Dump Truck Insurance - If You Drive a Dump Truck, Then You Need It

It's an absolute must that you have commercial vehicle insurance if you operate a commercial vehicle, and dump truck insurance is no exception. Here's a look at why dump truck insurance is so important.
Over the years, the length of rigs have increased and this has caused an increase in the tipping over of trucks. Accidents are less common with straight trucks, they are seen more with semitrailers. The statistics on accidents like these aren't well documented, due to lack of reports being filed. A report usually isn't filed unless someone is hurt during the accident. In the past two years, only two reports have even been listed. One of these reports involved a serious injury, while the other was a fatality. Both occurrences listed in the reports were due to dump trucks tipping. Due to hazards that come along with operation of trucks on a commercial basis, dump truck insurance is highly recommended.

Despite what materials are transported by dump trucks, insurance is needed to cover all aspects involved with the hauling. Materials can range from solely ice and snow in the winter to construction materials being removed from a job site. Other materials may include asphalt for road and foundation construction, as well as aggregate (asphalt, sand, gravel). Companies which are involved with hauling aggregate substances, will usually provide their drivers with Primary Liability Insurance coverage. Bodily injury and property damage coverage is also included in this type of dump truck insurance.

A dump truck that is used just for ice and snow removal doesn't have to keep the same high priced insurance involved with winter coverage. A comprehensive policy will allow the vehicle to be covered during the off season, even when it isn't in use, and the owner won't have to cancel or renew the regular policy with the change of seasons. Insurance companies are known to offer a variety of services. These will vary from state to state, as well as between different companies.

Commercially operated dump trucks need to have Commercial Vehicle Insurance. This form is used by small or large fleets, owner operators, trucking companies, as well as individuals. Dump truck insurance of this sort is meant to protect owners, operators, and others involved. The combination of bodily injury coverage and property damage coverage is had in Commercial Vehicle Insurance. Commercial Vehicle Insurance will cover the following: Damage or loss to a business' vehicles and cargo, injury an owner or employees cause to others in an on-the-job vehicle accident, damage an owner or employees cause to others' vehicles or property and protection for uninsured motoristGeneral coverage available:

Bodily Injury/Property Damage Coverage

Injury or death that occurs to persons other than the insured is covered by this part of the policy. Also covered is if the driver of the dump truck is considered to be at fault for causing the accident. For the third party; sickness, lost wages, medical costs, pain and suffering, or even death are covered. As for the property damage portion of this dump truck insurance policy, property that is damaged by a dump truck with a cover is taken care of. Any legal costs accrued by any of the above instances are completely covered.

Physical Damage Coverage

This part of the dump truck insurance covers events occurring from an overturn or collision of the insured dump truck. This is for the damage or loss of the dump truck which is insured. Another aspect of this coverage includes damages to the insured truck because of vandalism, windstorm, fire, or contact with an animal. When Fire and Theft coverage is put with a Combined Additional Coverages, both of these together cover just about anything. Events covered include anything from earthquakes to explosions; fire to damage when being transported by a third party.

Insurance is needed to protect all those that have been involved in unforeseen occurrences. Dump truck insurance should be a must for all owners and operators of trucks doing commercial hauling of materials. Not only are these people covered, but all those who interact or are near the dump truck as well.

By Frank Rodriguez
Published: 10/3/2009
 
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