Truck insurance protects owners of commercial vehicles such as straight trucks, semi-trucks, dump trucks, pickup trucks, or box trucks. Because of their status as property for a business, there are different insurance laws in place as well as different coverage needs. But now you can compare instant insurance quotes from multiple trucking insurance companies no matter what vehicle you need to insure.
Get a FREE Truck Insurance Quote Online
Getting affordable truck insurance can seem like an expensive hassle, but there are things you can do to make sure the process goes smoothly. Here are a few things to keep in mind if you want to get the lowest possible rate:
- Make sure you keep up on your truck’s maintenance so that your vehicle can pass an inspection at a moment’s notice
- Maintain a safe driving record
- If your current insurance company also covers trucks, try for a multi-policy discount
- Incorporate as many recommended safety features as possible (i.e., warning labels)
- Take a truck safety course to prove your responsibility behind the wheel
- Shop online for the best truck insurance quote and policies
- Higher deductibles can dramatically lower your monthly premium (see chart below)
Following the advice above can take a big chunk out of your monthly costs!
Commercial Truck Insurance – Learn about Your Needs
No all trucks have the same coverage needs. Do a little research and find out what you need covered, and how much it should cost. This is the best way to ensure you get a fair price for your coverage. Looking for semi-truck insurance, dump truck coverage or any other type of commercial truck policies? Start comparing quotes now.
The first type you should know about is Primary Auto Liability. Many states will require this coverage by law. If you happen to cause a collision while driving your truck, this coverage will take care of the costs up to your policy limits. This applies to both truck owners as well as lessees. Then there’s Physical Damage coverage. Whether it’s just a truck or also a trailer that needs coverage, Physical Damage can protect your assets. Although this isn’t a requirement in every state, it might be if you happen to be financing any equipment that the truck/trailer might be carrying.
There are also specific types of coverage for trucks hauling cargo. The aptly named Cargo Insurance will protect your cargo from loss or damages during transportation. But read the fine print; your provider might not honor a claim if the truck was left unattended or if the claim exceeds policy limits. Then there’s Terminal Coverage which covers your cargo at a specific terminal within a predetermined time limit (typically 36-72 hours). Finally, you might want to look into Warehouse Legal. This protects any cargo being stored for longer than 72 hours.
How to Pick the Right Truck Insurance Provider
Are you worried about picking the right insurance company? After all, you don’t want to choose a provider with inadequate services and get left out in the cold. Follow these tips in order to make sure your needs are met:
- Look for a provider that has a specialization in truck insurance
Check to see whether the provider in question will perform filings on your behalf - A responsible commercial insurance agency will be more than happy to help you comply with state and federal safety regulations
- Shop around. Compare not just the price, but the services offered with different coverage options. If two seemingly identical policies have marginally different prices, investigate as to why this is so.
- Check their financial stability. You can find valuable information at websites such as AM Best. Finding a provider with an “A” rating is the ideal, but even slightly lower rated companies may still provide you with decent service.
- A record of success is essential. Does the provider you’re looking at have a history of excellence? Are they well established in their industry? Don’t risk your truck on a new company just because of an attractive price quote. Make sure they will live up to your expectations. Check out this article about most frequently asked questions about commercial vehicle insurance on iii.org.