Think about the cargo you transport in your truck every day. Could it ever harm others? Realistically, every type of trucking cargo could harm another person on the road. However, certain materials have much more potent and present risks.
Perhaps, for example, you’re a trucker for an oil and gas company, delivering fuel to gas stations. If you have an accident, this gasoline could spill. This might lead to product contamination, pollution and even explosions or fires. Carrying the appropriate hazmat trucking insurance is imperative for all drivers who transport hazardous materials.
Special Coverage for Hazardous Materials Transports
States and the federal government tightly regulate the hazardous materials trucking industry. They often require hazardous materials truckers to carry high trucking liability insurance, at minimum.
Besides standard trucking insurance, truckers may have access a multiple options to add to their policies. Specialized policy additions may help truckers who carry hazardous materials better cover the unique risks they face on the road.
- Pollution Liability Coverage: Most hazmat trucking policies need this coverage. It can help pay for cleanup, removal and recovery of the materials you carry.
- Loading & Unloading Coverage: Even before and after transport, hazardous materials face risks. This coverage can protect sensitive cargo during loading and unloading from your truck.
- Hauler’s Liability: A trucker may make a mistake unrelated to an accident. For example, they may lose or deliver the wrong products. This coverage can help make up for claims arising from such accidents.
- Medical Payments Coverage: If an accident occurs, truckers and passengers may sustain injuries. This coverage can add an extra degree of protection from many medical bills.
- Umbrella Liability Coverage: This protection can often add extra liability coverage on top of the limits of your trucking policy. Imagine a massive disaster, such as a gasoline tanker explosion on an interstate. The damages may exceed the policy’s liability limits. With this coverage, you may be able to tap into extra funds.
Furthermore, truckers may have to carry comprehensive and collision regardless of whether they carry hazardous materials. These two elements cover the truck from accidents, fire, theft, vandalism and other risk factors.
By talking to your truck insurance agent, you should be able to determine how best to structure your coverage. You should always inform your agent that you will transport hazardous materials. Therefore, the agent can help you meet all lawful requirements for your policy. They can also help you determine the limits to best minimize your operating risks.
Call Integrity Insurance Group, LLC at 512-989-6006 today! We can help you get a fast, free quote on trucking insurance.
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