Dump truck insurance is specialty insurance for those who operate trucks transporting loads of dirt, gravel, sand, or stone. When you operate a commercial truck, you need specialty insurance to ensure you are covered in the unfortunate event of an accident. Through our research, we’ve learned more about dump truck insurance in Florida, including the five companies we consider to be the best for dump truck insurance.
- The 5 best dump truck insurance companies in Florida
- What are the requirements for dump truck insurance in Florida?
- What does dump truck insurance cover?
- How much does dump truck insurance cost in Florida?
- How to find cheap dump truck insurance in Florida
The 5 best dump truck insurance companies in Florida
- Progressive: Best Overall
- biBERK: Best for low-cost dump truck insurance coverage
- Simply Business: Best for comparing several quotes
- Commercialinsurance.net: Best if you want to work with knowledgeable agents
- The Hartford: Best for fleets
Progressive: Best Overall
Progressive is arguably the number one commercial auto insurance company in the US currently. The company offers a wide range of coverages and allows you the flexibility to customize your coverage choices. In addition to providing comprehensive automotive coverages that are standard across the industry, Progressive tailors coverage to specific niches within the commercial auto industry.
Progressive is one of a few insurance companies offering all types of truck insurance quotes online, including dump trucks. It should take 10 minutes to less to get a dump truck insurance quote on Progressive website. If you are happy with the quote, you can buy the policy online within minutes and manage the policy entirely online as well.
Progressive also offers several discounts to reduce the cost and encourage good driving behaviors and habits of their customers.
We got a quote for an owner-operator with a single dump truck from Progressive. Below you will see the yearly coverage quote. The quote below is prior to any discounts. The average cost is $1,436 a month, which is not too expensive for a comprehensive dump truck insurance policy.
Keep in mind that, similar to car insurance cost, dump truck insurance cost is very individualized. Your quotes and rates will be very different, so make sure you get a quote for yourself. It only takes 10 minutes or less, it is worth your effort.
Pros
- Number 1 for commercial auto insurance
- Customized and comprehensive coverage
- Several discounts and great digital experience: online quotes, purchase and manage the policy entirely online
Cons
- Below-average rating for shopping satisfaction
biBERK: Best for low-cost dump truck insurance coverage
biBERK is a part of the Berkshire Hathaway group of insurance carriers. The company specializes in small business insurance products. As a part of the Berkshire group, biBERK has an A++ rating with AM Best. The insurers bring over 75 years of insurance experience to the table. Being backed by Berkshire Hathaway gives biBERK the financial stability it needs to cover any insurance claims it might process.
bibERK is another company offering dump truck insurance quotes online. The company specializes in offering business insurance policies, including trucking insurance, directly to the customers, bypassing agents and brokers. Building a direct-to-customers product and business model allows the company to reduce costs and offer low-cost coverage. biBERK claims that they often save their customers at least 20% on truck insurance premiums.
We attempted to get a quote for an owner-operator short-haul dump truck business in Jacksonville, Florida. But biBERK requires us to call to clarify a few details before discussing our quotes.
Pros
- Online quotes and purchasing
- Specializes in low-cost truck insurance coverage
- File claims online
- Download a copy of the insurance certificate anytime
Cons
- Not all coverages available in every state
- Many specialized coverages are unavailable
Simply Business: Best for comparing several quotes
Simply Business is an insurance comparison tool with its home base in the UK. In 2017, the company expanded its services to include the US. Simply Business lets you provide your information once, and then the company provides you with multiple quotes based on that information. As a subsidiary of the Travelers Insurance group, you can expect Simply Business to return a quote from Travelers if that company offers the coverage you seek.
Pros
- Retrieve multiple quotes at once
- Easy online application process
Cons
- Doesn’t offer every kind of coverage
- Truck insurance quotes may not be available online. You may need to call to discuss your quote options.
CommercialInsurance.net: Best if you prefer working with a knowledgable agent
CommercialInsurance.net is an online insurance broker specializing in finding insurance coverage for small businesses. Their preferred niche is businesses with less than $10 million in annual revenue. Like Simply Business, you provide your information once, and they will match you with an agent most knowledgeable with your industry niche. The agents in their network are the most knowledgable and experienced in the filed. If you prefer working with a knowledgable agent who can help you navigate the industry to find the best coverages at the most affordable prices, you may want to work with Commercialinsurance.net
Pros
- Easy quote process
- Most knowledgeable and experienced agents
Cons
- No online quotes
- You must be ok working with agents
The Hartford: Best for fleets
The Hartford is one of the oldest insurance companies in the US. It started as a fire insurance company and branched out into other coverages. They offer coverage for smaller businesses, but their preference is to work with larger corporations or fleets of trucks. If you want to insure a fleet of vehicles, The Hartford is a good choice as they specialize in working with larger companies.
Pros
- Lots of coverage options and customizable coverages
- Deductible waived for large claims
Cons
- Only available to AARP members in certain states
- High volume of consumer complaints
What are the requirements for dump truck insurance in Florida?
Different states have different laws governing dump truck insurance. In Florida, you must carry at the very least bodily injury liability, property damage liability, and personal injury protection. The state mandates minimum limits for each kind of coverage. Those limits are as follows:
- Bodily injury liability: $10,000 per person
- Property damage: $10,000
- Personal injury protection: $10,000.
In addition to state laws, you must follow federal guidelines if you cross state lines. Federal requirements vary based on the weight of the load you’re carrying and the type of material you are hauling. If a truck driver carries hazardous materials, the liability limit guidelines increase.
In Florida, the law mandates that proof of insurance must be kept both in the vehicle and at the main business office. The proof of insurance in the truck should be a copy of the one kept in the business office. Acceptable proof of coverage comes directly from the insurance company or in the form of a surety bond.
If a motor carrier drives without proof of insurance, they face both state and federal penalties. It could result in the loss of your license. The federal government would thoroughly investigate and inspect the company if you have an accident. If they discover ay insurance coverage has lapsed or expired, they will impose additional fines, which could cost the driver their job.
What does dump truck insurance cover?
Dump truck insurance is commercial truck insurance that covers companies that use dump trucks to transport sand, dirt, gravel, and other materials. Owner-operators who work under their own authority need coverages different from those required by truckers who lease their services to other companies.
Owner-operators must provide their liability coverages, but those leased to a motor carrier may not have to do that. In some cases, the motor carrier may provide the necessary liability coverages. To protect your own truck, you might purchase other motor carrier insurance coverages such as physical damage coverage or uninsured motorist.
Below are the main coverages included in dump truck insurance policy:
Trucking primary liability coverage
Trucking primary liability is the main coverage of commercial truck insurance. It pays for any bodily injuries and property damages of the other driver and their vehicles if you get involved in an accident and you are at fault. Learn more about trucking liability coverage and who needs it
General liability insurance for motor trucks
General liability insurance covers court costs, legal fees, judgments, or settlements if a customer sues you because he gets injured or any third party’s property damage caused by your trucking operations, but not in an accident. The coverage also includes reputational and advertising damages. The policy covers your legal and court fees. Learn more at the best trucking general liability insurance companies.
Bobtail insurance
Bobtail insurance protects your truck from damages when you don’t have a trailer attached to it. This policy is typically reserved for drivers who have signed a long-term lease agreement. Bobtail insurance is usually covered under your primary liability policy if you are an owner-operator operating under your authority. Learn more at bobtail insurance cost and the best bobtail insurance companies.
Non-trucking liability insurance
This policy offers coverage for your truck when it’s not being used for work. It can also be useful in-between loads as some insurers do not honor claims for accidents when a truck is not carrying cargo.
Sometimes people mistake that bobtail insurance is the same as non-trucking liability insurance. However, they are not exactly the same, but they are similar. Non-trucking liability covers you when you get involved in an accident while driving your truck for personal purposes. Learn more about the differences between bobtail and non-trucking liability coverages.
Physical damage coverage
If one of your Florida dump trucks is involved in a collision or suffers from theft or vandalism, you’ll be covered by your trucking physical damage insurance. Learn more at trucking physical damage coverage and the best trucking physical damage insurance companies.
Trailer interchange insurance
Trailer interchange insurance will protect your truck from physical damage if you don’t own your trailer. Learn more about trailer interchange insurance here.
Cargo liability insurance for trucks
Cargo liability insurance aids truckers in protecting their cargo’s value from damage, theft, and loss. Some companies also include debris removal, freight charges, and individual limits. If you transport animals, you may need specialized livestock cargo insurance. Learn more at the best motor truck cargo insurance companies
Hazmat insurance is a subset of cargo insurance required by Florida if you transport hazardous materials.
How much does dump truck insurance cost in Florida?
The average cost of dump truck insurance in Florida is between $3,000 and $9,400 for coverage on a single dump truck. This is a bit higher than the national average since dump truck insurance in Florida is more expensive than the national average.
Several factors dictate where you fall within this range of coverage costs. The two biggest factors in the price of dump truck insurance are your truck’s size and the coverages that you get. Larger trucks are more expensive to insure because they carry the most significant risk and the more coverages you get, the more expensive your dump truck policy is.
Keep in mind that these are just the averages, your rates will be different. Be sure to shop around with a few companies, getting several online quotes from Progressive, biBERK, Simply Business, or work with broker like Commercialinsurance.net to obtain your quotes to compare and choose the cheapest one.
Learn more at how much does dump truck insurance cost
What factors affect the cost of dump truck insurance?
Multiple factors contribute to the cost of dump truck insurance in Florida. One of those contributing factors is the kind of coverage you need. If you need basic liability coverages, your premiums will be less expensive than those of someone who needs multiple add-ons to their policy. Other factors affecting your insurance coverage include:
- Your drivers and their driving records.
- Your trucks—both the kind and how many you have.
- Your driving record.
- Your location and how far you drive.
- Your experience.
- Your cargo—stone costs more than sand to insure, for example.
These are some of the most common factors affecting your insurance premiums. Your insurance provider may consider other factors as well.
How to find cheap dump truck insurance in Florida
If you are looking to reduce the cost of your premium, you can use any of these ideas.
Shop around to compare several quotes
Different insurance companies assess risks differently. They almost always give different quotes to the same business. So you never know what your quote will be unless you shop around with several companies to get their quotes, compare, and select the cheapest one for your business. When comparing quotes, make sure they have the same coverage limits, deductibles, and the same inclusions and exclusions.
Bundling if you buy several policies
If you need more than one coverage, consider bundling the various coverages with a single supplier. Also, if you have a fleet, combine individual truck insurance plans with one insurance carrier. The insurance company should give a discount on this.
Purchase short term coverage
If your dump truck won’t be working in the winter, it does not need to be insured for the period. Getting insurance that covers you all year will only be a waste of money. So, instead, look for seasonal or short term insurance coverage where you only pay for the time your trucks are in use. InsurePro is the only broker that I know of offering pay-per-day coverage that you may want to try out.
Pay premiums in full.
Yearly policies cost less in the long term than when you pay monthly. Insurance companies do this to encourage their clients to commit to more extended periods. So, if you can afford a full-year payment, go for it.
Final thoughts
Dump truck insurance is commercial truck insurance tailored to those who operate a dump truck to move gravel, dirt, and other materials. In Florida, dump truck drivers must maintain minimum liability coverages and keep proof of that coverage both in the truck and the business office. Various factors affect the price of dump truck insurance. The best way to determine what coverages you need and how much they cost is to speak to an insurance agent or broker.
