#16 — Commercial Truck Insurance Checklist. 25 Buyer-Beware Intelligence Points.

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  • The cheapest premium may not be the cheapest policy.
  • Liability limits need to match the risks of the operation.
  • Cargo coverage is separate from many liability protections.
  • Physical-damage coverage may have different deductibles.
  • Non-trucking liability may apply only in specific circumstances.
  • Bobtail coverage isn’t necessarily interchangeable with other commercial coverage.
  • Drivers may need to meet insurer eligibility requirements.
  • Driver history can affect underwriting.
  • Vehicle type can affect pricing. Operating radius can affect premiums.
  • Cargo type can dramatically affect risk.
  • Hazmat operations can require specialized coverage.
  • Refrigerated cargo creates additional exposure.
  • Trailer ownership and use should be disclosed accurately.
  • Leased-operator arrangements can complicate insurance responsibilities.
  • Additional insured requirements should be reviewed.
  • Certificates of insurance don’t necessarily change the underlying policy.
  • Exclusions can be more important than headline coverage.
  • Deductibles can materially change total cost.
  • Claims history can affect renewal pricing.
  • Policy cancellation provisions matter.
  • Ask how premium audits work.
  • Ask whether mileage, payroll, revenue or other metrics affect audits.
  • Compare equivalent coverage—not merely quoted premiums.
  • Have the actual policy reviewed before assuming an agent’s summary tells the whole story.

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