How to Choose the Best Truck Insurance Plan for Your Needs
If you’re a truck owner, following the rules, your safety and saving money are very important. One of the most important ways in keeping your business safe is having good truck insurance. Without good coverage, one accident or claim can cost a lot or even stop your business.
At Mayflower Insurance Services, we offer truck insurance that fits your business needs and keeps you protected. But how do you pick the right plan? In this blog, we’ll explain the four main types of truck insurance we offer — Primary Liability, Cargo Insurance, Physical Damage, and Non-Trucking Liability — and help you choose the best plan for your business.
1. Start with Primary Liability Insurance (It’s the Law)
What it covers:
This insurance pays for damage caused by you to other people or property in an accident. It does not cover your own truck.
Who needs it:
If you drive a commercial truck under your own authority, you must have this. It’s required by law (FMCSA and state laws).
Why it’s important:
- If you are at blame in an accident, it protects other people.
- It keeps you legal and in line with government rules.
- Without it, you cannot drive legally.
- If you are at blame in an accident, it protects other people.
How to choose the right plan:
Check how far you drive and what your state requires. Although the legal minimum is $750,000, most contracts ask for at least $1 million in coverage.
2. Protect Your Load with Cargo Insurance
What it covers:
The products you are transporting are covered by cargo insurance in the event that they are stolen or destroyed.
Who needs it:
If you move goods for clients or brokers, you’ll likely need this insurance. Most brokers won’t hire you unless you show proof of cargo coverage.
Why it’s important:
- Loads can get damaged or lost in an accident.
- Theft at truck stops and rest areas is a real risk.
- It builds trust with shippers and brokers.
- Loads can get damaged or lost in an accident.
How to choose the right plan:
Think about what kind of items you haul and how much they’re worth. If you move high-value items like electronics, get a plan with higher coverage limits. Also, check what the insurance doesn’t cover.
3. Protect Your Truck with Physical Damage Insurance
What it covers:
This insurance pays to repair or replace your truck and repair if they’re damaged in an accident, stolen, or hit by bad weather.
Who needs it:
If you own your truck or are still paying for it, you’ll need this. Most lenders require it for financed trucks.
Why it’s important:
- Repairs or replacements of truck parts are very costly.
- Accidents, storms, and theft can happen.
- Without this, all repairs will be paid from your pocket.
- Repairs or replacements of truck parts are very costly.
How to choose the right plan:
Get coverage based on the current value of your truck and trailer. Also pick the plan you can afford — a lower deductible means a higher monthly cost but less money if something happens.
4. Don’t Forget Non-Trucking Liability Insurance (NTL)
What it covers:
NTL protects your truck when you’re using it for your personal purpose.
Who needs it:
If you lease your truck to a motor carrier and drive it when not under dispatch, you should have NTL coverage.
Why it’s important:
- Accidents can still happen when you’re not on the job.
- Your motor carrier’s insurance may not cover you off-duty.
- You stay protected even when you’re not hauling freight.
- Accidents can still happen when you’re not on the job.
How to choose the right plan:
If you drive the truck outside of work like going home, shopping, or between jobs —this is great for you
Choosing the Right Combination for Your Business
- Primary Liability to follow the law.
- Physical Damage to protect your truck.
- Cargo Insurance if you haul loads.
- NTL Insurance if you drive when not under dispatch.
- Make sure Primary Liability covers all your trucks.
- Use Cargo Insurance that matches the value of the goods you haul.
- Add Physical Damage coverage for every truck and trailer.
- Consider NTL Insurance if drivers use trucks off-duty.
- Your motor carrier may provide Primary Liability.
- You may still need your own Physical Damage and NTL Insurance.
Final Thoughts: Don’t Just Choose — Customize
Picking the right truck insurance isn’t just about buying a plan. It’s about protecting your business the smart way. Your coverage should match your route, cargo, truck value, and how you use your vehicle.
At Mayflower Insurance Services, we understand what truckers need. We offer easy, affordable, and customized insurance packages that give you peace of mind — no matter where the road takes you.