Commercial Truck Insurance: a Must-Have Before You Hit The Road?

Answer 1

Whether you own and operate your own commercial vehicle or you drive a company-owned vehicle for your employer, you will need commercial truck insurance in order to be able to legally operate your vehicle. The amount and type of coverage you will need may vary by state, but you will need to have some level of coverage and proof of insurance with at all times when driving regardless of where you are.

If you are driving a company-owned vehicle, then your employer should be providing commercial truck insurance for the vehicle. You should not have to worry about anything aside from making sure the proof of insurance is with you at all times just in case you are in an accident or are pulled over.

But if you own and operate your own commercial vehicle, whether for your own business or someone else's you will need to provide your own insurance coverage.

Your existing auto insurance provider, the same one you use for your own auto, home, and life insurance needs, may also offer commercial services as well. This makes for a convenient "one stop shop" option as you can get all of your insurance needs met in one place. And you will have the peace of mind of knowing you are working with someone you can trust, based on your past business dealings. However you may prefer to seek out someone who works exclusively in the commercial niche, in which case you could search online or ask other local people in your industry for a reference.

Some of the factors that will determine the cost of your insurance include what commercial use the truck is being used for (hauling goods, moving, etc.), what type of goods are being hauled, where it is being operated (are you traveling across state lines), and if you are getting coverage that protects you only while you are using the truck for commercial purposes or at all times (such as taking the truck in for repairs).

And as you compare providers and policies, check with independent ratings boards like A.M. Best to see how commercial insurers are ranked. The last thing you want is to get a low rate upfront but then be faced with difficulties and disputes when the time comes to file a claim. It's worth paying a little extra to know that you'll have the support you need when a problem arises.