Commercial Truck Insurance: Here's What You Need To Know
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When you purchase a semi-truck, you're ready to hit the road, excited to be your own boss. If this is your first time working for yourself, it's refreshing to know that you're in charge of your own schedule. You decide when and where you're going to haul, and you don't have to answer to anyone.
In the midst of the great stuff that comes with being in charge, you also need to keep yourself protected on the road. Finding semi trailer insurance that makes sense for your needs doesn't have to be a struggle. While working with an insurance broker can give you information on selecting a big rig trucking insurance agency that can provide the owner operators insurance policy that makes sense for you, but it's also a good idea to do your own research on commercial tractor trailer insurance before you choose the truck liability insurance policy that fits you best.
As you begin to navigate the world of purchasing commercial truck insurance coverage, you likely have some questions, such as "what's the best state for semi truck insurance?" or "how much is tractor trailer insurance?" Let's take a look at the different types of coverage you'll need to consider, and then get into the question of how much is insurance for a semi truck.
Types of Commercial Truck Insurance Coverage
As you search for insurance for semi trucks, it's important that you're able to differentiate between the different types of 18 wheeler insurance you'll need to stay protected on the road.
These are some of the most common types of commercial trucker insurance coverage:
Physical Damage Coverage
This type of insurance for 18 wheelers covers physical damage to your truck, including repairing or replacing problems due to theft or accident.
Motor Truck Cargo Coverage
The last thing you want is to be held responsible for stolen or damaged goods. This type of truck cargo insurance coverage protects you in the event that something happens to the goods you're carrying.
Primary Liability Coverage
This semi truck insurance covers any damage that you do to other parties while operating your rig.
Medical Payment
This type of 18 wheeler truck insurance covers the medical bills of you and other parties in your rig in the event of an accident.
Underinsured/ Uninsured Motorist Coverage
It's a nightmare to get into an accident with someone who isn't properly insured. This type of commercial insurance for truckers keeps you safe in the event that someone hits you and can't pay up.
General Liability Coverage
This type of commercial insurance for semi trucks covers mistakes in the delivery of your load, as well as damage to loading docks and other property of other parties.
Now that you have an idea of what common types of commercial truckers insurance coverage entail, it's time to dig into the big question: how much does tractor trailer insurance cost?
How Much Does Semi Truck Insurance Cost?
Your 18 wheeler insurance cost will typically run between $8,000 and $14,000, but according to truck insurance experts, these numbers aren't a great representation of the total cost of insurance to keep your business up and running.
If you're searching for the cheapest commercial truck insurance, you're going to want to pay attention.
When you search for the best commercial trucking insurance, it's vital to remember that cheaper isn't always better. Any truck insurance expert can tell you that people are constantly searching for cheap truck insurance quotes and making the mistake of biting at the lowest number they see. It's key to consider not only the premium for your trucking commercial insurance - you also need to think about your deductible in the event that you need to make a claim. While a low deductible can seem great in the beginning, finding that you have to spend thousands (or more) because your insurance for truck and trailer wasn't up to par can be devastating for your business.
When you're getting started and looking for 18 wheeler truck insurance companies, you need to consider more than the price you see when you search for trucking company insurance quotes online.
Here are some other things to consider as you sift through the many tractor trailer insurance companies in your area:
What's the company's reputation?
Search online to learn more about how they handle claims and whether other customers are satisfied with them as a trucking insurance agency. It's not a good idea to just go by the reviews listed on their website - spend some time doing a deep dive into reviews elsewhere to get the real scoop on whether they're the right big rig insurance agency for you.
Can they meet all your needs?
You know you need commercial semi truck insurance, but can the company you're considering provide you with occupational accident insurance as well? Finding 18 wheeler insurance companies that offer you all the coverage you need can save you time and money in the long run. As you look through your options for semi truck insurance companies, reach out and ask if they bundle different types of insurance at a discount.
How quickly do they handle claims?
When you're talking with tractor trailer insurance companies and working to make a decision, ask how quickly they take care of commercial truck insurance filings. A fast, efficient response to the filing of a claim can be the difference between turning a profit and being in the hole for a month. You want to work with an owner operator insurance company that responds quickly to customer claims. Your commercial truck insurance company should make your life easier in the event that you have to make a claim, not harder.
Semi Truck Insurance For New Drivers: The Bottom Line
When you're searching for commercial truck insurance agents near me, don't simply go with the cheapest semi insurance rates. Do your homework on the policies offered for owner operator insurance coverage. Consider response time and deductibles in addition to their initial insurance quotes for semi trucks. Your insurance company should be a trusted ally in your business - someone who is on your side when you need help. Don't be afraid to shop around for insurance quotes for semi trucks until you find the perfect fit.
You'll find that thousands of truck drivers trust Insure My Rig for all their trucking insurance needs, and we are here for you too. Contact us today to discuss how we can save you money on your next trucking insurance quote!