Box trucks are a game changer in the short-haul transportation industry. This is how it works, a box truck will pick up loads from warehouses, distributors, and depots and deliver them to their specified drop-off location.
Since these trucks typically haul expensive materials and equipment, they need to be adequately insured in case of an accident or collision. In the event of a loss, being underinsured can put you in a difficult situation where you end up in deep financial trouble.
Additionally, the insurance sector is regulated by the government and some form of liability coverage is required for transportation businesses. This is because truck drivers experience more risk due to the nature of the job and the size of their vehicle. Not to mention, it’s difficult navigating a commercial motor vehicle on congested highways with reckless drivers present.
What’s a Box Truck?
Box trucks are enclosed vehicles that are typically 13 to 25 feet long. They consist of a cab and a cube-shaped cargo space that can be accessed through a roll-up rear door.
Other names for a box truck include:
- Rolling toaster
- Cube truck
- Cube van
- Straight truck
- Box van
Who Needs Box Truck Insurance?
As previously said, operating a box truck entails carrying the minimum amount of insurance coverage necessary by law. Each state sets forth their own requirements in regards to liability coverage and you must adhere to them if you wish to remain operational.
Even though some of the other coverage options available are optional, they’re nonetheless vitally important. Since there’s a lot of risk in the transportation business, you’ll need optimal protection.
Regardless of whether you’re an owner-operator or operate under someone else’s authority, you’ll need box truck insurance.
Here’s a list of some companies that often employ box trucks:
- Transportation companies
- Wholesale and retail distributors
- Couriers
- Furniture delivery companies
- Movers
- Builders and contractors
What’s Covered?
Because every trucking business is different, they all require insurance plans that are tailored exclusively to them. The hazards that exist can be reduced with the appropriate insurance coverage.
The following are the primary coverages:
- Bodily injury liability: This can assist in paying for the individual (or people) you have wounded in an accident.
- Property damage liability: If you damage or destroy someone else’s property, this coverage will help cover the costs that you’re required by law to pay.
Additional coverages you can opt for include:
- Collision and comprehensive
- Cargo insurance
- Non-trucking liability
- Trucker’s general liability
What Affects the Cost?
- Your drivers: Their age and experience can greatly impact your rates
- Your truck: Your box truck’s value and the year, make, and model can affect your premium costs.
- How many trucks you have: More trucks means higher rates.
- Traffic violations: DUIs, speeding tickets, and such drive up the costs to insure your vehicle.
- Accidents/claims: More accidents means more risk.
- What you haul: High risk loads means expensive cargo insurance costs.
- Your location: High crime and heavly congested areas add more risk.
Bottom Line
If an unforeseen incident arises, box truck insurance can prevent your truck and your company from suffering significant financial losses. Therefore, you should be aware of the regulations pertaining to minimum insurance if you own a box truck or use one while operating under someone else’s control.
Glance at some of the commercial truck insurance options we have available. In this manner, you may relax knowing that your commercial vehicles are properly protected. Give us a call or fill out our online form is you wish to get a truck insurance quote.
Curious on how much box truck insurance costs? Take a look at our blog for more information.
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