Auto insurance is essential protection that all drivers need to help mitigate the risks of driving on the road with other drivers. In the event of an accident, your insurance policy will help cover the costs associated with property damage and bodily injury. Without adequate insurance coverage, you could be on the hook for significant expenses related to vehicle repairs, hospital bills, and other costs. When deciding on an insurance policy for your truck, there are a few things that you should consider.
The majority of states require that all drivers carry a minimum amount of liability insurance coverage to operate on the road legally. If you have a larger commercial truck, your state may require minimum liability coverage, and the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration might also impose federal mandates for coverage. Liability insurance, however, is the most basic form of coverage and only protects other drivers from damages that you cause. In the event of an at-fault accident, your liability insurance will not cover you or your truck. For full coverage, you might consider comprehensive and collision coverage that will take care of you and the truck no matter who is at fault.
No matter if you purchase basic liability coverage or opt for full coverage, truck insurance can be expensive. Depending on your situation, you might have significant monthly premium payments for insurance. Let’s take a look at some of the factors that will impact your truck insurance coverage.
Driving History
One of the most significant factors that impact your truck insurance rates will be your driving history. Insurance companies consider your risk as a potential policyholder when setting your rates. Your driving history is a major indicator of how well you drive. Traffic infractions and vehicle accidents on your record will increase your risk as a driver in the eyes of the insurance company. If you have several incidents, you might end up paying a pretty large monthly premium until those things come off of your record. On the other hand, those drivers with a clean record will pay some of the lowest insurance premiums available. If you have incidents on your record as a commercial truck driver, you may face even higher insurance rates.
Type of Vehicle
If you are interested in insuring a pickup truck for your private use, you will have a much lower premium rate than if you want to cover your semi-truck. This is because of the vehicle’s value and the estimated cost to replace it. No matter what type of truck you are seeking coverage for, the newer and more expensive the vehicle is, the more it will cost for insurance. Additionally, how you use your truck will also impact your rates. A personal auto policy will be cheaper than a commercial truck insurance policy because of the risks involved. A commercial truck usually carries cargo that might also need to be considered. Specialty trucks like car haulers will need specific insurance to cover their expensive cargo.
Age and Experience
The age and driving experience of the principal driver of the truck will also have a bearing on the policy and premium rate. Young drivers under the age of 25 are usually seen as having a higher risk than older, more experienced drivers. Older drivers are seen as a lower risk because they have significant experience and are thought to be better drivers. As far as commercial truck drivers are concerned, many insurance companies treat them the same way. Older drivers usually have lower premium rates than younger drivers with less experience.
Auto insurance is a legal requirement as well as a financial necessity. However, you may have to pay high premiums based on various factors. The best way to find quality truck insurance is to shop around and work with a professional who can help you get the best rates and policies.
