides you with protection when a third party becomes injured from an accident.
2. Physical Damage
This coverage will pay for a commercial truck or trailer repairs from damage by things like:
- Collision
- Theft
- Vandalism
- Natural disasters
However, if your truck becomes damaged beyond repair, this coverage will replace it. Note that the cost of the truck and equipment will determine the premiums.
3. General Liability
Every state requires this coverage. It protects you if one of your drivers causes property damage or bodily damage because of a crash. General liability covers a driver’s actions who is operating on another person’s premises, like truck stops or loading docks. It also includes load delivery mistakes.
4. Motor Truck Cargo
Motor Truck Cargo coverage provides you with protection if the cargo on one of your commercial trucks is lost or damaged. It’s Premiums will depend on the freight type.
5. Bobtail
This is also called non-trucking liability. It is coverage for circumstances where the truck driver is driving the truck for personal reasons or is off dispatch. In situations where the owner-operator isn’t covered by primary liability coverage, the coverage will cover kick in. However, bobtail insurance doesn’t protect truck drivers when they’re pulling a trailer, using a truck to make money or driving a truck for a trucking company.
6. Reefer Breakdown Coverage
When you own refrigerated trucks, reefer breakdown coverage would cover the cost of things like: refrigeration breakdown, lost cargo, and damage to products because of a collision
7. Rental Reimbursement
This is exactly what it sounds like —Rental Reimbursement provides you with money for renting a replacement truck while your vehicle is being repaired.
8. Trailer Interchange
This insurance provides Physical Damage insurance for trailers being pulled under a trailer interchange agreement. It is an essential Physical Damage insurance for non-owned trailers. Trailer Interchange insurance protects you if the trailer is damaged by collision, fire, theft, explosion or vandalism.
9. Medical Payment
This coverage pays for any medical bills you or a passenger incur while driving or riding in the truck. Each state will vary in this Medical Payment coverage.
10. Uninsured/Underinsured Motorists
Uninsured or Underinsured Motorists insurance will protect you if another person hits you and doesn’t have liability insurance.
The cost of truck insurance depends on what kind of insurance you need. Primary liability coverage can cost as little as $21 per month for an independent for-hire trucker. The costs for a commercial truck policy will depend on your driving history and the type of coverage you need. It is not always possible to recover compensation if you are an employee of a trucking company. You should contact your employer to determine the exact details of the policy.
The type of insurance that you need will depend on what your company needs. You can choose a policy with a high deductible to reduce the monthly cost. But if you’re an owner-operator, you’ll need a higher deductible. This coverage is not required for private carriers. The coverage limits of private carriers may be smaller than those of a motor carrier. You need to consider the amount of insurance you need, but it’s worth it.
Top Three Commercial Truck Insurance for 2022
To find the best truck insurance depends on you and your specific business. You could have a single food truck, a fleet of tractor-trailers, or something in between, there are many trusted and highly rated carriers offering secure commercial truck coverage to meet your needs. Here are the top three companies you can go for :
CoverWallet
CoverWallet though not an individual insurance carrier, is actually an aggregator. This platform can help commercial truck drivers purchase insurance for their vehicles in just minutes online, with basic coverage starting at just $125 a month. CoverWallet offers Instant online quotes available, you can buy a policy online in minutes. They have many coverage options for a wide range of trucks coverage available for bad credit/bad driving record.
State Farm
State Farm has top satisfaction ratings and below-average consumer complaints in two out of the past three years. State Farm snags our pick for the best customer service among commercial truck insurance companies. With high consumer satisfaction ratings, coverage for individual or fleet vehicles and also available in all 50 states.
Sentry
Sentry has been providing commercial insurance coverage since 1904. Sentry is a carrier that focuses heavily on single-truck customers. Their level of personal service and industry expertise earn it our nod for owner-operators and businesses with just one truck. With good flexible coverage options, available in all 50 states and specializes in coverage for owner-operators and personal use liability.
In Conclusion
Truck insurance is essential for any business that transports freight. It can cover everything from property damage to personal injury.
Depending on the type of truck, the insurance limits will vary. In general, the minimum coverage limit for commercial vehicles is $100,000. If you have a semi-truck with more than one trailer, you will need to have both types of insurance. Having more than one vehicle on the road is important for safety.
You should consider the type of insurance you need. A commercial truck driver needs liability insurance that covers them and their vehicles in case of accidents.
You should also choose one that has a deductible that covers the cost of damages. Some policies require higher deductibles than others, so it’s essential to be aware of your insurance coverage. If you’re considering a private carrier, you should consider the type of insurance you need.
