If you are a commercial truck driver who simply has liability insurance, you may not be receiving all the coverage you want. A lot can happen during a job which may not be addressed by your primary liability.
Although liability insurance is a fantastic method to stop suits on your self from others, it simply pays for damages to another motorists' property and injury. What about your rig? What about your body?
Any number of damages can be inflicted on your trucks, your trailers, and even your cargo. Just because they aren't out on the highway, that doesn't mean they aren't vulnerable.
If you are looking to cover your own damages in these events, you will need to purchase some optional types of coverage. Generally, drivers want to have coverage for both their property (the rig), and themselves in the event of bodily harm. Listed below are the more common types of truck insurance that truck drivers choose to protect their property and their wallets.
Physical Damage Insurance
This covers damage to your own vehicle that may occur in an accident. This coverage is extended whether or not you are found to be at fault in the situation. You can also find physical damage coverage that will cover you when the truck is non-operational. This type of truck insurance is great for peace of mind. Physical damage insurance takes care of your truck; plain and simple. It can be your fault. It can be your dog's fault. It can be nature's fault. For whatever reason, no matter whose fault, physical damage insurance will repair or replace your property and beloved truck.
Trailer Interchange Insurance
This type of truck insurance ensures that independents and large companies alike are covered when making trailer interchange agreements with other companies or operators to save on fuel and other costs. It covers the driver or company in the event of an accident or damage to the other company or driver's goods. It's similar to cargo insurance, but with trailer interchange insurance, more than one company or driver is involved. This is a useful type of insurance for keeping good business relations between freight companies.
A Note For Independent Owner/Operators
Bobtail insurance is a type of truck insurance that covers independent drivers when they are not actively in the employ of a motor carrier. Oftentimes truck drivers are off the clock, or have completed their work, but are still driving the truck. Bobtail insurance covers truck drivers for these "in between" times when the employer's coverage is not in effect. It allows drivers to remain insured when not insured by employers without needing to buy their very own complete main liability coverage. Bobtail insurance is similar to have insurance coverage only when you require it and are not covered by someone else.