Tow Truck Insurance in Massachusetts
What is tow truck insurance?
Massachusetts tow truck operators and their equipment are often exposed to potentially dangerous situations. Many calls for a tow are made from roadsides and in bad driving conditions, which expose both operator and truck to collision risk. No insurance policy will keep an operator safe on the road (or shoulder), but a tow truck insurance policy can provide important financial protections should anything happen.
Tow truck insurance is specifically designed for towing operators. Policies, typically provide protection for tow trucks, the vehicles they tow, and the people and businesses that own them.
What Massachusetts businesses should have towing insurance in place?
The majority of tow truck operators in Massachusetts should consider towing insurance. State regulations usually mandate certain coverages, and additional protections are strongly advised.
Since a variety of businesses operate tow trucks, there are a few different operators that might purchase a policy. Auto service centers, independent mechanics, car dealerships, standard towing operators, heavy-duty towing operators, and police departments commonly get these policies, as do others.
What insurance policies are available for heavy-duty tow trucks?
Heavy-duty to trucks that tow semis, fire trucks, heavy equipment and other large vehicles present unique insurance considerations.
Operators with these types of wreckers should consult with a specialized agent to identify their coverage needs, and to find a suitable policy. An agent who’s well-versed in the details of towing insurance policies will be able to find a policy that provides the robust coverages these wreckers require.
What coverages do tow truck policies come with?
Tow truck policies typically satisfy state minimum requirements while also offering a variety of other protections. Some essential or strongly recommended coverages for operators include:
- Physical Damage Coverage: May cover damage to insured wrecker(s) that results from accidents involving other vehicles.
- Comprehensive Coverage: May cover non-accident-related damage to the insured wrecker that results from animal strikes, falling trees, hail, fire, theft, etc.
- On-Hook Towing Coverage: May cover damage to towed vehicles while the vehicles are on a wrecker.
- Garage Services Coverage: May cover damage to towed vehicles while the vehicles are at a garage, service center, impound lot, etc.
- Tow Truck Liability Coverage: May cover third-party injuries and property damage occurring during accidents.
- Medical Payments Coverage: May cover medical expenses that result from injuries occurring during accidents.
- Underinsured/Uninsured Motorist Coverage: May cover accidents involving inadequately insured drivers, whether uninsured or underinsured.
Several other coverages may be necessary or desirable for towing operators. A knowledgeable insurance agent can help operators determine what coverage options are best for their particular situation.
Can vehicle transporters use a tow truck policy to insure themselves?
Although vehicle transporters might require some of the coverages found within tow truck policies, these policies normally don’t offer all of the necessary coverages that transporters ought to carry. A distinct commercial vehicle insurance policy is usually more suitable for transporters. An insurance agent experienced in tow truck policies can likely help transporters too.
How much do tow truck policy premiums cost?
Premiums for tow truck policies vary, as they depend on numerous factors. Some details that insurance companies consider include:
- Year, make, and model of insured wreckers
- Number of wreckers being insured
- Service areas for towing services
- Operator experience and driving record
- Company’s past claims history
How can Massachusetts towing operators obtain tow truck insurance?
For assistance insuring Massachusetts-registered wreckers, reach out to the independent insurance agents at Pike Insurance. Our agents will work closely with you to identify specific coverage requirements, and then we can present several customized policy options based on those requirements. We’re able to recommend the best tow truck insurance policy regardless of insurer since we’re an independent agency.
