Trucking Insurance in Macon, GA
All owner-operators and trucking companies must carry commercial auto insurance with adequate liability coverage. This insurance helps protect the owner-operator or motor carrier from liability lawsuits if the truck driver causes an accident resulting in third-party injuries or property damage.
Contact us today to learn more about the commercial truck insurance your organization needs and get a personalized quote.
Why Do Truck Drivers Need Commercial Truck Insurance?
Federal law requires motor carriers and owner-operators to purchase public liability insurance for their DOT-regulated commercial motor vehicles. However, regardless of DOT regulations, most states require all tractor trailers to have commercial auto coverage, even for leased units. Your options for commercial truck depend on the needs of your trucking business, the truck driver and the type of goods you haul.
Commercial Trucking Insurance Coverage
The liability insurance portion of a trucking insurance policy helps pay for third-party injuries and property damage caused by the truck driver. With a commercial liability policy, there are two types of liability coverage:
- Bodily injury liability insurance helps cover medical bills if other people involved in the accident are injured and the tractor trailer driver is at fault.
- Property damage liability insurance helps pay to repair or replace someone else’s property after an accident caused by a commercial truck driver.
An independent insurance agent can help you determine which types and amounts of insurance may best serve your trucking business. They can help you choose from several commercial truck insurance providers. Your agent may also recommend additional commercial truck policies to help protect your business.
Other coverages under commercial auto insurance include:
- Comprehensive insurance. This coverage may help pay for damages to the tractor trailer unrelated to an accident, such as weather damage, fire or vandalism.
- Collision insurance. This policy may help repair or replace the tractor trailer after an accident.
- Medical payments. This coverage may help cover medical bills up to a specific dollar limit if a passenger or the tractor trailer driver is injured in an accident. It could also cover lost income.
- Uninsured/underinsured motorist insurance. This policy may help pay to repair or replace a tractor trailer after an accident caused by an uninsured or underinsured third party.
What Types of Commercial Truck Insurance Are Available for Tractor Trailer Drivers?
Your agent may recommend the following additional commercial trucking insurance policies, depending on your situation:
- Trailer interchange. This policy helps pay to repair or replace a trailer when someone other than the owner uses it.
- Bobtail. This policy helps cover damages caused when the truck does not have a trailer attached
- Cargo insurance. This policy helps cover financial loss incurred from damaged or lost cargo.
What Does Trucking Insurance Typically Include?
Trucking policies are usually built from several parts that address the risks haulers face on the road. Common options include primary liability, physical damage, cargo and general liability, though the details depend on the carrier and the policy terms. Some operations also look at add-ons such as trailer interchange or occupational accident. An agent can explain which options may be a good fit for a particular fleet.
Who Needs Trucking Insurance?
Owner-operators, small fleets and large carriers all tend to need a policy in place before they haul freight. Brokers, shippers and regulators often ask for proof of insurance before a truck can operate. Businesses operating routes through Macon, GA may find that requirements vary by freight type and distance traveled.
What Factors Affect the Cost of Trucking Insurance?
Several details shape what a business may pay for a trucking policy. Carriers often review driving records, claims history, the type of cargo and the age and value of each vehicle. The operating radius and the number of trucks on the road can also influence pricing. An agent can walk through these factors and discuss ways to approach the renewal process.
Get the Trucking Insurance You Need Today
At Tidwell and Hilburn Insurance, Inc., we understand that tractor trailer owners and drivers have specific insurance needs. Contact us today to learn more about how insurance can help provide financial protection for your trucking operation and to get a quote for truck insurance.