Flatbed trucks are larger than normal trucks that carry heavy loads, including heavy machinery, steel, vehicles, and more. Because of a flatbed’s payload and its design, the goods that are being shipped are more vulnerable to external exposures, and the trucks themselves are inherently more of a liability on the road when it comes to overall safety and risk.
From potholes to bumpy roads and sudden stops in traffic, flatbed trucks can create a lot more unique risk compared to other trucks on the road. Fortunately, flatbed truck insurance can be purchased and installed to protect not only the drivers and the trucking company but also the cargo being trucked and others on the road.
Here are some things to consider when it comes to insuring flatbed trucks.
Auto Liability Insurance
Having auto liability insurance helps cover legal obligations to other drivers on the road when an accident occurs. This kind of insurance can help cover legal expenses if extreme cases are brought up, like being sued. This kind of truck insurance contains two different policies, including bodily injury and property damage.
For bodily injury, this form of liability coverage covers the medical expenses, lost wages, and pain of the other driver or drivers involved. For property damage, this liability covers the repair or replacement of the other driver’s vehicle if a truck driver is found to be at-fault in an accident. This also covers other property that may have been damaged in an accident, including buildings.
Physical Damage
Having auto liability insurance will protect other drivers on the road and the financials of the person or company that has the insurance. However, it won’t cover damages to a truck if an accident occurs or if something else happens to it. That’s where physical damage comes in to help. This is the kind of trucking insurance that will help to protect the overall investment in the truck.
For physical damage, you can go two routes, including collision and comprehensive coverage. For collision coverage, this helps when it comes to replacing or repairing your flatbed truck if you’re in an accident or if the truck is damaged by running into something. For comprehensive coverage, this can help with repairing or replacing a truck is needed due to something other than an accident damaging it, such as a fire, vandalism, falling objects, or animals.
General Liability
Trucker’s general liability insurance can help to protect against claims of bodily injury or property damage caused by the typical daily use of a truck for business purposes. This coverage can help when claims are made against a driver or your business for the services you provide. From loading at a dock to work at a job site, having general liability is a basic first line of defense when it comes to protecting your business.
Cargo Insurance
Beyond protecting against people or buildings, flatbed truck insurance should also be purchased to protect the cargo involved in everyday business. The loads that are being carried are valuable as well as hefty and awkward to load. Cargo insurance is an option to add on that protects the loads of cargo you’re hauling against things like theft, fire, or collision.
About Western Truck Insurance Services
Western Truck Insurance Services is a commercial truck insurance agency with roots dating back to 1954. We have evolved into a highly respected, professionally managed, truck and transportation insurance brokerage. The hallmark of our organization is our desire to provide unparalleled service. We go way beyond what you expect to receive from an insurance brokerage. Equipped with state of the art automation, Western Truck Insurance can provide you with lightning fast truck insurance quotes, customer service, Insurance certificates, and coverage changes.