- What is it?
Protects against direct physical damage or theft to covered property (the load) while in transit and often during loading or unloading.
- Who’s it for?
Cargo coverage is an essential product for trucking and delivery operations.
- What is covered?
- Collisions/Accidents
- Fire and Severe Weather
- Theft and Vandalism
- Highjacking
- Accidentally Running Over
Motor Truck Cargo Insurance in California
What is motor truck cargo coverage?
Hauling loads of freight can present businesses with significant risk. They may be held financially responsible for loads, and the value of tractor-trailer loads can be substantial. Should something happen to a load, California truck operators may be able to protect themselves with motor truck cargo coverage.
Motor truck cargo coverage is specialized liability insurance for loads of cargo. Should cargo be damaged or lost during transit, this coverage might provide compensation for the loss.
What businesses in California need motor truck cargo coverage?
Any California business that transports cargo may need motor truck cargo coverage for their loads. This most notably may apply to tractor-trailers, but might also to straight trucks and other vehicles. Coverage for dump trucks, cement mixers, cargo vans, dually pickups and more is usually available.
In some cases, purchasing motor truck cargo protection isn’t just recommended. A growing number of risk managers are requiring truckers and freight companies to insure the cargo that they transport.
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What types of incidents do motor truck cargo policies protect against?
Motor truck cargo policies generally cover multiple causes of cargo damage or loss. While exactly what a policy covers is determined by its terms, many policies offer protection against:
- Collisions/Accidents
- Fire and Severe Weather
- Theft and Vandalism
- Highjacking
- Accidentally Running Over
An insurance agent who specializes in motor truck cargo policies can help businesses and owner-operators check the specific incidents that a given policy covers.
What expenses do motor truck cargo policies help pay?
In the event of a valid claim, motor truck cargo policies might help with a variety of costs. A policy may pay for:
- Attorney and court fees
- Settlements
- Contractual penalties
- Debris removal
- Moving equipment
- Uncollectible freight charges
- Pollutant cleanup
Again, the exact costs that a policy covers are determined by that policy’s terms, conditions and exclusions.
Do motor truck cargo policies cover loads when trucks are parked?
Whether motor truck cargo policies cover load when trucks are parked depends both on a policy’s language, and where trucks are in their route.
When drivers park while en-route to a destination, policies generally still cover the load. For example, loads are typically covered when drivers park at truck stops to refuel, when they park at rest areas for a break, and when they park overnight for sleep.
When trucks are parked for loading or unloading, whether coverage is provided is less certain. Some policies don’t cover loads during this time, while others trucks when they’re at loading and unloading bays.
Policies that do provide coverage for loading and unloading, usually stipulate how long they’ll offer coverage for at the bays. A policy might provide up to 72 hours of loading/unloading coverage, for instance.
What types of cargos do motor truck policies offer coverage for?
Many different types of cargo can be covered by motor truck cargo policies. Policies that cover raw materials, consumer goods, specialty parts, equipment and other goods are readily available.
Some cargos are more difficult to procure coverage for, however. Businesses that are transporting art, live animals, weapons, collectibles, radioactive material or other high-value goods should work with an experienced insurance agent to find a policy that covers their loads.
How much are premiums for motor truck cargo policies?
Premiums for motor truck cargo policies are primarily based on the value of a load, the distance traveled, and the perceived risk of loss. Other factors can also impact cost. Because premiums are calculated on multiple different factors, they vary from situation to situation.
Often, motor truck cargo is folded into a broader commercial truck insurance policy. These policies usually combine motor truck cargo and other coverage premiums into one bill, often offering a discount on the different coverages that are provided.
How can California transporters get motor truck cargo coverage?
For help finding motor truck cargo coverage in California, contact the independent insurance agents at Truck Writer Insurance Services. Our agents know commercial vehicle insurance well, and we’ll make sure you get a motor truck cargo policy that protects your loads well.
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