Insurance is one of the largest expenses for companies that operate in the trucking industry. This makes it essential for all businesses in the field to revisit their commercial truck insurance every year. However, with the wide variety of different truck types and insurance options, it can become a challenge to keep track of all the information. In this blog, we will help ease the process by discussing different truck types and their respective insurance.
Truck Types and Related Insurance Coverage
There are many levels and types of trucking insurance, so understanding the differences between them will help you when it comes time to shop for insurance. Although laws may differ from state to state, the main factor that will determine what coverage you need depends on the type of vehicle your business owns.
Semi-Trucks
Built for carrying heavy-duty loads such as construction machinery, semi-trucks are the “lifeblood” of the American economy. Almost all goods you use on a regular basis have been transported by semi-trucks.
Whether you are a private carrier or an owner-operator, protecting your 18-wheeler with the correct insurance policy is crucial to preserving your business, equipment, and finances.
Fully loaded semi-truck trailers can weigh up to 80,000 pounds and travel at high speeds. Accidents can be catastrophic. Therefore, you need to get your semi-truck insured with the following coverages:
- Primary liability insurance: Mandatory by the law, this insurance coverage protects you in the case of physical injury or property damage to a third party.
- Physical damage insurance: Protects your semi-truck from losses after an accident, fire, theft, etc.
- Bobtail insurance: Protects your semi-truck from damage on and off the road without a trailer. This policy is required for owner-operators who drive their tractor-trailer without shipment.
- Cargo insurance: Covers damage/loss to freight on the road. This coverage has many exclusions such as unattended vehicles so it’s vital to read this policy closely.
Dump Trucks
Dump trucks are used to transport voluminous materials such as sand, dirt, gravel, and demolition material. Common risks associated with these vehicles are incorrect loading, holding off-road, and risk of tipping.
If your business owns and operates dump trucks, the following insurance coverage is recommended:
- Auto liability insurance: Covers medical bills as well as property damage for the third party in an accident.
- Physical damage insurance: If your dump truck is damaged after an accident, this coverage will get it back on the road ASAP. Also covers the loss from theft or vandalism.
- General liability insurance: Protects from potential lawsuits from people injured after an accident with your truck
Hot Shots/Tow Trucks
A truck used to carry time-sensitive, smaller loads to a nearby destination is called a hot shot truck. These transportation truckers aren’t required to carry a commercial driving license but do need a motor carrier authority number to operate. Although policies may differ between insurers, typical hot shot truck insurance usually includes:
- Repairs: Helps reimburse the money you paid for repairing your hot shot truck.
- Damage: Pays for the loss to the third party as well as damage to your own vehicle.
- Medical: Pays for the medical expenses you and the third party may have suffered.
- Loss Cargo: Compensates you for any cargo damage or loss after an incident.
- Lawsuits: This policy will help cover legal expenses for any legal notice from a third party.
Heavy Equipment
Heavy equipment insurance protects heavy machinery or equipment used within your business’s scope of work. Most heavy equipment insurance policies cover both operating risks and third-party liabilities.
Businesses that use heavy machineries such as excavators, bulldozers, tractors, or backhoe loaders must protect their equipment as damaging or replacing such equipment can cost a fortune.
In addition to heavy equipment insurance, some policies that are often coupled with it include:
- Rental reimbursement coverage: Provides additional protection that covers the costs for a rental while your equipment is out for repair.
- Business interruption insurance: Protects you from potential financial loss due to unexpected business interruptions caused by an accident, breakdown, or theft.
Find the Right Coverage and Rate With Forerunner Insurance Group
Shopping for the proper insurance for your respective equipment and vehicles is easier said than done. However, working with our team of professionals at Forerunner Insurance helps ease the process. Our vast knowledge and experience in the trucking insurance industry allows us to find the best coverage and rates no matter what your needs are. For more information on our different insurance policies and how we can help protect your fleet, please contact us today to set up an appointment.
