Types Of Commercial Trailers To Insure
If your company requires the use of trailers for business purposes, trailer insurance is a must. Driving with a trailer, especially for commercial purposes, carries with it a load of risks. Protect yourself and your business, and make sure your commercial auto insurance policy includes trailer insurance.
Who Needs Trailer Insurance
As stated above, if you use a trailer for business purposes, you need trailer insurance.
You will find that most commercial auto insurance companies will provide trailer insurance for the following types of trailers:
- Travel trailer.
- Utility trailer.
- Concession trailer.
- Auto hauler.
- Horse trailer.
- Livestock trailer.
- Bottom up or side dump trailer.
- Day freight trailer.
- Refrigerated dry freight trailer.
- Tank trailer.
- Dump body trailer or transfer box.
- Gooseneck trailer.
- Logging trailer.
- Lowboy trailer.
- Pole trailer.
- Tilt trailer.
- Flatbed trailer.
- Bulk commodity trailer.
- Semi trailer.
Cargo Insurance
If you are a for-hire driver or transportation company, and you use a trailer to haul your customers' cargo, you will also need to purchase cargo insurance.
Trailer insurance will not cover your clients' cargo. Damage to cargo can be potentially devastating to your bottom line. Having cargo insurance as part of your commercial auto insurance policy can help protect you from the financial risks involved in transporting cargo.
Aside from the obvious benefits, this type of coverage may be required by state and federal laws for your business type. Ask your commercial insurance agent for more information on any cargo insurance requirements.
Purchasing Trailer Insurance
As with other types of commercial auto insurance, shopping for trailer insurance can seem like a daunting task. When it comes to your business, you need to make sure you have optimal protection at an optimal price. Fortunately, you have more than one option when it comes to purchasing trailer insurance.
Commercial Auto Insurance Quotes
As you are shopping for the best commercial insurance policy, remember to inquire about trailer insurance as you are getting quotes. Most commercial auto insurance companies also offer commercial trailer insurance.
Remember, when shopping for insurance, it is always a good idea to get several quotes before making your final decision.
Rates
Because commercial car insurance typically offers more coverage than your personal car insurance policy, it is also more costly than a personal insurance policy. That said, having an established commercial auto insurance policy is vital to protecting your business from financial hardship in the event of an auto accident.
You commercial auto insurance rate depends on several factors, to include:
- The trailer’s make and model.
- The types of material the trailer carries.
- Annual mileage.
- Trailer location and destinations.
- Drivers’ ages and personal driving records.
- Drivers' license types.
Commercial Trailer Insurance Discounts
The discounts provided for commercial insurance policies vary by company, but many insurance companies offer a discounted rate for:
- Hiring drivers older than 25 years old.
- Hiring drivers with valid CDLs.
- Insuring a trailer with a reliable make and model.
- Driving in areas considered safe or with low crime rates.
Also, if you have a preexisting personal auto insurance policy, you might be eligible for a commercial insurance discount if you insure your commercial vehicle with the same provider.