Commercial truck insurance is a necessity for many businesses. Commercial truck insurance is designed to protect vehicles used for business. Though commercial truck insurance can be more complex than regular vehicle insurance, the process is fundamentally similar. Commercial insurance for your truck can be purchased directly from an insurance company or through an independent real estate agent.
What Kind of Trucks Are Covered?
• Commercial truck insurance covers a variety of commercial truck types, including tractor-trailers, dump trucks, straight trucks and pickup trucks. This type of insurance can be purchased by owner-operators for a single truck or for companies that need to insure an entire fleet of trucks.
Basic Coverages
• Commercial truck insurance, like personal automobile coverage, provides standard protections such as comprehensive and collision, general liability, uninsured/underinsured motorist protection and medical payments.
Specialized Coverages for Commercial Trucks
• Commercial truck insurance also includes specialized business-related coverages that add further protection to the standard policy. Motor truck cargo coverage affords protection against lost, stolen or damaged cargo in transit. Trailer Interchange coverage protects the insured against losses to non-owned trailers being pulled by their insured trucks. Non-trucking (bobtail) liability offers protection to owner-operators who are permanently leased to an ICC-regulated carrier. This provides coverage for trucks when not being used directly for business purposes, such as when a truck is bobtailing and goes to a truck wash or to a shop for repairs.
Non-Insurance Services
• Many insurers, and their agents, provide assistance with ICC (Interstate Operating Authority) compliance and filings.
Purchasing Commercial Truck Insurance Directly
1.) Prepare information about your truck. Before you get started, know the make, model, year and mileage of the truck you want to get insurance for. Also make sure to have the Vehicle Identification number handy. You’ll find this on the driver’s side dashboard, near the windshield.
2.) Locate companies that sell commercial truck insurance. Be aware that not all vehicle insurers offer commercial insurance.
3.) Contact each of the carriers on your list to get a rate quote. Because commercial auto insurance policies can be more complicated than other types of insurance, you probably won’t be able to get a complete quote through a company’s website. When you call a company to find out about commercial insurance, you’ll be transferred to one of their brokers. It might take an investment of a few hours to contact each of the companies on your list, but in the end you’ll be able to compare the advantages and disadvantages of each company.
4.) Purchase directly from a broker at the chosen company. Once you’ve decided on a company and a policy that best meets your needs, call one of their sales brokers. He’ll guide you through he application process and help to get your truck insured quickly and easily.
Getting Commercial Truck Insurance Through an Agent
1.) Prepare all the vital information you’ll need to share with an agent. Include background information on the truck you wish to ensure and your business, as well as personal information on all drivers who might be using the truck.
2.) Research commercial vehicle insurance brokers. Look for professional organizations that represent independent insurance agents. Each state (and even some cities) will have a trade group that helps connect agents with potential clients (see Resources below). Referrals from other business owners in your field are also helpful.
3.) Review your needs with the agent. Discuss what kinds of coverage you’ll need and how much you’re able to budget. Together, you’ll be able to find the right plan for your business.
