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Commercial trailer insurance
Compare coverage and limitations for your business trailer.
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When looking for a business trailer policy, you’ll likely find it under commercial auto insurance. Policies cover a wide range of trailer types, so make sure yours is covered before signing up.
What's in this guide?
What kind of trailers can I insure?
Commercial car insurance covers vehicles and trailers used for business purposes and occasional personal use. You can get coverage for most trailers including:
- Flatbed trailer
- Utility trailer
- Dry-freight trailer
- Auto hauler trailer
- Dry van trailers
- Tank trailers
- Dump trailers
- Logging trailers
- Oil field trailers
- Freight trailers
- Refrigerated trailers
- Concession trailers
- Extension trailers
- Transfer trailers
- Agricultural trailers
Compare commercial trailer insurance
What kind of coverage can I get for my trailer?
Coverage for trailers is typically more comprehensive than what you can get with car insurance.
- Collision coverage. Protection after a rollover or a collision with another car.
- Liability property damage. This covers you for third-party property damage and legal liability, such as injuries or damage caused by the trailer.
- Comprehensive. Protects against third-party property damage and liability insurance as well as coverage for damage like theft, fire or storms.
- Replacement and damage coverage. Get a brand new replacement trailer or have the old trailer repaired.
- Towing costs. Covers the cost of towing a trailer after a breakdown or accident, depending on your policy.
- Storage costs. Coverage for the storage costs of your trailer after an accident.
- Clean-up costs. This covers the cost of removing debris from the road.
- Business profit protection. Covers you for profit loss while your trailer is out of commission.
- Additional contents coverage. Most policies cover up to $1,000 of the contents of your trailer. Consider additional coverage if your contents are worth more. Keep in mind that some exclusions apply.
- Business items. Coverage for items like trade tools, merchandise and computers.
Do different trailers need different coverage?
Yes, how you use your trailer will determine how much and what kind of coverage you need.
Heavy truck and machinery trailer coverage
Truck trailers — specifically for multi-ton loads — can be insured as part of a rigid truck or as a detachable trailer for prime movers. This includes:
- Rigid trucks
- Road trains
- Articulated trailers
- Dolly trailers
- Heavy equipment trailers
- Concrete pumping trailers
You’ll typically want liability coverage, cargo coverage and collision coverage for these kinds of trailers.
Refrigerated trailer and food trailer coverage
You can often tailor business insurance policies to cover refrigerated trailers, also known as reefers.
- Reefer breakdown. This is the most common policy addition for reefers, or refrigerated containers. This will cover you in the event your trailer breaks down and your cargo spoils.
- Loading and unloading. You’ll be covered if anything happens while loading or unloading your cargo.
- Unattended truck. If anything happens while your truck is unattended, you’ll be covered. This is especially important because drivers are required to take mandated breaks.
Food truck coverage
Food trucks and food trailers will also have similar requirements as other food trailers, in addition to the standard commercial car insurance coverage.
Consider including other types of business insurance, like workers’ compensation and commercial property coverage, plus any required liability coverage for your industry.
How much does commercial trailer insurance cost?
Expect to pay anywhere from $250 to $1,000 a month per trailer. Many factors go into calculating the cost of commercial trailer insurance, such as:
- The type of cargo you haul
- The distance you drive
- The size and type of trailer you drive
- Your driving history and location
- Whether you lease to a company or are under your own authority
Does every state and industry require trailer insurance?
Trailer insurance requirements vary by state. Some states only require that you carry commercial vehicle insurance, not trailer insurance. Keep in mind that even if your commercial policy extends to your trailer, it might not cover you in all situations.
For example, a commercial vehicle policy might only cover liability, or when you cause an accident. If you want to be protected against damage to your trailer from a collision or theft and damage to the contents of your trailer, you’ll likely need a more comprehensive trailer policy.
Limitations of trailer insurance
- Make sure you’re covered for mandatory commercial insurance limits, depending on your business.
- Coverage may vary between insurers and policies. Carefully review policies to make sure you have the right level of protection and no significant gaps in coverage.
- Your policy might not cover non-business items carried in the trailer.
- It might be difficult to find and navigate these policies without help. Consider an insurance broker to help you fill in any gaps.
Bottom line
If you use a trailer for business purposes, look for a commercial auto policy that covers your trailer and business type. Compare your options to get the best deal on the right coverage.
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