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Garbage Truck Insurance
Commercial insurance for garbage trucks
What is garbage truck insurance?
Garbage truck insurance is specialized commercial truck coverage for waste hauling vehicles that protects against accidents, damage, and certain types of liability. It can be tailored to fit your specific needs.
If you own an independent waste hauling business, garbage truck insurance is essential. Trash and debris removal vehicles are a big investment, even if you have just one or two trucks. Insurance can protect that investment and help your business thrive no matter what happens on the road.
Progressive Commercial is the #1 truck insurer in America.Δ Our team of experts can help you navigate the ins and outs of garbage collection coverage.
The basics of garbage collection insurance
Private waste hauling businesses legally need certain types of truck insurance. The specific requirements for commercial truck insurance vary by state, so it's important to understand the rules where you work.
While meeting the legal minimum is essential, many garbage collectors need a policy with higher limits or extra coverages to better protect their business. Operating a large truck comes with risks, especially when you're carrying junk, debris, or garbage. In some cases, this may involve handling hazardous cargo, which adds another layer of exposure.
If you're involved in waste management, insurance is key. The right coverage can protect your trucks, business, and bottom line.
Common garbage truck insurance and waste management insurance coverages
Basic protection for garbage trucks
Some of the most common coverages for garbage trucks include:
- Vehicle liability: Helps pay for damages you accidentally cause others. It's required by law, with specified minimum coverage limits for property damage and medical expenses.
- Non-trucking liability: Protects you when you're driving your garbage truck for non-business purposes.
- Heavy truck roadside assistance: Pays for special towing, jump starts, and other help to get your truck back on the road after a breakdown.
Additional insurance for waste haulers
Garbage trucks are expensive, so you might want additional coverage to protect your investment.
- Collision: Minimum insurance requirements only cover damages you cause others.Collision insurance can help pay for damage to your truck if it collides with another vehicle or object, overturns, or rolls.
- Uninsured/underinsured motorist (UM/UIM): UM/UIM coverage protects you when another driver is at fault but doesn't have sufficient insurance to pay for the damage they caused.
- Comprehensive: Comprehensive insurance covers non-collision damage to your garbage truck, including vandalism and severe weather.
Other insurance coverages for junk removal businesses
Companies that work in junk removal or waste and debris management usually need more than just commercial waste hauler insurance. A complete junk removal business insurance strategy often includes coverages like:
- General liability: Helps pay for damages you cause others, like if a customer slips and falls in your office.
- Workers' compensation: Most businesses are required to carry workers' comp coverage to protect employees from illness or injury on the job.
Maintaining a waste hauler
The Department of Transportation issues specific rules for maintaining waste haulers. Waste management companies should keep detailed records of inspections and maintenance activities. Garbage truck insurance may not cover a vehicle that hasn't received the maintenance required by law.
How much does garbage truck insurance cost?
The cost to insure your truck will vary, depending on your location, the kind of waste you work with, and your driving history. Progressive Commercial offers competitive rates and different commercial auto discounts. For example, with our Smart Haul® program, new customers who elect to enroll can save an average of $1,261** by using an electronic logging device to track their driving data.
Talk to one of our specialists or start a free quote online to learn more about the right coverages for your garbage collection business.
How to get garbage truck insurance
We make it simple to get garbage collection insurance. To ensure the process is as smooth as possible, we recommend having the following information handy before you start a quote:
- Your truck's make, model, year, and VIN
- Your driving record
- Estimated average annual mileage
This information will help us determine the right coverages for your garbage truck insurance policy.
