Law

How Can You Protect Yourself as a Truck Driver?

As a truck driver, you likely travel thousands of miles to ensure that essential goods safely make their way from factories and warehouses to their final destinations. With so much time spent on the road, however, accidents and violations are a possibility. To ensure that you are financially protected while behind the wheel of your commercial vehicle, make sure you have the proper coverage.

Commercial Trucking Insurance

There are many types of available insurance coverage for truckers, and while some are mandatory, others are optional. Federal regulations require that you carry primary auto liability to protect yourself in the event that a third party becomes injured in an accident for which you are at fault. Damage to public property is also covered.

General liability coverage is also mandatory for truckers. This type of policy will protect you if any of your drivers cause an accident that results in either third-party injury or property damage. It also covers you in the event of load delivery mistakes or problems that happen when the driver is operating on another person’s premises.

There are many other insurance options available, but which do you need? The answer is not the same for everyone and is best determined by someone who knows your circumstances, including what you drive and what you haul. Ask your insurance provider whether the following forms of insurance might be appropriate additions to your basic policy:

  • Bobtail insurance
  • Motor truck cargo insurance
  • Limited depreciation coverage
  • Physical damage coverage
  • Rental reimbursement
  • Uninsured/underinsured motorist policy
  • Trailer interchange insurance

CDL Traffic Defense Coverage

There are some situations that fall outside the coverage provided by insurance carriers. For example, most policies won’t cover you in the event of minor traffic violations, serious citations, inspection violations, overweight tickets, mechanical issues, and natural emergencies.

To be prepared for any situation, it’s wise to have Commercial Drivers License (CDL) traffic defense coverage. This type of protection provides you with a CDL traffic attorney to help keep your driving record clean. This can help ensure that you don’t end up losing your CDL because of a traffic violation. Additional services can include 24/7 roadside assistance, 24/7 access to legal advice, and discounts on car rentals, fuel, and hotels.

Work with reliable providers and get the coverage you need to feel safe doing your job. Commercial trucking insurance and CDL traffic defense coverage work well together to make sure you are always covered. Knowing that somebody has your back can give you the peace of mind you need to focus on the job in front of you.