Are you a truck driver looking for semi truck insurance? If so, you’re not alone! With the cost of fuel and other expenses related to operating a commercial truck, finding the right insurance coverage can add an extra burden of worry. But figuring out the cost of semi truck insurance doesn’t have to be a daunting task.
In this article, we’ll walk you through what factors affect an average semi truck insurance cost per month. From understanding policy types and coverage limits to selecting deductibles and endorsements that fit your needs, we’ll help you make smarter decisions about semi truck insurance. We’ll also provide tips for shopping around for the best rates so you can find the perfect policy that fits your budget.
What Are Semi Trucks?
If you’re a trucking business owner, the term “semi truck” may be familiar to you. But if you’re new to the trucking industry, it can seem like a foreign concept.
So let’s break it down for you. A semi-truck is a combination of a tractor unit and one or more semi-trailers that are used by commercial carriers to transport freight. These large vehicles have a manufacturer’s gross vehicle weight rating (GVWR) of 10,000 pounds or more and are sometimes referred to as semitrailers and big rigs. They are easily recognizable due to their distinct size—and they can be seen on highways all across the United States and Canada.
It’s important to note that the term “semi-truck” usually refers to the actual truck or tractor, which contains the engine, cab, and chassis. The trailer or cargo area is usually referred to as the “trailer” or “pup trailer,” although there are various types of trailers available depending on what type of freight is being hauled.
What Are the Costs of Semi Truck Insurance?
If you’re a professional truck driver, you may be wondering how much average semi truck insurance costs per month. The amount you’ll ultimately pay will depend on factors such as the type of coverage and your driving record, but there are some key elements you should know before making any decisions.
To start, you’ll need to purchase liability coverage as required by law. Liability covers bodily injury and property damage caused when you’re at fault in an accident. While the exact limits of coverage vary by state, you can expect to pay anywhere from $100 to $500 or more each month for this protection.
Next, there’s cargo coverage that safeguards goods from damage or theft while in transit. Depending on the value of the goods transported and other factors such as transit distance, cargo coverage can cost from a few hundred up to thousands per month.
Finally, consider physical damage insurance for your semi-truck itself. This pays for repairs to your vehicle in the event of an accident or other catastrophic event like a fire or flood. Depending on the size and age of your truck(s), it can cost anywhere from several hundred to thousands of dollars a month for such insurance. With this data in hand, now you can make an informed decision about the average semi truck insurance cost per month that is right for your business!
What Factors Affect Semi Truck Insurance Costs?
When trying to calculate the average semi truck insurance cost per month, there are a number of factors that should be taken into account. These include the age and experience of the truck drivers, any accidents or claims they may have had in the past, and whether or not they have any previous coverage.
Age & Experience
The age and experience of truck drivers often play a role in determining the cost of semi truck insurance. Generally, younger and less experienced drivers will end up paying more for their insurance than an older, more experienced driver would.
Accident History
Accident history is also taken into consideration when calculating costs for semi truck insurance. Drivers who have a good track record with no accidents on their record will typically pay lower premiums than drivers who have had accidents or filed claims in the past.
Previous Coverage
Finally, a driver’s history with previous insurers can affect the cost of semi truck insurance. If a driver has consistently maintained coverage over time without any gaps or lapses in coverage, this could result in a lower premium due to their good standing with the insurer.
What state has the cheapest semi-insurance?
Did you know that the state of Mississippi has the cheapest commercial truck insurance rates in the US? That’s right – according to recent research, Mississippi has insurance rates for semi-trucks that are four times lower than other states.
The exact numbers? Mississippi’s semi truck insurance rates come in at $4664 with USDOT and $3552 without USDOT. That’s incredibly lower than other states, which typically hover around around the range of $16000 to almost $20000 per year.
It also means that Mississippi is definitely a good place to look for commercial truck insurance if cost savings is your main concern. With its rates being so much lower than others, it could be a great way to keep your expenses low while still getting coverage.
What is trucking physical damage insurance?
Physical Damage Insurance is the most important coverage you can get for your semi truck and trailer. It covers repair or replacement of any damaged tractors and trailers and includes a range of coverage options. Collision insurance is the most common, but Physical Damage Insurance also covers Comprehensive, Fire or Explosion, Theft, Windstorm, Hail, Earthquake, Flood and Vandalism.
Physical Damage Insurance pays for losses to your owned or leased trucking equipment that are damaged in a crash. This type of insurance is essential for any semi truck driver as it helps protect their property from costly damage and repairs. The cost for Physical Damage Insurance varies depending on the type of vehicle being insured and the coverage needed, but typically ranges from around $45 to $250 per month.
How Can You Save Money on Semi Truck Insurance?
In addition to monitoring the market for competitive prices, there are a few ways you can save money on your semi truck insurance.
One way is to take advantage of discounts for safe driving and longtime customers. For instance, if you’ve maintained continuous insurance coverage with the same provider, you may be eligible for a 15% reduction in your annual premium.
You can also opt for a dynamic pricing policy that is tailored specifically to the trucking industry. This type of policy can give you more control over the rate you pay by giving you the flexibility to select your own coverage limits and terms that best meet your specific needs.
Additionally, some providers may offer discounts for good driving records or additional safety measures taken on your truck such as having anti-theft devices installed or taking defensive driving courses. Asking about these discounts on every policy renewal could help you get a better deal each year as well.
How Do You Choose the Right Coverage for Your Semi Truck?
Choosing the right coverage for your semi truck is an important decision. The Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration requires at least $750,000 in insurance coverage and the best commercial truck insurance companies are based on cost, coverage, reviews and more.
So what types of coverage should you look for when choosing semi truck insurance? Here are some common coverages that you may want to consider:
- Liability Coverage: This covers if you’re legally responsible for damage caused by an accident while driving your semi truck.
- Physical Injury Coverage: This covers any medical bills from injuries suffered by another person involved in an accident with your semi truck.
- Natural Catastrophes Coverage: This covers damage done by hail, wind, lightning and other natural disasters to your semi truck
- Bobtail Coverage: This covers accidents that occur when the trailer isn’t connected to the tractor or when it’s being towed behind another vehicle.
- General Liability Coverage: This covers any third party claims against you or your business, such as property damage or bodily injury claims caused by the use of your semi truck.
By doing research and understanding what coverage is best for your business and budget, you can ensure that you’re always covered in case of an unexpected event involving your semi truck.
What Are the Alternatives to Traditional Semi Truck Insurance?
When it comes to truck insurance, you have options. You could opt for the traditional route and get coverage from an insurance company, or you might look into alternative options. Let’s take a look at some of the alternatives to semi-truck insurance.
Ride-Sharing Insurance
Ride-sharing companies such as Uber, Lyft and Sidecar offer certain kinds of commercial policies for their drivers – and that includes truckers. These policies are typically more affordable than traditional insurance, but they don’t include most states’ commercial trucking required coverage. So before you go this route, make sure to do your research and be aware of any state-specific regulations that must be met to legally operate a semi-truck.
Fleet Insurance
If you own multiple trucks or employ other drivers, fleet insurance can be a good option for trucking companies. This is a type of commercial business policy which can cover multiple types of vehicles in one policy for an affordable premium rate – and some have added benefits such as roadside assistance programs. It’s important to note though that fleet coverage typically isn’t sufficient when driving across state lines due to its limited scope.
Self-Insurance
This option involves setting aside funds in order to pay for claims filed directly against your company rather than paying high premiums each month to an insurer. This option is best suited for larger operations who can afford up front costs, as self-insurance may not provide the best protection against losses due to unpredictable circumstances such as natural disasters or injuries sustained by employees during work hours.
Conclusion
Ultimately, the cost of semi truck insurance depends on the coverage, the driver’s experience, the amount of the deductible chosen, and other factors. Shopping around can help you find the best and most affordable coverage to meet your needs. If you want to keep your monthly semi truck insurance costs low, make sure to compare quotes from multiple providers and look for discounts that can help you save. Additionally, consider increasing the deductible to help reduce the premium – just make sure you can cover the cost of that deductible should you need to file a claim.