3 Gaps to Watch for in Your Trucking Insurance

When it comes to operating a trucking company, you often don’t know about gaps in your coverage until you file a claim that isn’t covered. Uncovered losses can cost you thousands or even tens of thousands of dollars and can often be avoided.

The best way to understand where gaps in coverage exist is to make sure your agent fully understands your operation and has a complete picture of what services you provide.

Here are just three things that can be overlooked in your insurance policy.

Miscellaneous Equipment Coverage

It is not uncommon for truck drivers to use binders, tarps, tie-downs, chains, and other equipment to secure cargo on their trailers. This equipment is normally covered under the trailer’s Physical Damage policy if the trailer is owned by the carrier or the owner-operator. However, a separate policy is needed when the trailer is not owned.

Great West’s Miscellaneous Equipment coverage is a simple product that provides full comprehensive and collision coverage, subject to a $100 deductible and regardless of any other tractor deductible.

Flatbed and specialized equipment owner-operators have the greatest need for this coverage, although there may be other situations for which where this coverage is applicable, such as carriers using customers’ trailers.

Related Video: Learn More about Choice Coverage® Plus

Electronic Equipment Coverage

Great West’s Physical Damage policy does not cover most electronic equipment unless it is installed by the factory at the time of assembly.

However, this endorsement can be used when insureds want to extend a covered auto’s Physical Damage coverage to include certain electronic equipment items not automatically covered in the policy.

Examples may include computer systems, electronic logging devices (ELDs), satellite communication or tracking systems, video camera monitoring systems, collision prevention systems, cell phones, two-way mobile radios, or scanning monitor receivers. 

Coverage is subject to a $250 deductible per loss, and no other policy deductibles apply to this coverage.

Note: Cassette tapes, CDs, and DVDs are not covered by the policy. The coverage can be included with this endorsement.

Towing Expense Coverage

With long miles, long hours, and a long list of regulations, trucking is a tough business. The last thing you need is a breakdown and a hefty towing bill.

Towing charges can run you hundreds of dollars, and not all companies cover towing after a breakdown or accident.

That’s why Great West has bundled all of the coverages truck drivers need into one single, complete package called Choice Coverage® Plus.

This endorsement includes towing services, and much more:

• Rental reimbursement

• Emergency expenses

• Miscellaneous equipment coverage

• Electronic equipment coverage

• Diminishing deductible

Click here to learn more about how this coverage may benefit you.

Note: These lists are not intended to be all-inclusive.
The information in this article is provided as a courtesy of Great West Casualty Company and is part of the Value-Driven® Company program. Value-Driven Company was created to help educate and inform insureds so they can make better decisions, build a culture that values safety, and manage risk more effectively. To see what additional resources Great West Casualty Company can provide for its insureds, please contact your safety representative, or click below to find an agent.

Insurance Contracts are Underwritten, Administered, and Issued by: Great West Casualty Company, Old Republic Life Insurance Company, and Old Republic Union Insurance Company.

One or more Old Republic companies may provide the products and/or services described. Information presented is for illustrative purposes only and does not constitute a contract or advice, including employment advice or advice to motor carriers. Please refer to the relevant insurance policy for actual terms. Products and services may not be available in all states and may be subject to change without notice. © 2026 Old Republic International Corporation. Old Republic® and the Old Republic Circle of Stars monogram are registered trademarks. All Rights Reserved.