So what is trucking insurance and why is it important? Hopefully we can answer some of your questions in this post:
- Liability insurance: This covers damages that you may cause to other parties while operating your truck. This includes damages to other vehicles, as well as any injuries sustained by the other party. It’s required by law in most states.
- Physical damage insurance: This covers damages to your own truck, including collision and comprehensive coverage. Collision coverage covers damages resulting from a collision with another vehicle or object, while comprehensive coverage covers damages from non-collision events such as fire, theft, or weather-related events.
- Cargo insurance: This covers damages to the cargo that you are transporting. It’s important to have enough coverage to protect the value of the goods you are hauling.
- Non-trucking liability insurance: Also known as “bobtail insurance,” this covers damages that you may cause while driving your truck for personal use (i.e. not on a job). If you are dispatched on a load under someone elses authority at that point their Auto Liability would cover damages if you were at fault in an accident. But “bobtail insurance” covers your auto liability when you aren’t dispatched on a load or dead heading somewhere.
- Occupational accident insurance: This covers medical expenses and lost wages for you or your employees in the event of an accident on the job.
It’s important to carefully consider your insurance needs as a trucker, as the cost of an accident can be financially devastating without adequate coverage.
When it comes to trucking insurance, it’s important to understand what is and is not covered by your policy. While insurance can provide a valuable safety net in the event of an accident or other unexpected event, there are certain things that are typically not covered.
Here are a few things that trucking insurance generally does not cover:
- Pre-existing damage: Insurance generally does not cover damages that occurred before the policy was in effect.
- Normal wear and tear: Insurance generally does not cover damages resulting from normal wear and tear on the truck.
- Intentional damages: Insurance generally does not cover damages that were intentionally caused by the policyholder.
- Illegal activities: Insurance generally does not cover damages resulting from illegal activities.
- War and nuclear events: Most insurance policies exclude coverage for damages caused by war or nuclear events.
It’s important to carefully review the exclusions in your policy to understand what is not covered. If you have concerns about coverage, be sure to discuss them with your insurance agent.
By understanding what is not covered by your trucking insurance policy, you can make informed decisions about your coverage needs and ensure that you have the protection you need.
As a trucker, having the right insurance policy is crucial to protecting your business and livelihood. An independent insurance agent can be a valuable resource for finding the right coverage for your needs.
What is an independent insurance agent?
Independent insurance agents are not tied to any specific insurance company. This means they have the ability to shop around and compare policies from a range of carriers to find the best coverage and rates for your needs.
Why work with an independent insurance agent?
There are several benefits to working with an independent insurance agent when it comes to securing trucking insurance:
- Choice: Independent agents have access to a wide range of insurance carriers, which means they can find a policy that best fits your needs and budget.
- Expertise: Independent agents have a deep understanding of the insurance industry and can help you navigate the often complex process of choosing a policy. They can explain the different coverage options available and help you determine the right amount of coverage for your needs.
- Personalized service: Independent agents work with you one-on-one to understand your specific needs and help you find the right coverage. They take the time to get to know your business and help you find a policy that meets your unique needs.
- Ongoing support: An independent agent will be there to answer your questions and provide ongoing support even after you’ve purchased a policy. If you have questions or need to file a claim, they can provide assistance and guidance.
In summary, an independent insurance agent can provide a level of personalized service and expertise that may be difficult to find when working directly with an insurance company. They have the knowledge and resources to help you find the right coverage at the right price, and they’ll be there to provide ongoing support and guidance as your needs change.