Among the most essential truckers on the road today are refrigerated truck operators. Despite summer heat and social distancing, reefer truckers continue to deliver perishable goods where they need to go.
Refrigerated truckers drive heavy vehicles that cost a lot of money and are riskier to operate than the standard car. They carry extremely sensitive cargo, too. Any accidents or breakdowns could jeopardize their ability to complete their job. This might cost a lot of people a lot of money.
That’s why refrigerated truck operators need many specialty types of trucking insurance. Some will apply to the vehicle and others, the cargo. Let’s take a closer look at the unique coverage you might need.
Commercial Truck Insurance
No commercial driver wants to experience a wreck, breakdown or other driving hazard. Still, accidents can happen anytime. Trucking insurance can help a driver pay for many of the costs arising from these mishaps.
Some of the vehicle coverage your reefer truck might need includes:
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Trucking Liability Insurance: Liability insurance pays for third party damage when the trucker is at fault for an accident. If you hit another vehicle, then this coverage can pay the other driver for their vehicle damage or injuries.
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Collision Insurance: Following wrecks, this coverage can pay for your truck and trailer repairs.
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Comprehensive Insurance: If non-accident hazards like fires, theft, vandalism or severe weather damage your truck, then this coverage can pay for your repairs.
Please note, Minnesota law requires commercial truckers to carry liability insurance. Your requirement might range from $300,000 - $5 million depending on the exact type of cargo you carry.
Cargo Insurance
Trucking insurance for your cargo is a bit different from your vehicle's coverage. You’ll usually need several types of cargo coverage:
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Reefer Breakdown Coverage: If a breakdown or other problem occurs in your refrigeration system, then product could spoil. This coverage can pay for those losses.
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Loading & Unloading Coverage: Should damage occur while loading or unloading cargo, then your policy can pay for the damage.
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Earned Freight Insurance: If the trucking company loses money because of the damaged cargo, then this coverage can make up the losses.
There is other coverage that might also benefit a refrigerated truck driver. If you have questions, don't hesitate to work with your agent to determine the best balance of coverage for your particular needs.