Trucking is a major component of the shipping and transportation industry in America’s Southwest. Whether you haul loads a few hundred miles or criss-cross the country for days at a time, there are risks associated with being on the road. At Harnish Insurance, we help truck drivers in Mesa and throughout the state of Arizona find coverage for 18-wheelers, freight trucks, flatbed trucks, and other commercialized trucks – whether you are a private carrier, own a for-hire trucking business, or serve as an owner-operator.
Arizona Trucking Insurance for Private Carriers
Private carriers invest a lot in business startup and maintenance costs. You depend on your own truck for your livelihood, hauling goods on behalf of your employer or your business. That means you need insurance that goes the extra mile to protect both you and your truck against potential loss. Although coverage needs can vary depending on your circumstances, private carriers generally benefit from:
Collision and Comprehensive Insurance
This coverage helps compensate you for physical damages to your truck, whether due to an accident or hail damage in a storm. Claims against collision and comprehensive insurance are usually subject to a deductible.
Liability Insurance
This insurance is required by law to operate a motor vehicle in the State of Arizona and other states across the U.S. It helps pay for third-party property damages and injury-related expenses if you are at-fault for an accident involving your truck. It can also help cover your legal fees if you are sued.
Medical Payments Coverage
This type of coverage is designed to pay for your medical bills and those of your passengers if you are injured in a trucking accident. Although limited, it may be enough to cover your health insurance deductible or an emergency room visit after a collision.
Arizona Coverage for Owner-Operators
As an owner-operator, you may operate under your own authority, or you may instead operate on permanent lease to a motor carrier. Either way, you will need your own insurance, and we here at Harnish Insurance can help you determine which coverage types are right for you. For example, if your motor-carrier supplies your liability insurance while you are on the job, we can help you find coverages for everything else, including your truck and your liability when you are driving your truck but not working. If you operate a business and work under your own authority, your coverage needs are probably more extensive, requiring insurance for your cargo loads, trucking liability, general liability, and more.
Motor-Carrier Insurance
Motor-carrier insurance is often used to protect independent contractors, including those who as for-hire motor-carriers, private motor-carriers, or a combination of the two. That means you likely need a broad range of coverage types, including physical damages insurance for your truck and medical payments coverage for you and your passengers. In addition, your motor-carrier insurance may include:
Liability Insurance
All drivers in Arizona must have liability insurance – including truckers. If you drive a big rig, you tower over most other vehicles on the highway. If you cause a collision, it could lead to extensive property damages and serious or potentially fatal injuries. The cost of trucking lawsuits can add up quickly, which is why you need quality liability insurance you can rely on. Whether you lose control of your truck or hit an overpass with low clearance, make sure you are protected against costly litigation, judgments, and settlements.
Non-Trucking Liability Insurance
This insurance is specifically designed to protect you against bodily injury and property damage liability that occurs when you are commuting or driving your truck for private purposes.
Cargo Insurance
Imagine picking up a load and never delivering it to its intended destination. The company that hired you depends on you to deliver the goods in your cargo. Whether your truck catches fire or the cargo is damaged in a collision, make sure it is protected while in transit.
Uninsured/Underinsured Motorist
As a truck driver, you know the dangers of being on the road. Despite being cautious behind the wheel, the actions of other drivers can put you at risk, too. If an uninsured driver injures you or your passengers, uninsured motorist insurance can help cover your personal losses. You can also include underinsured motorist coverage, which helps to fill in coverage gaps when an at-fault driver has too little insurance to cover your losses.
Trucking Insurance Quotes
Whether you need private truck insurance, motor carrier insurance, or simply want to talk to an agent about what types of coverage you may need for your unique situation, Harnish Insurance can help. As a local, independent agency, we work with truckers in the greater Mesa area to find a high-quality and reliable coverage that protects owners and drivers and also upholds the requirements of lease agreements and state laws.
Trucking insurance premiums can vary depending on the truck you drive, the number of miles you drive, the type of loads you haul, and driving and accident records. You need reliable insurance you can count on without breaking the bank. At Harnish Insurance, we shop and compare coverage to find the protection you need at competitive rates that protect your bottom line.
As a trucker, you need to know what’s in your insurance policies and the types of risks you face day-to-day. Choose an independent agent who can answer your questions, provide recommendations, and offer support for years to come. To find out more about trucking insurance in Mesa, Arizona, or to request your free commercial truck insurance quotes, contact our office today. We look forward to serving you soon.
