Service Plan Blog

Whether you are an individual truck driver or you are heading a fleet of trucks, finding the right insurance for your vehicle is a must. As many people would tell you, the process is decidedly far from being simple or easy. That is why we have compiled all the information you need to get the right insurance, such as commercial truck insurance lake Charles.

• Things you must know about commercial truck insurance

Before you face your insurance provider, there are certain things you must know. This knowledge will help you in getting fair quotes and good service right from the start. Sometimes, we may not have a VIN number. In such a case, you must provide your insurance company with all that there is to know about your vehicle – the year of purchase, color, make, etc.

When asked about the skills of the driver, it is best to be straight and honest. Because if the company finds that the driver is way worse on the road, your quote will change for sure. On the same note, you must keep all the information like speeding tickets and other relevant information of all the drivers with yourself.

• Know the different types of truck insurance

Broadly, there are four categories of truck insurances you will come across. The first one is liability insurance. Drivers are legally obligated to have this insurance. It helps you in case of any harm you cause to your truck.

Bobtail insurance covers your vehicle when it is on the road, like for servicing, etc. To protect your vehicle against instances of fire or floods, you have the physical damage insurance. Motor Truck Cargo insurance covers the baggage or load your vehicle is transporting. It is important to note that the last three are optional and voluntary for the most part, but it is always better to be on the safe side by getting insured.

• Beware of the Three Ds

Insurance companies often try their best to give the least possible coverage. So even though your woes are genuine, you may be left haggling with them for weeks on end for better coverage. If you find yourself in such a situation, the provider is probably using the Three Ds on you – delay, deny, defend. Make sure you do not back out or settle for anything less than the amount you truly deserve to be paid. You can also sue the company in such a situation, and there is a high chance you will win the case.

• What are ICC and MC?

In order to shift your cargo from one state to another, you need to get the MC number from the ICC authority. But for that to happen, your insurance plan for bodily damage needs to comply with certain rules. Make sure you talk to your agent about the same beforehand to avoid any confusion. 

• Make your vehicles presentable before a visit from the insurance provider

It is a common instance that insurance agents come to inspect your vehicle before finalizing or even considering your proposal. So, in order to make a good impression as a driver and a client, there are certain measures you can take. For example, you can start by cleaning up your truck. Remove all the old wrappers, cups, etc. Make sure your vehicle is sporting all the necessary stickers related to fire extinguishers, etc. These little things do matter because this shows that you’ve put effort in maintaining your truck well.

• Understanding insurance premiums

Insurance premiums are not some overly elusive things. There are some very clear things that determine them. For starters, your driving records are a huge factor – they include the number of speeding tickets or other offenses you have had to pay for.

The condition of your vehicle also matters – how long has it been since you bought it? What safety measures have installed in it? Lastly, the way you store or park your vehicle also matters a lot. If you live in a neighborhood that is considered to be “risky” your premium can go up by a lot instantly.

You now know how to get the right insurance, especially the much-needed area-specific, commercial truck insurance Lake Charles. Contact your nearest insurance providers as soon as possible to get your compensation in the event of an incident.