Commercial Truck Insurance Guide: Introduction
This page provides you with all the necessary information you need to know to make an informed choice about commercial truck insurance. Additionally, we will connect you with an experienced insurance broker who will advise you and find your best commercial truck insurance rate across numerous insurers.What types of trucks require a commercial truck insurance quote?
There are various types of trucks that can be covered under a commercial truck insurance policy and these types help determine the details and cost of the coverage.
Local delivery trucks
Long haul trucks
Semi trucks
Dump trucks
There are other categories of trucks that might fall under a commercial truck insurance policy: towing trucks, garbage trucks, tank trucks, etc.
What does a commercial truck insurance policy typically cover?
Commercial truck insurance can cover a broad range of risks to ensure one of the most important assets of your business is safe. Here is an overview of the key protection elements you can rely on:| Insurance | Brief description | Do I need it? | Example |
|---|---|---|---|
|
Physical damage or collision protection |
Coverage that pays for damages on a truck in a case of an accident involving a collision with another vehicle or an object. | Yes | Your truck was damaged in a collision with another truck and the whole front of the vehicle was crushed. |
|
Commercial / general liability |
Coverage that pays for any damages you would inflict on another party’s property. This can also be connected with legal costs and settlements if the other party decides to sue. | Yes | Your truck damaged a 3rd party’s loading station when preparing to unload the cargo. |
|
Comprehensive coverage |
Coverage that pays for other types of risks (also called perils) such as theft, fire, hail, flooding, tornado, etc. | Often | Your truck was damaged through an unexpected hailstorm. |
|
Accident benefits |
Coverage that pays for medical treatment and, if necessary, final expenses for the people in your car. This can include both a driver and passengers. | Yes | Your truck driver suffered a neck injury and requires extensive medical rehab to get back in shape. |
|
Uninsured motorist / hit-and-run motorist |
Coverages that pay for two similar issues — a counterpart that cannot pay for the consequences of the accident (e.g. no insurance or not enough insurance) or does not want to pay and flees the accident scene (which is a crime). | Yes | Your truck had a collision with another vehicle whose driver was at fault. Unfortunately, he was carrying just a minimal amount of liability, not enough to pay for all injuries he caused. |
|
Truck cargo coverage |
Coverage that pays for damages or theft of cargo being transported. | Often | Part of a full cargo load you were transporting was stolen while travelling through an unsecure area and making a stop for a night at a motel. |
|
Bobtail insurance |
Coverage that covers a truck if your driver tends to take the truck home and leave it there. | Sometimes | You or your driver took a vehicle home where it was stolen during a long weekend. |
|
Reefer insurance |
Coverage for damages caused by a failure of a reefer motor. This does not include reefer motor repairs. | Sometimes | Cargo loss due to a temperature control system failure. |
What factors determine commercial truck insurance rates?
Different factors determine the cost of your commercial truck insurance policy.- Type and make of the truck: The world of trucks is huge and it makes a difference if you are insuring a long haul truck, dump truck or a light local delivery truck.
- Transportation routes: It makes difference where you haul your cargo. Transporting goods in Ontario is different from long-haul trips across Canada, and again different from driving from Canada to the U.S. and Mexico.
- Cargo: Cargo comes in all different forms and requires various risks to be covered, from damage and theft to potential clean up in case of a spill.
- Driver skills/record: Engaging experienced drivers who have a clean driving record will be reflected in insurance rates when compared to those with a long history of claims and bad driving record.
- Your business: Aspects such as the quality and safety of your business and associated processes are considered when providing you with a commercial truck insurance quote.