Tow Truck Insurance

1800 97 98 99

Protect your tow truck business with reliable tow truck insurance. Get essential coverage for your vehicles, cargo, and team. Get a free quote today and stay safe on the road!

Truck Insurance — Comprehensive and Third Party, Trailer (Owned and Non-Owned), Downtime Cover, Marine Carriers, Public Liability.

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Tow Truck Insurance

This page explains tow truck insurance, covering essential protections like liability, physical damage, and specialized coverages for towing operations. It highlights the importance of this insurance for tow truck businesses and offers information on how to secure a quote.

Running a tow truck business is tough work, and you face unique risks every day. From recovering broken-down cars to impounding vehicles, you need strong protection. Tow truck insurance isn't just a good idea – it's crucial for keeping your business safe and sound. We're here to help you understand what it is and why you need it, in simple terms.

Imagine you're hooking up a car, and something goes wrong. Or, you're driving, and an accident happens. Without the right insurance, these incidents could cost your business a fortune, maybe even shut you down.
What is Tow Truck Insurance?
It's a special type of commercial insurance designed just for tow truck operators. It covers the specific dangers involved in towing, recovering, and transporting vehicles. It's more than just regular auto insurance because your job involves handling other people's property and facing unique road hazards.
Why Do You Need It?

  • Protect Your Business: Accidents happen. Insurance helps pay for damages, injuries, and legal costs if something goes wrong.
  • Protect What You Tow: When you hook up a car, you're responsible for it. Specialized coverage protects that vehicle while it's in your care.
  • Meet Legal Requirements: Most states and clients require tow truck operators to have specific insurance coverages.
  • Peace of Mind: Knowing you're covered lets you focus on your job without constant worry.
What Does It Usually Cover?

  • Liability Coverage: This is key. It helps if you cause an accident that injures someone or damages their property. Think of it as protecting you from lawsuits.
  • Physical Damage Coverage: This protects *your* tow truck itself if it's in an accident, gets stolen, or is damaged by things like fire or vandalism.
  • On-Hook Towing Coverage: Super important! This covers the car, truck, or other vehicle you are actively towing if it gets damaged while hooked to your tow truck.
  • Garagekeepers Legal Liability: If you store vehicles at your lot or garage (like after an accident or before repairs), this protects those vehicles from damage due to fire, theft, or collision.
  • Medical Payments: Helps pay for medical costs if you or your passengers are injured in an accident.
  • Uninsured/Underinsured Motorist: Protects you if an uninsured driver hits your truck or causes damage to a vehicle you're towing.

No matter if you offer roadside assistance, vehicle recovery, impound services, or dealer transfers, having the right tow truck insurance plan is non-negotiable. It's your safety net, allowing you to operate confidently and legally.

How do you get started?

We make truck insurance fast and easy at Shielded. Get a quote today.

1

Start a quote.

Fill the quote form above, or call us on 1800 97 98 99.

2

Quotes gathered.

Our team will procure competitive quotes.

3

You're covered.

Choose your option and recieve your policy documents.

Why choose Shielded

Protect yourself with a policy backed by a reputable and award winning insurance advisor.

Professional

Our team are professional and experienced in truck insurance.

Highly Reviewed

Shielded is an award winning insurance advisor with thousands of 5 star reviews.

Renewal Management

Our team will manage your renewals and keep you informed and up to date.

24/7 Claims

Notify of a claim 24/7 365 days a year.

Cover Options

We can provide different levels of cover for transport operators

Commercial Motor

Third party to comprehensive motor cover.

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Public Liability

Protection for third party property damage or personal injury.

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Downtime

Income whilst your motor vehicle is off the road.

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Marine and Cargo

Protection for goods in transit.

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Personal Accident

Protect your income from injury or sickness.

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Workers Compensation

Protection for your employees and workers.

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Frequently Asked Questions

Questions about Tow Truck Insurance and General Enquiries

What is 'On-Hook Towing Coverage'?

On-Hook Towing Coverage is a special protection for the vehicle you are actively towing. If that car gets damaged while it's hooked to your tow truck – for example, in an accident or from dropping it – this coverage helps pay for the repairs.

Is tow truck insurance legally required?

Yes, almost all states and local governments require tow truck operators to carry specific types and amounts of insurance to operate legally. Clients, like auto clubs or police departments, also demand it for contracts. It's not just a recommendation; it's a must-have.

How much does tow truck insurance cost?

The cost varies a lot because it depends on factors like your location, the type of towing you do, the value of your trucks, your driving record, and the coverage limits you choose. It's best to get a personalized quote to find out exactly what you'll pay.

What type of truck insurance is available?

Truck insurance typically consists of liability coverage, cargo coverage, comprehensive coverage, and personal accident insurance. We can tailor options to suit you.

What factors affect my premium and quote price?

A few factors that can affect your premium include the type of vehicle you drive, your driving record, the type and amount of coverage you choose, and the amount of your excess also known as a deductible.

How to get cheaper truck insurance?

You can lower your truck insurance premium by increasing your excess, shopping around for the best rate by using us as your insurance broker (we do the work for you!), and maintaining a good driving record.

Who do I contact in a claim?

In the event of an accident or claim, you should contact your us or your insurer right away.

Do I need extra cover when towing other owners trailers?

Yes, if you need full comprehensive coverage on the trailer you will need to list the trailer on your policy. Some policies will include some default coverage up to a certain limit (usually $50,000 to 100,000) but this is usually for a liability aspect only.

Does truck insurance cover fire and theft?

Yes, comprehensive truck insurance policies provide coverage for theft and fire.

Do I need more cover if I'm carting dangerous goods?

Generally speaking, you will need to take out dangerous goods liability coverage for protection. These limits can range so it's important you talk to us.

Am I covered Australia Wide?

It's important to note though that some policies will have radius limits on them depending what you declared when setting up the policy. If you go outside of this radius limit there may be extra excesses applicable or issues in a claim.

Which insurers are available for truck insurance?

Shielded uses quite a few when we quote and compare. These include Zurich, NTI, HMIA, Penn, Global Transport (GT), ATL, CGU, Vero, Hollard, Allianz, and QBE. Keep in mind we're not limited to these insurers, others do exist. It all comes down to what type of truck it is and what the purpose the truck will be used for.