Do you want to ensure your assets are safe and secure while traveling? Do you want to buy commercial truck insurance but need to figure out what you need?
You’re not alone. A commercial truck driver need insurance as they travel to protect their vehicles and cargo. The only downside? You may need help figuring out where to begin.
Never worry again; we’re here to help you. We’re breaking down everything you need to know, including insurance coverage and insurance to gadgets.
Table of Contents
The Types of Insurance You Need
As a commercial truck driver, there are a few things you need to keep in mind to protect yourself, your truck, and your cargo. One of the most important things is insurance. Here are some types of insurance you may need as a commercial truck driver:
Liability Insurance
As a commercial truck driver, this is the most important type of insurance you need. It covers any damage your truck does to other cars or property while you’re driving it.
Most liability insurance has two types of coverage: coverage for injuries to people and property damage. Body injury liability pays for medical bills, lost wages, and other costs from injuries you cause to other people.
Your property damage liability pays for any damage you cause to other people’s cars or property in an accident. Most states require liability insurance, which you need to protect your finances in case of an accident.
Cargo Insurance
Cargo insurance protects your goods in case they get damaged or lost on the way. This insurance is especially important if you transport expensive or fragile goods, like electronics or medicines.
Cargo insurance can cover the cost of replacing or fixing damaged goods and any lost profits caused by the damage or loss. Depending on what you’re hauling, you may need to buy extra insurance, like cargo insurance that must be kept at a certain temperature or for hazardous materials.
Physical Damage Insurance
Physical damage insurance covers the cost of repairs to your truck in case it’s damaged in an accident or any other incident. This includes collision coverage, which covers damages resulting from a collision with another vehicle or object, and comprehensive coverage, which covers damages from non-collision incidents such as theft, vandalism, or weather-related damage.
Physical damage insurance is typically optional, but it’s highly recommended for protecting the value of your truck. With physical damage insurance, you can have peace of mind knowing that you have reliable semi truck services to help repair your vehicle if it gets damaged on the road.
Bobtail Insurance
Your truck is covered by bobtail insurance when it is being driven without a trailer. This is important for owner-operators who use their truck for personal things when not hauling cargo.
Bobtail insurance can cover liability, physical damage, and drivers who aren’t insured or don’t have enough insurance. This kind of insurance is not legally required, but your trucking or leasing company may ask you to get it.
Non-Trucking Liability Insurance
Non-trucking liability insurance covers your truck when you’re not using it for trucking business, like driving a truck to and from your home. This insurance covers any damage you might cause while driving your truck for reasons other than work. Companies that lease their vehicles to drivers or trucking companies that do so usually require drivers to have liability insurance that doesn’t cover trucking.
Different Types of Gadgets You Need
Apart from insurance, a few gadgets can be useful for commercial truck drivers. These include:
GPS Device
A GPS device is a must-have for commercial truck drivers who often take routes they have never been on before. These devices can help drivers avoid traffic and road closures by giving them step-by-step directions.
GPS devices for commercial truck drivers can also tell drivers about bridge heights, weight limits, and other things that could get in the way of their routes. They can also help drivers determine the best routes for saving time and money on gas.
Dashcam
A dashcam is an important tool for commercial truck drivers who want to record any accidents or other incidents while on the road. In the event of an accident, these devices can help protect drivers from false claims of fault or liability.
Some dashcams can also help fleet managers keep an eye on the safety of their drivers and stream live video. Dashcams can help trucking companies find ways to improve driver performance and streamline their operations, in addition to making the roads safer.
Bluetooth Headset
A Bluetooth headset is a safe and easy way for commercial truck drivers to make and take calls on the road. These devices let drivers talk to dispatch, clients, or family members while keeping their hands on the wheel and eyes on the road. Bluetooth headsets can also make drivers less tired because they don’t have to hold or use a speakerphone.
Portable Air Compressor
A portable air compressor is a useful tool for commercial truck drivers who need to inflate their tires on the road. These devices can save drivers time and money by allowing them to quickly inflate a tire instead of finding a service station or repair shop. Portable air compressors can also power pneumatic tools and inflate equipment like air mattresses or sports balls.
Electronic Logging Device (ELD)
An ELD is a digital tool that helps commercial truck drivers comply with federal regulations regarding hours of service. ELDs automatically record and track a driver’s service hours, eliminating the need for manual paper logs. These devices can also help drivers avoid violations and ensure enough rest time to operate their vehicles safely.
ELDs can also provide insights into driver behavior and performance, helping trucking companies optimize their operations.
The Best Protection on the Road for a Commercial Truck Driver
With so many items, becoming overwhelmed as a commercial truck driver is easy. Make sure to take inventory of what you need and get the best insurance and gadgets for the job.
Research is key when looking for the best products and prices to become a commercial truck driver. Get out there and start making money as safely and efficiently as possible!
Did you find this article helpful? If so, be sure to check out our blog for more informative content like this.
