Starting the process for finding commercial truck insurance can be overwhelming. If you start with all the information the insurance companies will want and need, it can help speed up the process.

Provide Current and Factual Information

There is some basic information that all insurance companies will need in order to start a policy for commercial truck insurance.

• If you have a current commercial truck insurance policy, the declaration page of your policy is very useful for an agent when they are looking for a new/different policy. If you don’t currently have a commercial truck policy, the declarations page from your personal auto insurance can also be used.
• You need to be prepared to provide the driver’s license and basic driving history (including speeding tickets and accidents) for all drivers. Not disclosing factual information on the driving history now can lead to a rate increase, so it is best to be honest from the start.
• VIN numbers for all vehicles to be included on the policy, along with a list of safety and security features for each truck.

Companies will often give you a price quote without all this specific information, but that number can change once they have all the proof and certifications needed to write the policy. The policy also is not active, meaning you are not actually covered, until all needed items are provided.

How to Control Monthly Premiums for Commercial Truck Insurance

There are some factors that you are able to control that may have an effect on the price of your commercial truck insurance.

• The driving record of covered drivers. While you can not change infractions that happened in the past, you can make sure that you are following the laws and avoiding further infractions that could have a negative effect on the cost of your insurance.
• Where you keep your trucks overnight. Riskier areas tend to result in higher premiums.
• The type and radius of your operation. What you are hauling and how far away you are hauling it will affect the cost of your commercial truck insurance.
• The age, condition, and safety features of the vehicle. A newer vehicle with more safety features will usually result in lower premiums.

While it is always a good idea to get a price quote from multiple carriers, it is not a good idea to always go with the cheapest price you can find. When an accident happens and you need to use that insurance you may find that the coverage is severely lacking and you can end up paying more than if you had gone with a slightly higher premium for a plan with more comprehensive coverage.

When looking for a new policy for commercial truck insurance it is always a good idea to visit with an insurance broker who can provide quotes from multiple companies and they can help you compare the different coverage provided and the monthly premiums to find the best fit for you and your commercial truck insurance needs.