Commercial truck insurance is an important part of any commercial trucking business. While a major upfront expense, commercial truck insurance protects the business in the case of an accident. There are a lot of options available. Learn more about the different types of commercial auto insurance to see what you should get. 

Primary Auto Liability

Primary auto liability insurance covers damage caused by a commercial truck to another vehicle up to a certain amount. For example, after an accident caused by the truck driver, the insurance will pay the cost of the other car's repair and the driver's medical bills. Primary auto liability insurance doesn't cover the truck on the policy. 

Primary auto liability is required in all 50 states, but the minimal coverage varies based on location, vehicle types, industry, and vehicle use. All additional coverage builds off of the primary auto coverage. 

Physical Damage

Physical damage insurance covers the truck in the case of physical damage, such as collision damage or vandalism. Some policies will also cover damage caused by natural disasters and theft. Physical damage covers up to the value of the vehicle on the policy. 

Medical Payment

Medical payment insurance covers the driver and passengers in the case of physical injury while operating the vehicle. The policy covers up to a certain amount, set by the policy owner. This policy does not cover drivers and passengers in other vehicles. 

Cargo

Cargo insurance covers the cargo in the back of the truck. This insurance protects fleet owners who move cargo for third parties in the case that the client's cargo becomes damaged or lost during the trip. Premiums vary based on the cargo in question. Valuable items and hazardous items will require a higher premium every month. Keep in mind that if you are pulling a third-party trailer, you will need trailer interchange insurance to cover damage to that additional trailer. 

Bobtail 

Bobtail insurance covers the truck when someone drives it off the clock. The primary liability coverage covers the cost of damage while the vehicle is being used as a commercial vehicle, but it doesn't cover the truck as a personal vehicle. Bobtail insurance takes over once the driver clocks out for the day. 

Rental Reimbursement

Truck rental can get expensive, but many fleet owners don't have a choice when they must meet a deadline. Truck rental allows business operations to continue when a truck goes out of commission unexpectedly. When a truck goes in for repair, rental reimbursement will cover the cost of truck rentals while you wait for the shop to complete the repairs. 

For more information, contact a commercial truck insurance company near you.