If you run a dump truck business, you’re aware that you need to have adequate insurance in place. Your business is your livelihood, so you must ensure that you’re properly protected. However, getting your dump trucks insured can be rather expensive. In this blog, we’ll discuss the factors that affect the cost of dump truck insurance and provide some tips for lowering your rates. Let’s get started!
What Affects the Cost of Dump Truck Insurance?
Numerous factors affect the cost of insuring dump trucks. Every business is unique; therefore, insurance rates will vary widely. There’s no set “cost” for dump truck insurance, that being said, here are some of the factors that can affect your insurance premiums:
- The value of your trucks
- The number of vehicles you have
- Driving records
- Loss runs
- What you’re hauling
- Your location
1. The Dump Truck
Your insurance rates can be affected by the value of your dump truck. The larger the truck, the higher your insurance rates will be. Your insurance agent will want to know the replacement value of your truck and the risks of insuring it.
It does make sense that the cost of dump truck insurance would be influenced by the truck itself, right? It’s what you’re getting the coverage for.
2. Your Drivers
Another factor that can influence the cost of your dump truck insurance is the people who drive them. Insurance companies want to make sure that the individuals operating the dump trucks will do so safely and efficiently. That’s why your drivers can affect the cost of your dump truck insurance. If they have numerous violations on their record, that won’t help your case and chances are you won’t acquire low rates.
3. Your Location
Your location can also affect the cost of dump truck insurance. This is because in more congested and densely populated areas traffic accidents occur more frequently. In contrast, more rural areas have less foot traffic resulting in few accidents. Your insurance carrier will be very interested in knowing where you’re conducting business to assess your overall risk.
4. What You’re Hauling
The goods you’re typically hauling also play a role in determining your dump truck insurance rates. Some dump truck businesses haul sand, while others haul gravel or asphalt. Maybe you haul loads of dirt. Some businesses focus on debris removal. The type of load you’re usually transporting is also of interest to your insurance company.
5. Your Hauling Radius
How far you’re traveling to deliver your load can also impact your insurance premiums. For instance, let’s say you do construction debris removal. It can cost more to take the debris to a landfill than a transfer station.
Ways to Save Money on Dump Truck Insurance
If you’re concerned about how much your dump truck insurance is going to cost, there are ways you can reduce your rates and save money.
The following tips can help you lower your rates:
Keeping a Clean Loss Record
If your business is committed to safety, you can typically avoid accidents. That, in turn, can help you get lower rates on your dump truck insurance. As we mentioned above, insurance companies don’t exactly love risk. If you have a clean loss history and you’ve put an emphasis on dump truck safety, you could receive lower rates since you’re less risk.
Don’t Forget Discounts
Different insurance companies offer a wide variety of discounts. Don’t forget to ask about discounts to see what you could be eligible for. Who doesn’t like to score a discount and save some money when they’re buying something they need? Every little bit counts!
Raise Your Deductible
The deductible is the amount of money you’ve agreed to pay if you decide to file a claim (with the insurance company covering the initial cost up to the policy’s limit). While having a low deductible may seem like a great idea, you may get lower dump truck insurance rates by opting for a higher deductible. That is, if you’re financially able to do so. Consider how much you could comfortably afford to pay if you file a claim. If you discover you’re able to increase your deductible, you’ll most likely acquire a lower premium.
Pay in Full
If you’re able to pay for your insurance in full instead of monthly, you may be able to save money when purchasing dump truck insurance. It’s something to think about if you feel that you’re financially able to pay your premium all at once.
Shop Around
It’s also important to get multiple quotes for dump truck insurance. That way you can evaluate various coverage options and rates (make sure you’re not sacrificing coverage for the sake of paying less on your insurance).
Summing Up
InsuranceHub specializes in customizing insurance policies for trucking companies, including dump truck insurance. They collaborate with numerous carriers to identify the lowest prices and coverage alternatives, as well as risk management tactics to help reduce premiums over time. Their industry knowledge can help companies save money on insurance while while ensuring they’re adequately covered.