Servicing vehicles on roads’ shoulders is dangerous work, especially when it’s dark, raining or snowing. Purchasing tow truck insurance won’t do anything to prevent an accident from occurring on the road or elsewhere, but it can help Massachusetts towing operators ensure they’re financially protected should something happen.
Tow truck insurance policies provide specialized coverage for tow trucks and wreckers. Most policies protect trucks, the vehicles they tow, and the businesses that operate them.
Most Massachusetts businesses that operate tow trucks ought to purchase towing insurance. Policies are available for flatbed wreckers and wheel-life models. Additionally, policies can be purchased by statewide companies, local businesses and solo owner-operators.
Some examples of businesses that might need towing insurance include tow truck operators, local mechanics and auto service centers. Even police departments and charities that accept vehicle donations might need a policy, if they tow vehicles themselves. (Many outsource the towing, but some don’t.)
The exact coverages that any one tow truck policy provides can vary, but most policies make certain protections available. These commonly include:
Tow truck policies normally don’t provide all of the coverages that vehicle transporters need. While transporters might need many of the coverages found within towing policies, their need for additional protections usually necessitates a broader insurance policy.
An insurance agent who’s familiar with towing policies can also help transporters find a broader policy that better meets their needs.
Workers compensation is an important protection for towing operators to consider, and not just because most Massachusetts businesses with employees are required by state law to carry it. Working on roadsides is dangerous work, and drivers are often exposed to potential injuries. Workers compensation normally helps protect against job-related injuries.
Some towing policies might offer workers compensation as one of their protections, but not all do. If it’s not included within a policy, then the coverage can easily be found via a separate policy.
The rates that insurance companies charge for covering tow trucks are based on numerous factors, and therefore most operators pay different rates. Some of the factors that frequently impact cost are:
An independent insurance agent who specializes in towing policies can help businesses check how much insuring their tow trucks will cost. Independent agents are able to check quotes from different insurance companies. Someone who knows these policies well can help operators compare both rates and coverages.
If you need to insure tow trucks that operate in Massachusetts, contact the independent insurance agents at Roger Keith & Sons Insurance. Our agents will work closely with you to determine coverage needs, and then we’ll help you find the best tow truck insurance policy that meets those needs.
1575 Main Street
Brockton, MA 02301
Phone: (508) 583-1106
Fax: (508) 583-8478
PO Box 608 — 153 Front Street, Marion, MA 02738
Phone: (508) 748-0194
Fax: (508) 748-3655
328 Bedford Street
Lakeville, MA 02347
Phone: (508) 947-3460
Fax: (508) 947-6844