Organizations in the transportation industry must be aware of the unique risks that come with their operations. It’s essential to clearly understand the specific type of vehicle you own and operate to identify potential risks and help properly protect your business. In this blog, we will take a closer look at common claims associated with three different commercial vehicles and explore the insurance you need for each.
Tow Trucks
Tow trucks are a type of vehicle designed to tow other vehicles that have broken down, been involved in an accident, or otherwise need to be transported. These commercial vehicles come in a variety of sizes and styles, including flatbed tow trucks, wheel-lift tow trucks, and hook-and-chain tow trucks.
Operating a tow truck is inherently risky, with drivers often operating on busy roads or in inclement weather. The risks associated with tow truck operations are unique and require specific insurance coverages to protect against them.
The most important insurance to carry for tow truck operators is liability insurance. This helps protect you against claims if you’re responsible for damages or injuries to others while towing. Operating on busy roads and in bad weather can be risky, so collision insurance is also recommended to help pay for repairs or replace your tow truck if it is damaged in an accident. Additionally, you should consider on-hook coverage, which protects the towed vehicle while being transported.
Bobtails
Bobtails are commercial trucks that operate without a trailer attached. They’re typically used for short-haul trips, like delivering goods from a warehouse to a local store. Bobtails are also called “deadhead” trucks because they usually return to their point of origin empty after a trip.
According to the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA), there were over 3,500 crashes involving bobtails in 2020, 91 of which were fatal. Operating a bobtail, as opposed to a regular semi-truck, can be more dangerous because weight distribution is thrown off. This can pose a serious risk in inclement weather or for inexperienced drivers.
When it comes to insuring bobtail trucks, liability coverage is once again the most important to have. Another useful coverage option for bobtails includes physical damage coverage, which covers repairs or replacement of your truck if it’s damaged in an accident.
Furthermore, some insurers can provide you with bobtail liability insurance, which protects you specifically when driving your truck without hauling equipment whether or not you’re on dispatch.
Car Carriers
These commercial vehicles are specialized trucks that are designed to transport multiple vehicles at once. They’re most commonly used for car dealerships, rental car companies, and transport companies that move a number of vehicles across long distances.
The insurance needs for car carriers are similar to those of tow trucks as they are both used to transport vehicles. Again, liability insurance is the most important to have as it protects against damage or injuries caused by your car carrier. Another consideration for car carriers is cargo insurance, which protects against damage or loss to the vehicles you’re transporting.
No Matter Your Needs, Stay Protected With Forerunner Insurance
Owning commercial vehicles and operating in the transportation industry is one of the most crucial components of the U.S. economy. However, owning vehicles such as tow trucks, bobtails, and car carriers come with unique risks that require attention to detail. At Forerunner Insurance, we hold vast experience and knowledge in the industry to help protect your business no matter what your needs are. If you’re interested in exploring your insurance options and discovering how we can protect you, please contact us today to get started.
