If you’re an owner-operator, you know your truck is your livelihood. You rely on it to make a living and support your family. That’s why it’s so important to make sure your truck is adequately insured.
When it comes to truck insurance, there are a several different options available. Some examples are: bobtail insurance, physical damage insurance, auto liability , general liability and many others.
No matter what type of truck insurance you choose, ensure you get the best coverage for your needs. Keep reading to learn more about your truck insurance options!
Types of Commercial Trucking Loads
There are variant types of commercial trucking loads, but here are three common ones: dry van, refrigerated van, and flatbed. Each one has its unique risks and affects your insurance premiums differently. Let’s take a closer look at each type:
- Dry vans are the most common truck used for carrying general freight. It is a minor risky load, so your premiums will be lower than other loads.
- Refrigerated vans carry food and other perishables, making them susceptible to spoilage and theft. As a result, refrigerated van operators tend to pay higher premiums than those with other types of loads.
- Flatbeds carry oversized or heavy items, which can be dangerous if not handled properly. This type of load is also more likely to cause damage to the truck or its cargo. For these reasons, flatbed operators tend to pay the highest premiums of all commercial truckers.
Besides, the loads vary. For instance, general freight, which is the most common type of load; Household goods, which is what it sounds like; and Specialty freight, which includes things like hazardous materials, livestock, and oversized items.
It’s essential to be aware of these differences when shopping for commercial truck insurance to get the best rates and coverage for your unique business.
Why Do I Need Commercial Trucking Insurance?
Commercial trucking insurance is essential for anyone who operates a truck for business purposes. This type of insurance covers you in the event of an accident and protects your business if you’re sued.
There are several types of commercial trucking insurance, and choosing the right policy for your needs is essential. Here are a few things to consider when shopping for insurance:
- The size and weight of your truck
- The type of cargo you haul
- The distance you travel
- Your driving record
- Your credit score
What Coverage Options Are Available for Owner Operators
As an owner-operator, you must have a clear understanding of the insurance coverage options that are available to you. Here are a few of the most common:
General liability insurance: This type of coverage protects you from financial damages caused by accidents or injuries when your truck is used for commercial purposes. It can also help cover legal costs if someone decides to sue. There are many options for liability in Florida, Georgia, Texas, South Carolina, North Carolina, Iowa, Illinois, Nebraska, and Tennessee. For instance, non-trucking liability in Florida covers you when you are bobtailing.
Collision insurance: This type of coverage helps pay for damages to your truck if it’s in a collision with another vehicle or object.
Comprehensive insurance: This type of coverage helps pay for damage to your truck unrelated to a collision, such as theft, vandalism, or hail damage.
Medical payments insurance: This type of coverage helps pay for medical expenses incurred from an accident while your truck is used for commercial purposes.
How Does the Type of Load Affect My Insurance Rates
So you’re an owner-operator and thinking about shipping a load. Great! But did you know that the type of load you choose can affect your insurance rates? It’s true.
The reason for this is that some loads are riskier than others. For example, if you’re shipping a load of hazardous materials, that’s going to be riskier than shipping a load of furniture. And as a result, your insurance rates are going to be higher.
What Are Some Common Mistakes That Owner-Operators Make When it Comes to Insurance?
One of the most common mistakes owner-operators make regarding insurance is getting less coverage. It’s understandable, of course—you’re trying to save money where you can. But what happens if you get in an accident and don’t have enough insurance?
You’re going to be paying out of pocket for a long time. That’s why getting as much coverage as you can afford is crucial. You never know what might happen on the road, and it’s best to be prepared for anything.
Another mistake people need to be aware of is their policies. You must read through your policy and ensure you understand what’s covered and what’s not. If there are any questions, don’t hesitate to call your insurance company and ask them to explain them to you.
And people often need to remember to update their policies when making business changes. If you buy a new truck, for example, make sure you update your policy so that the new truck is covered. Failure to do so could leave you open to litigation in the event of an accident.
Conclusion
There are a variety of commercial trucking loads, and each one comes with its own set of risks. That’s why it’s essential to know your truck insurance options and ensure you’re covered. Understand the types of loads you’ll be hauling and the risks involved. Then, work with J.E.B. Insurance Services, L.L.C., to get your needed coverage. If you have any questions, don’t hesitate to contact us. We provide commercial truck insurance in Florida, Georgia, Texas, North Carolina, South Carolina, Tennessee, Illinois, Iowa & Nebraska.
