Commercial truck insurance provides coverage for injuries or property damage sustained in a truck accident. Commercial truck insurance is different than a personal auto policy because it usually offers different coverages than a regular auto policy.
Finding the right coverage for your truck can be quite tricky. It is important to learn about the different types of insurance available for commercial trucks. You must be certain that your current policy includes the right coverages. Otherwise, you could end up being responsible for thousands of dollars in liability damages or be subject to lawsuits. Wondering if you have the right coverages? Here are some things to look for.
3 ways to know if you have the right commercial truck insurance
#1. You have enough liability coverage.
Commercial truck auto liability insurance covers the financial responsibility if you are involved in an at-fault accident. If people are injured or their property is damaged, liability insurance will provide compensation. There are two parts to auto liability coverage — bodily injury and property damage. Bodily injured pays for medical expenses and protects you from lawsuits when another person is injured in an at-fault accident. Property damage pays for others’ vehicles and property that is damaged in an accident in which you are at fault. A minimum amount of liability insurance is required in all states.
However, it is a good idea to go above the minimum amount. The exact amount of liability insurance you need will vary depending on what type of materials you haul among other things. To find out exactly how much liability insurance you need, fill out this form for a personalized quote.
#2. You have uninsured and underinsured motorists coverage.
So, what happens when a driver without liability insurance hits you? You are left footing the bill. Even drivers who carry insurance often carry just the minimum amount. Uninsured/Underinsured motorist coverage can help you cover your medical bills if you’re hit by a driver without insurance or a driver without enough insurance to cover the costs of the accident. It can also help you cover the costs of repairing your truck if you’re hit by in underinsured or uninsured motorist.
#3. It includes medical payments coverage.
If you have an accident and suffer injuries, you will likely be out of work for some time. If you are a self-employed owner-operator, then you probably won’t be entitled to workers’ compensation insurance, which means that you will not have any salary while you are not working nor any medical payments. To help you get back to work as soon as possible and to get coverage for medical bills, you need medical payments coverage. Medical payments coverage will pay for medical expenses for you and your passengers regardless of who is at fault.
These are only a few of the coverages you can consider for your trucking business. If your insurance policy does not include the right coverages, it is a good idea to talk to a company that specializes in commercial truck insurance. They understand the different types of big rig insurance and can help you find the right coverage for your needs. To get more information about 18 wheeler insurance and to find out why it’s so important to compare truck insurance quotes, contact us today. You can fill out our online quote form or give us a call.