If youre an independent trucker who always operates under contract to other motor carriers, chances are the only commercial truck insurance policies you need to effectively protect your business and other motorists are comprehensive coverage and bobtail insurance.
While sometimes its in the best interest of independents to carry other forms of truck insurance, if you start with these two policies and know them well enough to have a decent dialogue with your
truck insurance provider, youll definitely have a leg up when it comes to securing solid coverage at a great rate.
Comprehensive Coverage
This type of coverage is not required by law, but is a good idea for independent owner/operators looking to fully protect their assets. This form of truck insurance covers all damages to your truck in the event of an accident, fire, or vandalism. It does not, however, cover cargo or, most often, your trailer.
Bobtail Insurance
Bobtail insurance is a less-expensive form of primary liability that covers your truck during the times you are not under contract. Freight companies are required by law to provide insurance coverage for all drivers actively on the job. This coverage does not extend to times such as when you are driving back after completing a haul.
Thankfully, you do not need to purchase your own full primary liability policy to cover you when not working. Bobtail insurance can save you some money because it doesnt charge you for times youre protected under your motor carriers
commercial truck insurance policy.
A Note about Specialization and Motor Carriers
The
commercial truck insurance industry can get really confusing because it is so specialized, but it doesnt have to be. While dump truck insurance differs from tow truck insurance that differs from big truck insurance, these names all really refer to primary liability coverage geared toward the application of those specific vehiclesthey arent separate policies you need to worry about.
Just knowing they exist can be helpful in making sure you arent overpaying for coverage amounts based on the capacity you operate your truck.
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