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Reefer Truck Insurance
Commercial insurance for refrigerated trucks
Protection for refrigerated trucks and their drivers
Refrigerated truck insurance is an important commercial truck coverage for anyone who regularly transports refrigerated goods, such as raw food or pharmaceuticals. This insurance helps pay for the cost of spoiled goods if a reefer's cooling equipment malfunctions.
As the country's #1 commercial truck insurer,Δ Progressive Commercial can help you get the refrigerated truck insurance you need to keep your business on track.
Do I need reefer breakdown coverage?
It's not required by law, but refrigeration breakdown insurance is a good idea for anyone who drives a refrigerated truck. Many larger clients contractually require shipping professionals to carry adequate cargo insurance, so having reefer insurance is often necessary to do business.
Professions that may need this coverage include:
- Caterers
- Concession vendors
- Couriers and delivery drivers
- Farmers market vendors
- Florists
- Food trucks
- Ice cream trucks
Key coverages for refrigeration trucks
All refrigerated trucks need the basic truck insurance coverages. You're legally required to carry liability insurance, though each state has different minimum coverage requirements. Also, if you drive out of state for work, you'll need to follow the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA) guidelines.
In addition to the mandated minimum coverage, reefer drivers can benefit from other common commercial truck coverages, including:
- Medical payments: Covers medical bills for you and your passengers if you're injured in an accident.
- Comprehensive: Pays for damage to your truck from covered non-collision events, such as fire or theft.
- Collision: Covers damage to your reefer in a collision, even if it's a single-vehicle accident, like hitting a pole.
These coverages can be especially helpful to professional drivers. They provide extra security since they cover damage to you and your rig regardless of who was at fault or whether another driver was involved.
Does refrigerated truck insurance cover cargo?
Yes, with the right policy. Make sure that your insurance specifies coverage for refrigeration breakdown.
Basic cargo insurance covers damage to the items in your truck due to ordinary risks like fire or theft, but it may not be sufficient for refrigerated vehicles. Adding reefer coverage to your policy gives you additional protection if the goods in your reefer are damaged or spoiled due to temperature changes. This extra layer of protection can help pay for the lost inventory.
Included on all eligible policies with motor truck cargo, Cargo Plus from Progressive Commercial even protects you if you're liable for the loss. For example, if you forget to monitor the temperature inside the truck, Cargo Plus could still cover the cost of the spoiled goods.
Other coverages for refrigerated trucks
In addition to specialized cargo insurance, reefers can benefit from other optional coverages for commercial trucks.
Rental reimbursement with downtime for reefer drivers
Rental reimbursement with downtime can help cover the costs of a rental when your reefer truck is in the shop. It can also help cover lost income if a suitable rental can't be found.
Heavy truck roadside assistance for refrigerated trucks
Roadside assistance for trucks offers protections like towing, fuel delivery, flat tire replacement, and more, with towing limits up to $5,000.
Trailer interchange for reefers
Trailer interchange insurance protects you while you're in possession of a trailer that doesn't belong to you. It can pay for damages to a trailer you're transporting under an interchange agreement.
FDA requirements for refrigerated trucks
The FDA requires anyone shipping perishable food to use equipment that reliably controls temperature. You may also need to document that your truck has maintained food-safe temperatures throughout the journey. Good risk management practices can reduce your premiums. Be sure you're up to date on regulations and have a plan to minimize cargo losses.
How do I get reefer coverage?
Reefer coverage isn't standalone insurance. To get it, you need to get commercial truck insurance with common commercial auto coverages plus motor truck cargo insurance with refrigeration breakdown.
The best way to get reefer coverage with Progressive Commercial is to get a personalized online quote for truck insurance or call the Progressive Commercial team. Make sure to include temperature-controlled truck insurance with your policy in addition to any other coverages you need.
If you already have a policy and need refrigerated truck coverage, talk to your insurer about adding a reefer endorsement.
How much does refrigeration truck coverage cost?
The cost of commercial truck insurance for reefers varies based on factors like:
- Vehicle make and model
- Driving history
- Coverage limits
- Location
- Cargo
If you're looking for affordable refrigerated truck insurance, our experts can help. Go online or contact us today to get a personalized quote.
Why choose Progressive Commercial
Progressive Commercial is trusted by many businesses like yours, offering affordable coverage, customizable plans, and dependable support that keeps you moving forward. We can build a policy that meets your needs and budget.
For truckers who get both their business and commercial auto insurance through Progressive Commercial, we can help you save even more with multi-policy commercial insurance discounts.
