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Month: October 2022

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insurance trucking

Top 9 Trucking Safety Tips For Truck Drivers

Top 9 Trucking Safety Tips For Truck Drivers

Top 9 Trucking Safety Tips For Truck Drivers

It is said you have to drive the truck forgetting the various problems which the drivers come across. It is not just driving it has a lot more that may be said – everything comes into play. It is why it is important to have truck insurance in Ohio before you send your truck out on the roads. There are some insurances that are mandatory to have insurance for the truck as it might come in handy. You may have experienced that in the winter, the snow makes the roads very challenging, which could be harmful and time-consuming for your cargo as well as heavy on the pocket.Top 9 Trucking Safety Tips For Truck Drivers

Let us discuss in detail the 9 safety tips:

  • Driving Defensively: It is one of the most used options by truck drivers because the driver has control of himself but does not have the same on other drivers. It is always said to drive cautiously because there is always a huge loss of health, cargo, truck, and one’s life. You must have noticed that most accidents happen due to reckless driving by motor car drivers, and it is a fact they are the major reason for road accidents in the USA. Here are some tips for truck drivers such that you do get to claim insurance money at the time of the accidents:
    • Take care of the blind spots on the road: There should be a distance of 10 – 15 feet in front of the truck, behind the trailer and the next car, and on the sides. While doing that – keep an eye on the side mirrors such that you have a 360° awareness of your truck at all times.
    • Always maintain a safe distance: It is said by FMCSA that there should be only 10 feet of a truck per second if it is moving at 40 mph. So, for example, say you are going over 40 mph; there is an additional second. Let us say that you have a 72 feet truck trailer with a speed of over 40 mph it will take 8 seconds in total to pass through the vehicle which you will be overtaking.
    • Be alert of your truck: An accident can happen within a second or less, and that is why it is always good to drive safely and be alert whenever you drive. Pay attention to the traffic flow and take care of the surroundings before you take over and check the traffic – how it is going and change speeds as per the situation.
  • Schedule Maintenance:  It is always good to have your truck go for regularly scheduled maintenance as it is essential for the commercial vehicle and safe for the other vehicles on the road. FMCSA has always said maintenance issues are the main cause of road accidents. Always keep a schedule and remember to make the maintenance stops with your mechanic, as it can save you a lot of time and money for a later date.
  • Post & Pre-Trip Inspection: It is always needed to have the truck inspected at the beginning of the journey, and the same thing goes after you end it. Check the tires, their groves, the air pressure, and the extra tire condition if you have all the accessories needed for quick truck tire repair. As per the federal government, they have made it a rule that truck drivers have to inspect their vehicles every day and put it up in the work schedule such that close attention will be given by the drivers and the companies who own the trucks. Always inspect
    • The braking system, the brakes, and the connectors are needed for the exchange of air between the truck and the brakes. Brake pads and compressed air which is needed for the brakes.
    • The sterling system should have the appropriate oil, and there should be good space between the rack and pinion, steering column, and the mechanism needed for the truck steering process.
    • Always pay attention to the 5th wheel assembly lines, turn indicators, markers, and signal lights. If you are finding it difficult, you can have the checklist from FMCSA and USDOT and make yourself and your staff aware.
  • Distractions Should Be Avoided: It has been found that distracted driving is the main reason for many truck accidents. For example, if you change the lane of the truck without giving any signal to the co-drivers around your vehicle, it can lead to serious injuries. It is often noticed that drivers text while driving, and we strongly suggest you park the truck on the side of the road and do your important business before driving the truck.
  • Be Prepared For Dangerous Road Conditions: It is always there that road conditions change a lot with every passing time, and the cold ones are always the most dangerous time, or maybe the rains.
    • Ice Roads: These are one of the most dangerous road conditions, and also, it is the easiest road where you can escape very easily. If you find huge slabs of ice, it is good to park on the side and let the government vehicles do their work, and then when the road is good, one can start their journey.
    • Snow: It can also cause the truck to slip and the trailer to get detached from it, causing loss to property, people, and the world at large.
    • Rain: It can cause the trucks to get stuck in the rain; it is always better to stay on the road, park it and let the other vehicles which pass your truck make them aware of your truck with the parking lights.
  •  
  • Always Take Proper Breaks: It is always advised by the authorities that drivers should take proper breaks in between while driving. It is said that drivers are always aware of the surroundings in which they are driving. FMCSA has always advised that drivers should take at least a break for the following hours before they should start driving:
    • In 24 hours – the 14 hours of on-duty timing
    • In 24 hours – the 11 hours of driving 
    • 30 minutes break before a complete 8 hours of driving
    • 10 hours of sleep is a must before the first three rules can be reapplied
  •  
  • Have A Dash Cam Installed: It is always a good thing to invest in the dash cam as it will help in determining the cause and will be easy for the insurance companies to give the money for the policy bought by the company who owned the truck. It is always good to protect your driver and the company’s reputation with the dash cam as it tells how the has happened, thus removing the unjust discussions by the parties involved in the accident.
  • Encourage Your Vehicles To Have A Gps Tracker: It is recommended that the trucks should have the GPS tracker installed in the truck as it helps the company and law enforcement track the trucks. It also protects the trucks from theft and other issues.
  • Keep Yourself Predictable: It is always good that you are predictable when you drive the truck; for example, reduce the speed while on turns, move in one lane, and take proper overtakes when crossing a vehicle. These are some of the tips which you can use to reduce the claims.

You should always remember that the most priority is returning to your family safely and taking care of the truck because it is where you earn your wages. It is always preferable to slow down or stop the truck if you feel unable to drive it. If you are wondering how to get the best truck insurance in Ohio for your business, contact Mayflower Insurance Services.

FAQs

Q1. What are truck driving safety tips that every professional driver should follow?

Ans. Maintain the distance, use proper turn indicators, drive at the speed limit, and take proper rest.

Q2. What safety or general tips would you give to a new truck driver that apply to most if not all types of trucks?

Ans. Always do an inspection before the trip, use proper turn mirrors, and, most importantly, take a 10-hour rest.

Q3. As a professional truck driver, what road safety tips do you share with friends and family?

Ans. Do not use the phone, be aware of your truck surroundings, and maintain a proper gap between the trucks and vehicles.

Q4. What are the safety rules for truck drivers?

Ans. Secure the cargo properly, always have insurance for your truck, and have proper testing of the brakes and the tires.

Q5. What is the best way to drive a truck?

Ans. Always stay alert, have a weather update with you, use the GPS, and be extra cautious during the night.

Categories
insurance trucking

Collision Truck Insurance – What Is It & How Does It Work?

Collision Truck Insurance - What Is It & How Does It Work?

Collision Truck Insurance – What Is It & How Does It Work?

Collision Truck Insurance is one of the most liked insurance in a policy because it helps drivers to pay for truck repairs even if they are at fault. It is seen almost everyone buys this insurance to safeguard their expenses, and also it is easily claimable. Due to its unexpected usage, the premiums can be high. Although you must note that it is not mandatory in any of the states in the USA, it is something the businessman buys to reduce expenses, which might strike them at any moment. This type of insurance is suitable for everything, but we are here going to discuss the insurance related to trucks and collisions related to them.Collision Truck Insurance - What Is It & How Does It Work?

What Are The Things Collision Truck Insurance Covers?

Collision truck insurance covers the trucks when they are either struck or hit something by themselves. Here is a list of things that will help you get the claim under Collision Truck Insurance:

  • Another vehicle – it can be anything
  • Telephones poles
  • Guard rail on the side of a road where you drive
  • Fences and signs at the corner of the road
  • Trees and shrubs at the end of the road and
  • Homes and other buildings built on the road

Do you know, as per the policy of the company you bought, it might cover all the expenses when it is a hit-and-run or when the vehicle is soiled or broken it will pay for all the repairs, and in some cases, it will pay for everything if they are done while the truck was on the road. We always advise getting a consult from an experienced agent because you should always know what is covered and what is not covered in the insurance.

What Are The Things Which Collision Truck Insurance Doesn’t Cover?

When you are not at fault, then also this policy will cover the expenses of the truck repairs, but here are a few places that the insurance won’t cover, and you need to buy different insurance policies for each type of claim you need:

  • Damages done to the other vehicle – will not be covered
  • Damages which is done to the pedestrian and animals by the truck
  • Damages are done by natural disasters like fire, theft, earthquake, storms, etc.
  • The insurance will not cover injuries that are done to the body of other vehicles

Now, let us discuss a brief difference between Comprehensive Insurance & Collision Truck Insurance.

Differences betweenComprehensive InsuranceCollision Truck Insurance
It CoversEverything which is not in your control.It covers only things pertaining to the truck owner.
It Doesn’t CoverIt covers everything.It doesn’t cover other than things pertaining to the truck owner.
Is It Needed?It is not required mandatorily by any state but depends on the vehicle owner.It is not required mandatorily by any state but depends on the vehicle owner.
How Much Does It Cost?It costs less than collision insurance.It costs more than collision insurance.
Which Is Important To Buy?Both should be bought to overcome all the expenses in the case of an accident.Both should be bought to overcome all the expenses in the case of an accident.
It Depends On The Place Where You LiveIf the trucks travel long distances and are in high-risk areas, both are needed to be bought.If the trucks travel long distances and are in high-risk areas, both are required in order to be bought.
DeductibleYesYes, it is
The Limit of the coverageActual value of cashActual value of cash

Let us explain to you with an example why you should get both insurances for the smooth functioning of your business.

Imagine Alan’s truck met with an accident, and the owner of the other truck is entirely at fault. Then the driver’s liability insurance will come into effect, and that policy will pay the expenses. Once you know that the other driver is at fault, you file a claim from the insurance company. Now you realize that the insurance cannot pay for all the expenses, the collision truck insurance will come into effect. While the collision will pay for the truck’s repairs, the comprehensive will pay for the rest of the expenses.

Do You Really Need Collision Truck Insurance?

As you must have seen, many insurance types are dependent on the value of the vehicle and the types of accident which has happened; the value diminishes with time, as well as how many claims you have already taken on the truck as per the driving license. If you do not have a loan or a lease that is required, this Collision Truck insurance will cost you a fortune, and the value you will get after the claim is filed will be way less than the amount of the premium you have paid a lot more.


FAQs

Q1. Is collision insurance required?

Ans. No, there is no state which has made collision insurance mandatory for the truck owner. But there is no harm in buying one with comprehensive insurance as it covers complete insurance of the trucks that are involved in the accident as and when that happens.

Q2. Can you drop the insurance?

Ans. One can drop the collision insurance because when the total amount of the insurance gets higher than the market value of the vehicle, that is when the need for this insurance becomes redundant. 

Q3. Does collision insurance cover the vandalism of the truck?

Ans. It is not covered as it has only become active at the time of the accident, but comprehensive insurance can help you out as it might cover as per the terms and policy of each insurance company.

Q4. Do you need collision insurance for an old truck?

Ans. The truck’s age is not a good variable to decide if you need collision insurance because even a 15-year-old truck will be needed to have it like the brand new one. In both cases, the law doesn’t require one, but it is always good to have comprehensive collision insurance to protect the whole vehicle from all the problems that might come along the way. 

Q5. Does collision insurance cover rental trucks?

Ans. If you have collision insurance coverage, the rental car might be covered, but then you have to check with the state and the insurance company policies before making a decision.

Categories
insurance trucking

How Does Motor Truck Insurance Work?

How Does Motor Truck Insurance Work?

How Does Motor Truck Insurance Work?

Motor Truck Insurance is one of the most term topics getting searched all over the internet. From small semi trucks to longer trucks, everyone needs truck insurance for their businesses. It is known that many people do not look at the terms and conditions of the truck insurance policy before buying it, but this is one of the most crucial things one needs to do because, in the latter end, one should not be able to grasp the mind around the terms and policies when the unexpected knocks your door. Let us first understand the different types of trucking insurance.How Does Motor Truck Insurance Work?

Types of Motor Trucking Insurance

  • Primary Liability Motor Trucking Insurance –

    This insurance covers the medical and repair expenses for the other party with whom the accident has happened. The inflicted party can claim from this policy as per the amount you have fixed with the insurance company at the time of buying them. This is a must by the state itself because without it; the trucking business cannot be made legal as per the law.

  • General Liability Motor Trucking Insurance –

    This type of insurance covers all the other types of injuries which happen in your own business with your staff and truck driver, like loading accidents, unloading accidents, off-road accidents, mishappenings in the loading dock, slip-ups, and everything else which you can think of.

  • Bobtail Trucking Motor Insurance –

    This is the type of insurance in which the insurance company covers your trucks when they are running off working hours. It is seen when there is a workload to reach the location on the designated time, and yet, there is a delay, so to cover that time, the truckers are forced to work overtime.

  • Physical Damage Motor Trucking Insurance –

    This insurance is the type when there is damage to your truck, and this is caused by thefts, vandalism, accidents, and many more. If you realize the truck is not working properly, and you have a good amount of insurance against it, you can also get a new truck in its place if you haven’t claimed or used any insurance money before this time.

  • Motor Cargo Motor Trucking Insurance – 

    This insurance covers the cargo and the good which your trucks are transporting from one place to another. The cargo can be lost or destroyed during transportation, so to protect it from such areas, the driver should also be careful and not leave the truck unattended.

How To Find Cheapest Commercial Truck Insurance?

As you know, it is difficult to find the cheapest policies. You can contact Mayflower Insurance Services to get the cheapest rates if you are looking for the best-tailored commercial truck insurance. With almost 20 years of experience selling insurance services, we have been the market leader in getting you the best of everything you need in one place. You can read a number of factors that decide the premiums you need to give to the companies:

  • Driving license
  • Driving records of the drivers
  • How many times have you taken the claim
  • Age of the vehicles
  • The condition of the trucks
  • Location of the company
  • States in which the company does the business

How Can You Save Money On Truck Insurance?

You must be wondering how costly it is to get the truck insured with Motor Truck Insurance, but what if we can help you cut down the list with these few options which you can follow and get the lowest rates:

  • Always go and ask for the fixed premiums which have to be paid because variable premiums can give you a headache
  • Always try to pay up for your insurance rather than paying in installments because once the mental pressure is done, it gives relief, and there will not be aunty interest to be paid to the bank or anyone for the installments.
  • Always ask for discounts from your agents as they know how to get good discounts and if you are still unable to get them, contact our agents and get good rates.
  • Always talk about the security or safety program because, many a time, the company can help you put your policies under protection from 3rd parties.
  • Never state the truck’s value, which is higher than expected, especially with the accidents, as they do not help in getting better claims values.
  • It is always the first thing to get insurance for the older trucks than the new ones because the old ones are something that can always break, unlike the new ones you have recently purchased.
  • You can also ask the drivers and maintain a proper record of the drivers because it will be a good factor in reducing the prices. An immaculate record can get you low premiums and low insurance cost, which must be paid to the company.
  • Always ask the insurance company’s opinion about parking the trucks because they usually have designated stops which can help you to reduce the costs as well as there are fewer chances of burglary, loss of cargo and truck in the places explained by them to you. Moreover, if something happens, it is easy to get a claim from the company.
  • It is always good to get a new and better truck rather than getting and using the old ones because the older they get, the resale value reduces, the more chances of accidents, more mishappenings, and fewer safety features as the new ones. Also, with new trucks, 

The insurance premiums are less because they are new. 

Why Do You Need A Motor Truck Insurance Policy?

Once you have the quotes and have followed the above steps, you can check our rates for the policies. What if we can reduce the cost further for you because we can get you the policies which are as per your requirements? Certain services you will never need have been added to the list; what if we can get you exactly what you want and reduce the cost?

Conclusion

Mayflower Insurance Services were started by Mr. Ashok Vaja, who has always dreamt of providing the best services one needs for trucking insurance. We do not sell Motor Truck Insurance. We provide the customer with a clear picture. We are independent agents in over 20 states which can help you get the best insurance. We are in Arizona, Indiana, Ohio, Illinois, Michigan, Tennessee, Kentucky, Missouri, New Jersey, South Carolina, North Carolina, Georgia, Alabama, Florida, Pennsylvania, Texas, and coming soon.


FAQs

Q1. What do you mean by Motor Truck Insurance?

Ans. Motor Truck insurance is the safeguarding of your trucks from unexpected calamities.

Q2. What do you need to buy Motor Truck Insurance for old trucks?

Ans. For old trucks you should always have truck insurance because you do not know when they will break down.

Q3. What is covered in Motor Truck Insurance?

Ans. It depends upon your policy and the company which is providing you the truck insurance.

Q4. How can you claim ?

Ans. Every company has their agents and their own policies and SOPs, but you need to inform your company after the mishap.

Q5. How can you pay for Motor Truck Insurance?

Ans. You can pay online on the company’s website or through your agent. Always ask for the receipt.

Categories
insurance trucking

How is Truck Insurance in Florida Changing The Landscape?

How is Truck Insurance In Florida Changing The Landscape?

How is Truck Insurance in Florida Changing The Landscape?

The trucking business comes across a lot of problems which come when running a business. It has been seen that every day there are truck accidents all across the USA. You must have noticed truck insurance in Florida, as there are many trucks that are bound to and fro from there. Are you trying to find the best rates for buying commercial insurance for your business? Then you are at the right spot.How is Truck Insurance In Florida Changing The Landscape?

Things You Need To Get A Free Quote

You will need to have very few things to get a free quote for your truck and how much it will cost you.

  • #DOT Number, which is the number given to you by the Department of Transportation
  • (VIN) Number, Year, Make, and Model Tractor and Trailer Vehicle Identification Number
  • Commodities
  • Driver and Owner Details – Name of the person who will be driving, Date of Birth, and Driver’s License Number, which is given by a recognized government agency
  • & Request limits, physical damage, and cargo coverage?

If you want to upload the documents, you can do so, as our forms use the highest security measures to give you the most secure place to store your documents.

Once we have all the information which is needed, we will find the best-customized truck insurance in Florida policies, which will help you determine which one will be the best for you and your business and which can safeguard your trucks and the business as and when required.

We will look into how many truck accidents the driver has been into, how many times your business has claimed in the other insurance policies, and also how is the credit score of your business which not only gives us the financial cash flow of the business but will help you get the true picture without any top-notch frills. It is just this simple.

What Trucking Liability Insurance Policy Will Cover?

Like most insurance companies, you should know the things covered in trucking insurance to give you a quick preview because no one likes surprises when the policy is really needed. For truckers, the coverage is a must, ranging from thousands to millions depending upon the type of cargo and the time.

Different coverages will help you safeguard some of the different kinds of trucks, and you can choose which one best suits your business. Here are some of them to help you out with each of them:

  • It is seen for general insurance where the materials are not hazardous; the minimum liability is $700k or so (the rates changes with time and as the old history with other insurance companies)
  • If the truck is transporting household items, then the liability coverage is almost around $300k
  • Now, if your trucks are transporting oil, gas, or something like that, you should have a minimum of $1 million liability.
  • If you have a business carrying hazardous chemicals, the minimum liability is $5 million, and that is just the starting everything depends on which substance, gas, or liquid you are carrying, which is more hazardous, and depending on that, the cost will be decided. 

What are the things the liability insurance will cover?

  • Any property damage which is going to happen to the other vehicle that was involved in the accident and also if there is a collision, everything that is needed to repair the other vehicle
  • It will also cover the costs of medical bills and injury or death in that case if it happens during the collision. The insurance company is only liable to pay the expenses per the policies’ terms.

Personal Injury Coverage – what will it have?

It is always recommended by the authorities and the insurance agents that one should have personal insurance coverage as well because it will help to ensure the person without determining the fault of any of the parties involved in the accident. The insurance company generally covers the hospital expenses, wages that are lost during the hospitalization, and home services in case of death during the collision.

The truck owner is, therefore, then you cover the truck liability and personal insurance. If you are the truck owner, then the state will cover all the expenses of the accident in case the driver expires during the incident.

What are the Additional Insurance Liabilities?

  • Payments to the healthcare hospital – this type of insurance is given to many insurance companies, and it is usually around $10k, which covers the cost of the hospital and the medications. This is the policy that covers the insurer globally.
  • Accident overage – As discussed above, the insurance company will cover the expenses of the other vehicle damaged during the accident.
  • Towing insurance – Unlike in many countries, the USA has very expensive towing services, which is why all the trucking companies always have bought tow insurance for your business.
  • Hired trucking insurance – This will safeguard the driver driving the truck if it is not registered with that particular truck.
  • Personal Truck insurance – If the truck is owned by the driver, then this insurance is usually done to protect and help the driver if there is any accident or in case of death.

How can you file a claim?

Filing a claim is a very tedious process, but if you already know what the process is for the same, it will not only reduce your time but will also help in focussing on other important tasks and things that are needed during that time. It is always needed to get an attorney of yours to get the best step forward because they will know what will be the next steps after this. 

If you are searching for specialists in commercial truck insurance in Florida, you are at the right spot because we have been providing the best insurance policies for you and your trucks for close to 2 decades. We will discuss this in detail to help you out in your decision-making. If you wish to speak to us about the insurance and how to buy them, you can always reach out to us at (877) 400-0500.


FAQs

Q1. How much is cargo insurance in Florida?

Ans. It has an average of $380 to $1900 which can be charged.

Q2. How much is box truck insurance in Florida?

Ans. It comes to an average of $12500 to $18000, depending upon the companies.

Q3. What kind of insurance do I need for a trucking company?

Ans. There are many different types of insurance to fit all your needs.

Q4. How can I lower my truck insurance?

Ans. Always take insurance from one company, take out monthly premiums to be paid, and use the best insurance providers.

Q5. What is the best commercial truck insurance?

Ans. All are the best, but which company suits you best is something you will get to know after knowing the features.