11/10/23
Insights into Commercial Truck Insurance & How We Help Streamline the Insurance Process in Our Body Shop
When the time comes for a repair, our state-of-the-art body shop is here for you; we even collaborate with your insurance provider to make the process as seamless as possible.
Parts & Service
In the world of commercial trucking, safety and protection are paramount. Whether you are a seasoned trucker or just bought your first semi truck, understanding the intricacies of commercial truck insurance is essential to safeguarding your business. When the time comes for a repair, our state-of-the-art body shop at Birmingham Freightliner & Western Star is here for you; we even collaborate with your insurance provider to make the process as seamless as possible to ensure minimal downtime and peace of mind. Read on to explore the world of commercial truck insurance and how we can help.
What is commercial truck insurance?
Commercial truck insurance can cover various types of vehicles, such as delivery trucks, tractor-trailers, dump trucks, tow trucks, and more. The insurance provides coverage for the unique risks and liabilities associated with commercial trucking operations. Key components of commercial truck insurance includes: liability coverage, physical damage coverage, cargo insurance, comprehensive coverage, collision coverage, uninsured/underinsured motorist coverage, medical payments coverage, non-trucking liability, and bobtail insurance. Commercial truck insurance premiums can vary widely based on factors such as the type of truck, its usage, the cargo it carries, the driver's experience, and the coverage limits chosen.
When choosing an insurance, truckers should carefully assess their insurance needs and choose the appropriate coverage to protect their assets and mitigate potential liabilities associated with their commercial trucking operations. Also to note, you will need to choose insurance that complies with state and federal regulations.
What does physical damage insurance cover on a semi truck?
Physical damage insurance for a semi-truck provides coverage for the cost of repairing or replacing the insured truck in the event of damage or loss and typically involves a deductible. Physical damage insurance typically includes two primary components:
Collision Coverage
- If the semi-truck is damaged in a collision, this coverage will pay for the necessary repairs or, if the truck is deemed a total loss, the cost of replacing the vehicle, up to the policy's limits. The type of collision covered includes accidents involving other vehicles on the road, hitting stationary objects like guardrails or telephone poles, or overturning.
Comprehensive Coverage
- This type of coverage provides protection for non-collision related damage to the semi truck like theft or vandalism, fire, natural disasters, animal collisions, weather-related damage, and broken glass.
How much does commercial truck insurance cost?
The cost of commercial truck insurance can vary widely based on several factors. Insurance providers consider various elements when determining the premium for commercial truck insurance policies. These factors include:
- Type of truck
- Cargo
- Usage
- Coverage Limits
- Deductibles
- Driver’s Experience & Record
- Location
- Claims History
- Safety Measures
- Insurance Company Being Used
With so many different factors weighing into the cost of commercial truck insurance, it is difficult to provide a specific cost for commercial truck insurance without detailed information about your specific situation. As a very rough estimate, commercial truck insurance premiums can range from several thousand dollars to tens of thousands of dollars or more per year, depending on the factors mentioned above.
How can Birmingham Freightliner & Western Star’s body shop help with the insurance process?
Once given the customers’ insurance info, we can help speed the process up by working closely with the insurance company. We aim to make the process as smooth as possible for truck drivers by handling the estimates and working with adjusters and appraisers on behalf of our customers. Birmingham Freightliner & Western Star locations are listed as “Network Approved Repair Facilities” for most of the larger insurance companies and there are agreed processes in place to make it easy for the customers and minimize downtime.