Box Truck Insurance

Box trucks are essential in transporting goods and materials across cities and towns all over America. They provide countless benefits, including the convenient, safe, and smooth transport of cargo.

However, as with any vehicle on the road, there are risks and liabilities in operating a box truck. Box truck insurance protects businesses from financial ruin in the event of accidents and unforeseen events.

Below we break down what you should know about box truck insurance. At American Insurance Brokers, we equip businesses and commercial drivers with the tools they need to select the best coverages possible. Read on to learn what coverages are available for box trucks, as well as the types of businesses that can benefit from box truck insurance.

What is box truck insurance?

Box truck insurance is a form of commercial insurance for box trucks. This insurance coverage is beneficial for box trucks used in cross-town delivery, moving, freight hauling, and other services. Box truck insurance is specifically designed for this type of commercial vehicle.

Box truck insurance covers the risks and liabilities of operating box truck vehicles. Covering your box trucks can safeguard your assets and mitigate any potential losses in the operation of these vehicles.

How much is box truck insurance?

The cost of box truck insurance varies depending on a range of factors. Insurance providers can provide quotes on the exact cost depending on your unique needs. This is why it is advantageous to work with a broker like American Insurance Brokers.

The team at American Insurance Brokers will listen to you, understanding your unique situation. Then, we’ll shop for quotes, taking into consideration all of the factors below. We’ll provide you with a range of options to choose from. When you have options, you’re better able to pick the most comprehensive yet affordable plan for you.

Below are the factors that will be considered when determining your insurance cost.

Coverage Chosen

When you insure your box truck, you can select a range of coverages. These coverages may include physical damage coverage, medical payments coverage, cargo insurance, and others. We explain these coverages in detail below.

The more coverages you choose, the higher your premium will be. However, it will provide greater protection and less financial risk for you and your business.

Location

Your insurance costs will also depend on where you conduct business. Your rates will be determined based on your local rules and regulations. Some states require a minimum amount of insurance, especially in areas with lots of traffic or accidents.

AIB can help you understand your coverage requirements, especially if you live in one of our key states.

Driver History

Insurance costs can be impacted by the history of the box truck drivers. Drivers with clean records may experience lower premiums. Those with a history of accidents and damages will see higher box truck insurance costs.

Cargo

The type of material transported in a box truck can affect insurance costs. Hazardous materials will carry greater risk than other materials. If your cargo is especially dangerous, you may face higher insurance costs.

Distance of Travel

The distance your fleet will typically travel in their box trucks determines insurance costs. Fleets that have a wider distance to travel will require more coverage. This is because there is a higher risk of accidents the longer a driver is on the road.

Fleet Size

If you own many box trucks, you might get a discount or special rate for having a fleet. will help lower the cost to insure each individual vehicle.

Deductible Chosen

A deductible is the amount you pay out of pocket before insurance kicks in. If you select a higher deductible, your insurance premium will be lower. However, a lower deductible will mean a higher premium.

Vehicle Value

The value of your box trucks will affect how much you pay in insurance premiums. If you operate expensive box trucks, your insurance premium will be higher.

Truck Safety Features

Safety features may allow you to be eligible for lower premiums. Safety features include anti-lock brakes, airbags, and GPS tracking systems.

History of Claims Filed

Your insurance rates will be affected by your claim history. Businesses with a history of making claims may face higher insurance premiums.

What are the types of box trucks?

Box trucks can come in a range of shapes and sizes, depending on their specific business requirements. Common types of box trucks include the following.

Straight Truck

Because of their box shape, straight trucks can also be referred to as cube trucks. They feature a single compartment for both the driver and the cargo. They are commonly used for delivery services, moving, and the transportation of goods.

Compared to tractor-trailers, straight trucks are often easier to maneuver in urban and tight spaces. They are smaller, which makes them suitable for businesses that require frequent stops.

Parcel Van

Parcel vans are commonly used for delivery services. They have multiple compartments for efficient sorting and delivery. The compartments can hold different types of packages or types of goods separately.

Parcel vans have a variety of other features. These vans contain security features, including locks and alarms. They are also usually equipped with GPS tracking systems. GPS tracking systems allow businesses to monitor the real-time location of their parcel vans.

Refrigerated Box Truck

These trucks are used for the transport of perishable goods. To keep their cargo from spoiling, these trucks contain cooling systems. The refrigerated section of the truck usually maintains a specific temperature range.

These box trucks are beneficial for industries like food distribution, pharmaceuticals, and floral delivery. Not only are these trucks refrigerated, but they are also equipped with insulation.

Dry Van

A dry van is the most common form of box truck. Dry vans are standard box trucks for the transportation of a wide range of cargo. The cargo they carry doesn’t require temperature control or specialized handling.

Dry vans are essential for retail, manufacturing, and distribution. They come in a wide range of sizes. They’re also equipped with features for the loading and unloading of cargo. Dry vans are versatile and secure, offering businesses simplicity when hauling goods.

What are box truck insurance coverages?

When shopping for box truck insurance, you can customize your coverages. Box truck insurance coverages are the specific protections you would like to have on your commercial vehicle. They each cover a specific risk and liability associated with operating a box truck.

All the coverages below aim to provide you with financial security. If you have questions about which coverages you need, the team at American Insurance Brokers can help. The coverages you need will depend on your cargo type, business risk profile, and regulatory requirements.

Liability Coverage

Liability coverage is your foundation. It helps protect your business in the event of bodily harm or property damage. If you’re held responsible, it can lower your financial responsibility.

This coverage usually covers two types of liability.

Bodily Injury Liability

If an accident involving your box truck injures someone, this coverage will protect you. It covers medical expenses, legal fees, and other related costs.

Property Damage Liability

If your box truck damages another person’s property, there may be significant costs for repairs. Property damage liability will help cover repairs and replacement for said property.

Physical Damage Coverage

Your box truck may sustain damage in an accident. When this happens, you need physical damage coverage. This coverage is designed to cover repairs and replacements of your damaged box truck.

Physical damage coverage protects you and your box truck after accidents, collisions, vandalism, theft, fire, and other covered events. It contains two parts.

Collision Coverage

This coverage pays for any repair or replacement if your box truck collides with another vehicle or object.

Comprehensive Coverage

There is a risk of your box truck being damaged in other events than a collision. Comprehensive coverage safeguards you and your box truck against damage caused by theft, vandalism, fire, and natural disasters. It also provides coverage for your box truck if it sustains damage from hitting an animal.

Cargo Insurance

The cargo you carry is valuable. You do not want to be responsible for any damage, theft, or loss of the cargo during transportation. Cargo insurance will cover the value of your cargo if something happens to it in transit. If you haul valuable or perishable items, this coverage is essential.

Uninsured/Underinsured Motorist Coverage

Unfortunately, there are drivers who are either uninsured or underinsured. If your truck crashes with theirs, their insurance might not cover your damages. This coverage will help cover medical expenses and damages for you and your passengers.

Medical Payments Coverage

If you were injured in an accident, medical payments coverage will help you. This type of coverage pays for medical expenses for you and your passengers. It will kick in no matter who is at fault for the accident. It will cover your medical bills and related costs for injuries resulting from the accident.

Non-Owned Trailer Coverage

Let’s say you rent your box trucks from another company. This coverage will provide protection for the use of those non-owned trucks.

General Liability Insurance

General liability insurance is not exclusive to box trucks, but it does help businesses that operate them. It covers a range of business-related liabilities. These include property damage at the delivery site, slips and falls, and other accidents that may occur.

What businesses need box truck insurance?

There are several types of businesses that can benefit from box truck insurance, including delivery or moving service providers. Box truck insurance will protect their assets, operations, and financial well-being. Below are the types of businesses that will need box truck insurance.

Delivery Services

Local or long-distance delivery services will need box truck insurance. Businesses that deliver products to customers’ homes, businesses, or distribution centers will benefit from this protection.

Moving Companies

Residential or commercial moving services often require box trucks. These businesses haul valuable items, whether for the home or office. Box truck insurance will protect both the cargo and the property being moved.

Freight Hauling

Intermediaries between manufacturers, suppliers, and retailers use box trucks. These intermediaries include less-than-truckload (LTL) and full-truckload (FTL) freight carriers.

Retailers

Retailers need to transport inventory between warehouses, distribution centers, and retail locations. They often use box trucks to do so. Businesses that use box trucks to regularly restock goods will need box truck insurance.

Catering Services

Box trucks are often used for businesses that cater to events, parties, or gatherings. Insurance will help cover the food, equipment, and supplies transported in the box truck.

Landscaping and Maintenance

Lawn and landscaping businesses are common users of box trucks. They use box trucks to carry equipment, tools, and materials to job sites. Insurance will help cover any damage to property or equipment.

Construction and Contracting

Contractors need box trucks to carry tools, equipment, and materials to construction sites. Box truck insurance will help guard them in the event of accidents or damages.

Wholesalers

Wholesalers that use box trucks to transport bulk goods will immensely benefit from box truck insurance. When transporting goods from suppliers to retail outlets and other locations, insurance will cover any damages or injuries.

Special Events

Businesses that offer event setup, décor, and equipment rental services often use box trucks. Insurance can cover the materials being moved, as well as ensure smooth event operations.

Waste Collection and Disposal

Waste management businesses may use box trucks to transport waste to disposal sites. For them, there is a risk of environmental liabilities and accidents. Box truck insurance will help.

Manufacturers

Businesses that make goods but don’t have a retail presence may use box trucks. Box truck insurance will protect the goods being transported, as well as other risks outlined above.

Courier Services

Time-sensitive deliveries are usually made with box trucks. Couriers can benefit from box truck insurance to lower any financial risks of operating.

Secure Your Box Truck with American Insurance Brokers

For the businesses listed above, box truck insurance is a safeguard against financial setbacks. Coverage can help ensure the longevity of your business. It minimizes your risks and liabilities, allowing you to operate for years to come.

When you’re ready to shop for options, American Insurance Brokers is here to help. Request a free estimate today. We’ll help you design a coverage plan tailored to your unique situation.

With AIB, you can receive comprehensive yet affordable coverage. Secure your business’s future today.