If you plan to drive your truck, then you need to have insurance. Even if your vehicle is parked for the season, you should still have coverage to protect it in case of unexpected circumstances.
The tricky part is finding an insurance provider who offers adequate coverage at a fair rate. Hopefully, you won’t need to use your insurance anytime soon – or ever. You still have to pay your premiums which can add up quickly. Getting the best value means knowing what to look for from the moment you request a truck insurance quote.
Make sure you choose a reputable insurer who provides good service and will pay out when they should. Consider the following before asking for your first truck insurance quote.
Your Truck Insurance Quote Should Be Personalized
The amount of insurance coverage you need may not be the same as what another driver needs. The company you request a truck insurance quote from should estimate costs and limits based on your situation.
They should ask questions about your history, what you haul, the age and condition of your equipment, and how far you travel. All of these and other factors will determine how much coverage you need. If the company isn’t asking for this information, then you should be wary. All estimates should be based on your needs or you could wind up overpaying or underinsured.
Make Sure the Agent You Speak to Knows Their Coverages
Buying insurance for a truck can be more complicated than getting coverage for a car. You have to consider the higher financial risk in the event of an accident. You also have to think about what you are hauling.
Trucks can carry everything from livestock and grain to oil and hazardous materials. Some may haul heavy equipment, construction materials, or products for retail. Each of these things comes with different levels of risk and monetary values, which must be accounted for by your insurance policy.
When getting your truck insurance quote, it should be apparent that the agent you speak to knows their coverages. Many drivers require cargo coverage. Most choose $100,000, but this isn’t a one-size-fits-all amount. The coverage should be enough to cover the maximum value of whatever you haul. If it doesn’t, you could wind up in a serious financial bind later if you get into an accident.
Choose a Company That Has Been in Business a While
You need an insurance company that you know will be there for the long haul. That means finding someone with experience. Ask for truck insurance quotes from insurers that have been in business for years – the longer the better!
If you are entertaining a new provider, keep in mind that they may not be fully tested. What will you do if they go out of business? Are you sure they are competent and understand the industry enough to protect you in case of an accident?
It Should Be Easy to Review Your Policy and Get Answers
The insurance company you choose should offer good customer service and convenience. Today, many truckers rely on the internet to connect with people and services while on the road. Does the insurer you are considering offer any online or phone service? Will you be able to reach them in case of an accident?
Some truckers don’t adhere to standard business hours. Their jobs are demanding and require them to drive during off times. Some simply prefer night-time driving to busier daytime driving. If you are in an accident during off-hours, will you be able to get assistance from your insurance company?
Check out their website or request this information when asking for a truck insurance quote. It should be easy to figure out how to contact them and when you can do so. If those details aren’t easy to find, then you should look elsewhere for coverage.
The Best Truck Insurance Quote May Not Be the Cheapest
Cost is an important factor. No one wants to pay more than they have to for insurance. You work hard for your paycheck and don’t want to lose more than is necessary to stay legal and protected while on the road.
When looking for a truck insurance quote, make sure you don’t get too focused on searching for the cheapest option. Yes, it may put a smaller dent in your budget, but there’s always a downside to going cheap. If it sounds too good to be true, chances are you won’t get the coverage you need. And you may not realize it until you are in an accident and it’s too late to opt for something better.
Find a good balance between the amount you pay and the amount of coverage your policy provides. You must meet state minimums to stay legal, but that may not be all you need depending on what you haul and how far you go.
Find a Company That Specializes in Trucking Insurance
Some insurance providers offer a variety of coverage types while others are specialized. You should look for a company that specializes in trucking insurance. They will be more knowledgeable in this area and better equipped to provide what you need.
They will understand the nuances of the industry. For example, a truck insurance company knows the motor-carrier filing requirements of state agencies. They know how financially damaging being out of service can be and will send an insurance adjuster to the scene of an accident as soon as possible.
If you need trucking insurance and aren’t sure where to start, visit InsureTrucking.com or call us at 866-307-5480 to request a personalized truck insurance quote.
