The Different Types of Truck Insurance

When you require a heavy duty vehicle, you need a truck. However, in order to be legal in most states, you also need insurance. When it comes to truck insurance, there are a few different options. The type of truck you have and how that truck is used will affect what type of insurance you need.

Here’s a look at the different options you can consider, as well as some information about the difference between insuring a car and a truck.

Car Vs. Truck Insurance

In general, insurance for a truck will cost more than insurance for a car. The main reason for this is that trucks are used in a much different and more extensive way than cars are. Many of these uses put a truck at greater risk of damage and therefore an increased chance of a claim being made. For example, trucks are often used to haul materials or pull a trailer. They may be used in business to haul tools, supplies or equipment. If an accident were to happen while a truck was hauling items or a trailer, this would increase the claim amount, so a truck is considered higher risk and owners are charged more for insurance.

Commercial Use

If you use your truck for business, then you’ll need commercial insurance. This could be adjusted to include coverage for equipment that is fixed on the truck or for items being carried in it. If you operate a snowplow, then coverage could extend to the plow and give you higher limits in case you cause damage to someone else’s property or get into an accident. The same typically applies if you have a tow truck or a box truck.  You would want higher coverage in these cases because if your truck were damaged in an accident, it would also affect your business.

You may also get special coverage if you drive a dump truck. This coverage will protect you if you have a spill or cause damage to another person’s property, along with more general coverage for injuries and collisions. Depending on what you are hauling in a truck, you may be required to have specialty coverage.

In addition, if you are only using your truck in certain seasons, like winter for a snowplow, and storing it the rest of the year, then you may be able to lower your coverage in the off months and save on insurance costs. Certain trucks may also have state minimum coverage that it required by law, so it is important to check on carinsurancecheap.net for coverage in your state.

Personal Use

If you use your truck solely for personal use, then you would need insurance that is similar to what you would carry on a car. You can choose between liability or comprehensive and collision. Most states require liability, which will pay for damage to other people’s property and injuries. Comprehensive and collision will protect you and your property in an accident or in cases of non-accident damage. The main difference, though, between car insurance and truck insurance is that trucks are rated differently.

Tips

While you will likely want to get the most affordable option in insurance coverage, it’s important not to skimp on coverage. After all, you want to make sure that you have enough coverage that if you get into an accident or otherwise have your truck damaged that you would be able to afford any liability. If you don’t get enough coverage, you could be left holding the bill for damage you did to someone’s property or medical bills they accrued because of an accident you caused. In addition, if you need your truck for work, it is essential to make sure you are well covered so you can easily get your truck repaired or replaced if needed.

It’s also important that you shop around and compare rates from different companies. This is the best way to find the best value. You can compare your options and find a company that gives you insurance you can afford and coverage that will work for your situation.

Truck insurance is a little different from car insurance. If you haven’t owned a truck before or you are starting a business using your truck, then it helps to learn a little about how it is different and what to expect.