SPECIALTY TRUCK INSURANCE — VOCATIONAL, EQUIPMENT-MOUNTED & NON-STANDARD COMMERCIAL UNITS
SPECIALTY TRUCKS ARE NOT GENERIC COMMERCIAL AUTO. THEY CARRY MOUNTED EQUIPMENT, PERFORM RECOVERY OR LIFTING WORK, HANDLE HAZARDOUS MATERIAL, AND OPERATE UNDER CONTRACT CONDITIONS THAT ORDINARY TRUCK POLICIES WERE NEVER BUILT AROUND. THE TRUCK IS A MACHINE — AND THE MACHINE CHANGES THE INSURANCE DISCUSSION.
TOW OPERATORS, DUMP TRUCK FLEETS, UTILITY & BUCKET TRUCK CONTRACTORS, VACUUM AND HYDRO-EXCAVATION CREWS, CRANE AND BOOM TRUCK OPERATORS, CONCRETE MIXER AND PUMP FLEETS, TANKER OPERATIONS, TMA AND HIGHWAY WORK ZONE CONTRACTORS, STAGE AND PRODUCTION TRUCK OPERATORS, CAR HAULERS, STREET SWEEPERS, ROLL-OFF AND REFUSE OPERATIONS, AND ANY BUSINESS RUNNING A VOCATIONAL OR EQUIPMENT-MOUNTED COMMERCIAL TRUCK.
THE CRANE, THE BOOM, THE TANK, THE VACUUM SYSTEM, THE BUCKET, THE DUMP BODY, OR THE ATTENUATOR MAKES THE TRUCK WHAT IT IS. IT ALSO DRIVES THE UNDERWRITING. INLAND MARINE COVERAGE ON MOUNTED EQUIPMENT, LIABILITY FOR THE OPERATION OF THAT EQUIPMENT, AND CONTRACT-SPECIFIC COVERAGE REQUIREMENTS ARE WHAT SEPARATE A GOOD SPECIALTY TRUCK PROGRAM FROM A GENERIC ONE.
THE COMMERCIAL AUTO PAGE COVERS STANDARD BUSINESS-USE VEHICLES — PICKUPS, VANS, BOX TRUCKS, AND ORDINARY FLEET UNITS. THIS PAGE IS FOR VEHICLES WHERE THE TRUCK ITSELF IS THE SPECIALIZED MACHINE, OR WHERE THE BODY AND MOUNTED EQUIPMENT CREATE THE REAL UNDERWRITING CONVERSATION. MANY OPERATIONS NEED BOTH.
THE FULL RANGE OF SPECIALTY TRUCK UNITS
SPECIALTY TRUCK IS A CATEGORY, NOT A SINGLE POLICY. EACH UNIT TYPE BELOW HAS ITS OWN EXPOSURE PROFILE, ITS OWN EQUIPMENT VALUE, ITS OWN OPERATION, AND ITS OWN CARRIER APPETITE. CLICK ANY CATEGORY TO EXPAND THE SPECIFIC TRUCK TYPES UNDERNEATH.
TOW & RECOVERY TRUCKS8 TYPES
DUMP & HAULING TRUCKS7 TYPES
CRANE, BOOM & LIFTING TRUCKS9 TYPES
UTILITY, BUCKET & AERIAL TRUCKS7 TYPES
VACUUM & ENVIRONMENTAL TRUCKS7 TYPES
TANKER & LIQUID HAULING TRUCKS7 TYPES
CONCRETE TRUCKS5 TYPES
WASTE, MUNICIPAL & ROAD MAINTENANCE9 TYPES
WORK ZONE & SAFETY TRUCKS4 TYPES
TRANSPORT & SPECIALTY HAULING8 TYPES
ENTERTAINMENT & PRODUCTION TRUCKS6 TYPES
AVIATION & AIRPORT SUPPORT TRUCKS5 TYPES
MOBILE SERVICE & WORKSHOP TRUCKS7 TYPES
MOUNTED EQUIPMENT COVERAGE10 TYPES
HOW BIG IS YOUR COVERAGE GAP?
CHECK THE FACTORS THAT DESCRIBE YOUR OPERATION. THE TOOL CALCULATES A RELATIVE COVERAGE GAP SCORE — A QUICK INDICATOR OF HOW FAR A STANDARD COMMERCIAL AUTO POLICY MAY BE FROM WHAT YOUR SPECIALTY TRUCK OPERATION ACTUALLY NEEDS.
WHAT HAPPENS WHEN A SPECIALTY TRUCK CLAIM IS TREATED LIKE A REGULAR AUTO CLAIM
SPECIALTY TRUCK LOSSES LOOK SIMPLE AT THE MOMENT THEY HAPPEN. THE GAP OPENS UP LATER — AFTER THE MOUNTED EQUIPMENT IS DAMAGED, AFTER THE CUSTOMER'S VEHICLE IS DESTROYED IN THE STORAGE LOT, AFTER THE LIFTED LOAD IS DROPPED, OR AFTER THE HOSE LEAKS. THIS IS HOW A ROUTINE CLAIM BECOMES A BUSINESS PROBLEM.
THE INCIDENT IS FILED UNDER COMMERCIAL AUTO
THE TRUCK IS INVOLVED IN AN ACCIDENT, A ROLLOVER, OR A JOBSITE EVENT. VEHICLE DAMAGE IS REPORTED TO THE AUTO CARRIER. AT FIRST, THE CLAIM LOOKS LIKE A NORMAL COMMERCIAL AUTO LOSS.
THE MOUNTED EQUIPMENT COMPONENT SURFACES
THE CRANE IS BENT. THE BOOM IS COMPROMISED. THE VACUUM TANK IS RUPTURED. THE BUCKET IS DESTROYED. THE DUMP BODY IS SEPARATED FROM THE CHASSIS. WITHOUT INLAND MARINE COVERAGE ON THE MOUNTED EQUIPMENT, THE REPLACEMENT COST FALLS OUTSIDE THE AUTO POLICY'S INTENT AND INTO A GRAY ZONE THAT ADJUSTERS PUSH BACK ON.
THE OPERATION-SPECIFIC EXPOSURES APPEAR
A TOWED VEHICLE WAS DAMAGED ON-HOOK. A LIFTED LOAD WAS DROPPED. A CUSTOMER VEHICLE WAS VANDALIZED IN THE STORAGE LOT. A HYDRAULIC HOSE LEAKED ONTO PAVEMENT. EACH OF THESE NEEDS A DIFFERENT COVERAGE PART — ON-HOOK, RIGGERS LIABILITY, GARAGEKEEPERS, POLLUTION LIABILITY — AND THE STANDARD AUTO POLICY DOES NOT CONTAIN THEM BY DEFAULT.
THE GAP IS NOW THE OPERATOR'S PROBLEM
WHAT STARTED AS A ROUTINE VEHICLE CLAIM TURNS INTO AN UNINSURED EQUIPMENT LOSS, AN UNCOVERED CUSTOMER PROPERTY CLAIM, OR A POLLUTION EVENT WITHOUT A POLLUTION POLICY BEHIND IT. THE OUT-OF-POCKET COST CAN BE SIGNIFICANT — AND THE LOSS OF USE ON THE SPECIALTY UNIT OFTEN HURTS MORE THAN THE CLAIM ITSELF.
THE COVERAGE PARTS THAT ACTUALLY MATTER
A REAL SPECIALTY TRUCK PROGRAM IS USUALLY A COMBINATION OF COVERAGE PARTS — NOT A SINGLE POLICY. HERE ARE THE BUILDING BLOCKS THAT SHOULD BE EVALUATED FOR EVERY VOCATIONAL OR EQUIPMENT-MOUNTED TRUCK.
THE REAL REASONS SPECIALTY TRUCK OPERATORS BUILD OUT A FULL INSURANCE PROGRAM
THE SPECIALTY TRUCK OPERATORS WHO HAVE BEEN DOING THIS A LONG TIME DO NOT BUY STANDARD COMMERCIAL AUTO AND CALL IT DONE. THEY BUILD OUT A PROGRAM AROUND THE REAL EXPOSURES OF THE EQUIPMENT AND THE WORK.
THE TRUCK IS A CAPITAL ASSET
A BUCKET TRUCK, CRANE TRUCK, VACUUM TRUCK, OR TMA UNIT IS NOT A REPLACEABLE PICKUP. A SPECIALTY UNIT CAN REPRESENT SIX OR SEVEN FIGURES IN COMBINED CHASSIS AND MOUNTED EQUIPMENT VALUE. LOSS OF THAT UNIT IS LOSS OF REVENUE UNTIL IT IS REBUILT.
MOUNTED EQUIPMENT LIVES IN A GAP
THE MOUNTED EQUIPMENT IS NOT QUITE "AUTO" AND NOT QUITE "PROPERTY." WITHOUT INLAND MARINE COVERAGE WRITTEN SPECIFICALLY FOR IT, A CLAIM CAN FALL BETWEEN THE POLICIES — AND THE ADJUSTER WILL FIND THAT GAP FAST.
CUSTOMER PROPERTY IS IN YOUR CARE
A TOWED VEHICLE, A LIFTED LOAD, OR A CUSTOMER ASSET ON YOUR LOT IS YOUR RESPONSIBILITY WHILE IT IS IN YOUR CARE, CUSTODY, OR CONTROL. ON-HOOK, GARAGEKEEPERS, AND RIGGERS LIABILITY ARE THE COVERAGES THAT ANSWER FOR IT.
CONTRACTS DEMAND SPECIFIC COVERAGE
MUNICIPAL CONTRACTS, DOT CONTRACTS, UTILITY WORK, GENERAL CONTRACTOR AGREEMENTS, AND VENUE CONTRACTS ALL CARRY INSURANCE REQUIREMENTS. MISSING LIMITS, MISSING ADDITIONAL INSURED STATUS, OR A MISSING COVERAGE PART CAN COST YOU THE JOB.
POLLUTION RISK IS EVERYWHERE
VACUUM TRUCKS, TANKERS, FUEL HAULERS, SEPTIC TRUCKS, HYDRO EXCAVATION UNITS, AND ANY TRUCK WITH A HYDRAULIC SYSTEM CARRIES POLLUTION EXPOSURE. COMMERCIAL AUTO POLLUTION EXCLUSIONS ARE REAL AND THEY GET ENFORCED.
DOWNTIME IS THE REAL COST
A SPECIALTY UNIT OUT OF SERVICE IS NOT JUST A REPAIR BILL — IT IS A REVENUE LOSS, A MISSED CONTRACT, AND A FLEET REDEPLOYMENT PROBLEM. THE RIGHT PROGRAM PROTECTS BOTH THE ASSET AND THE EARNING POWER OF THE ASSET.
THE INDUSTRIES THAT RUN SPECIALTY TRUCKS
SPECIALTY TRUCKS SHOW UP WHEREVER A JOB REQUIRES MORE THAN A PICKUP CAN DELIVER. THESE ARE THE INDUSTRY CATEGORIES WHERE SPECIALTY TRUCK INSURANCE PROGRAMS ARE A BASELINE EXPECTATION.
GENERAL CONTRACTORS, HEAVY EQUIPMENT SUPPORT, JOBSITE SERVICE TRUCKS, SITE UTILITIES, AND CONSTRUCTION MATERIALS TRANSPORT.
POWER LINE CONTRACTORS, TELECOM CONTRACTORS, FIBER OPTIC INSTALL, AND PUBLIC UTILITY MAINTENANCE FLEETS.
BUCKET-AND-CHIPPER OPERATIONS, STUMP GRINDING, LOT CLEARING, AND STORM RESPONSE CREWS.
FRAC SUPPORT, DRILLING SUPPORT, WATER HAULING, AND OILFIELD MAINTENANCE TRUCKS WITH MOUNTED EQUIPMENT.
REFUSE COLLECTION, ROLL-OFF, RECYCLING, HYDRO EXCAVATION, VACUUM SERVICE, AND POLLUTION CONTROL CONTRACTORS.
ATTENUATOR TRUCKS, WORK ZONE SAFETY CONTRACTORS, HIGHWAY MAINTENANCE, SALT AND BRINE, AND STREET SWEEPING.
MOBILE STAGES, PRODUCTION TRUCKS, LIGHTING AND SOUND, LED BILLBOARD UNITS, AND TOURING SUPPORT FLEETS.
AIRCRAFT SERVICE, AIRPORT FUELING, DEICING, HANGAR SUPPORT, AND AVIATION MAINTENANCE VEHICLES.
LIGHT-DUTY TOWING, ROTATOR AND HEAVY RECOVERY, REPO, MOTOR CLUB CONTRACTS, AND PRIVATE PROPERTY IMPOUND.
CITY-OPERATED OR CONTRACT-OPERATED REFUSE, SNOW AND ICE, SEWER SERVICE, AND ROAD MAINTENANCE FLEETS.
MOBILE MECHANICS, MOBILE WELDING, PRESSURE WASHING, DUST CONTROL, AND ON-SITE REPAIR OPERATIONS.
CAR HAULERS, EQUIPMENT HAULERS, LOWBOY OPERATORS, HEAVY HAUL, AND OVERSIZE LOAD TRANSPORT.
WHAT DRIVES THE COST OF SPECIALTY TRUCK INSURANCE
THERE IS NO FIXED PRICE FOR SPECIALTY TRUCK INSURANCE BECAUSE THERE IS NO FIXED TRUCK. HERE ARE THE VARIABLES THAT ACTUALLY DRIVE YOUR PREMIUM.
UNIT TYPE & CLASS
A LIGHT-DUTY SERVICE TRUCK PRICES DIFFERENTLY FROM A 60-TON ROTATOR. THE UNIT CLASS IS THE FIRST VARIABLE.
MOUNTED EQUIPMENT VALUE
THE REPLACEMENT COST OF THE CRANE, BOOM, TANK, OR BODY DIRECTLY AFFECTS THE PHYSICAL DAMAGE AND INLAND MARINE PREMIUM.
RADIUS & OPERATING TERRITORY
LOCAL, INTERMEDIATE, AND LONG-HAUL OPERATING RADIUS EACH CARRY DIFFERENT LOSS EXPECTATIONS AND DIFFERENT CARRIER APPETITES.
DRIVER ROSTER & MVRS
MOTOR VEHICLE RECORDS, DRIVER EXPERIENCE, AND CDL / ENDORSEMENT STATUS ARE MAJOR FACTORS IN SPECIALTY TRUCK PRICING.
LOSS HISTORY
FIVE-YEAR LOSS RUNS, FREQUENCY, AND THE NATURE OF PAST CLAIMS DIRECTLY SHAPE BOTH AVAILABILITY AND PREMIUM.
LIMITS & COVERAGE STRUCTURE
REQUIRED LIABILITY LIMITS, UMBRELLA LIMITS, COVERAGE PARTS INCLUDED, AND DEDUCTIBLES ALL MOVE THE NUMBER.
OPERATION CONTRACTS
MUNICIPAL, DOT, UTILITY, AND COMMERCIAL CONTRACTS EACH BRING SPECIFIC UNDERWRITING EXPECTATIONS AND MINIMUM LIMITS.
FLEET SIZE & COMPOSITION
FLEETS OF MIXED SPECIALTY UNITS OFTEN UNDERWRITE DIFFERENTLY THAN SINGLE-UNIT OR MONO-TYPE OPERATIONS.
THE BRANDS BEHIND THE TRUCKS WE WRITE
SPECIALTY TRUCK PROGRAMS ARE BUILT AROUND THE CHASSIS AND THE MOUNTED EQUIPMENT. THESE ARE THE CHASSIS AND EQUIPMENT MANUFACTURERS COMMONLY BEHIND THE UNITS IN OUR BOOK.
SPECIALTY TRUCK — RELATED PAGES
THE LINKS BELOW CONNECT SPECIALTY TRUCK INSURANCE TO THE COVERAGE PARTS, INDUSTRY PAGES, AND BROADER PROGRAMS THAT FIT AROUND IT.
COMMON QUESTIONS — SPECIALTY TRUCK INSURANCE
WHAT COUNTS AS A SPECIALTY TRUCK?
ISN'T THIS JUST COMMERCIAL AUTO INSURANCE?
WHY IS MOUNTED EQUIPMENT COVERAGE A SEPARATE CONVERSATION?
WHAT IS ON-HOOK COVERAGE AND WHY DO TOW OPERATORS NEED IT?
DO I NEED POLLUTION COVERAGE ON A SPECIALTY TRUCK?
HOW MUCH DOES SPECIALTY TRUCK INSURANCE COST?
WHAT IF MY CONTRACT REQUIRES SPECIFIC LIMITS OR ADDITIONAL INSURED STATUS?
WHAT DO YOU NEED FROM ME TO QUOTE?
REQUEST A SPECIALTY TRUCK INSURANCE REVIEW
USE THE FORM BELOW TO START A CONVERSATION ABOUT A SINGLE UNIT, A SPECIALTY FLEET, A CONTRACT REQUIREMENT, OR A GAP IN YOUR CURRENT PROGRAM. IF YOU WOULD RATHER TALK IMMEDIATELY, CALL OR TEXT (412) 212-2800.