Hotshot Trucking Insurance

Hotshot trucking is a niche part of the transportation industry using Class 2, 3, 4, and 5 pickup and dually trucks. Hotshots are capable of rapidly transporting less-than-truckload (LTL) and automobiles. Hotshot drivers are quicker than semi-trucks with more options to haul freight. However, their ability to rapidly transport LTL goods across the country brings unique risks that require comprehensive insurance coverage.

Personal auto insurance will not provide the coverage necessary to operate a for-hire hotshot trucking operation. You’ll need to purchase a commercial auto insurance policy from a trucking specialist.

Hotshot Trucking Equipment Matters

Your insurance rates are determined by the type of equipment you use. Hotshot trucking insurance covers the following types of dually classes:

• Class 2 (6,001-10,000lbs) – This includes Ford F150s and F250s, Chevrolet Silverado 1500s and 2500s, GMC Sierra 1500s and 2500s, RAM 1500s and 2500s.
• Class 3 (10,001-14,000lbs) – This includes Ford F350s, Chevrolet Silverado 3500s, GMC Sierra 3500s, and RAM 3500s.
• Class 4 (14,001-16,000lbs) – This includes Ford F450s, Chevrolet Silverado 4500s, and RAM 4500s.
• Class 5 (16,001-19,500lbs) – This includes Ford F550s, Chevrolet Silverado 5500s, and RAM 5500s

In addition, the type of trailer used heavily impacts insurance rates and insurance acceptability. Many insurance companies have an appetite for gooseneck and fifth wheel hitches and trailers. Meanwhile, insurance companies that accept ball-at-bumper hitches and utility trailers may offer lower rates.

• Gooseneck – The most common hitch for hotshots and dually trucks.
• Fifth Wheel – These hitches use jaws and kingpin connection. They are bulkier and in most cases can be removed from the hotshot or dually.
• Ball at Bumper – Often used by Class 2 hotshots to transport lighter cargo.

CDL Requirements for Hotshot Trucking

Holding a Commercial Drivers License (CDL) gives hotshot drivers more flexibility and opportunities, but it is not a requirement. According to regulations, a CDL is not required in many states until you are operating commercial equipment over 26,000lbs.

Certain insurance companies may offer cheap hotshot insurance quotes, but require drivers to hold an active CDL.

It is important to understand the GVWR when using a hotshot or a dually without a CDL. For example, if you drive a Class 3 hotshot such as a RAM 3500 with a gooseneck trailer, your weight is around 17,000lbs. The max load for a non-CDL hotshot driver is 9,000lbs. If you have a CDL, you can haul over the 26,000 GVWR limit.

What Does Hotshot Truck Insurance Cover?

Hotshot trucking insurance provides a variety of coverage to meet your needs. From the state required coverage to first-party coverage that keeps your business open when the worst happens, our hotshot insurance policies have you covered.

• Auto Liability – Commercial Auto Liability is a critical component of your hotshot truck insurance policy. This coverage protects you if you’re found liable for bodily injury or property damage while operating an insured truck.
• Physical Damage –  This coverage protects your insured hotshot or dually truck for collision and other-than-collision incidents such as theft, vandalism, or contact with an animal.
• Motor Truck Cargo – Covering the cargo you carry is vital to your business. Not only does it give your customers peace of mind, it protects you financially.
• Trailer Interchange – If you operate a hotshot with trailers that are not owned by you and you’ve got a trailer interchange agreement, this coverage is a must. It provides coverage for trailers used in the course of your operations that are not owned by you.
• General Liability – Many contracts require Truckers General Liability. This covers your business for operations outside of driving the truck.

How Much Does Hotshot Truck Insurance Cost?

Hotshot trucking insurance cost varies based on the type of equipment, limits of coverage, cargo carried, and driving history. Hotshots that transport flatbed commodities such as building supplies, lumber, and machinery may pay less than a hotshot hauling automobiles. The type of trailer used plays an important role in determining your insurance rate. Most hotshot truck insurance policies cost between $7,500 and $15,000.

Discover the Trucking Insurance Services Advantage

When you purchase a policy with Trucking Insurance Services, you are getting more than an experienced truck insurance agent, you are getting a business partner that will help you see around the corner. We are a family-owned business with decades in trucking. We aren’t in the insurance industry, we are in trucking.

Certificates At The Speed of Light

We know how important it is to send certificates of insurance to your brokers in a timely manner. Our team of dedicated certificate processing agents will have your certificate of insurance out the door within minutes. Need special verbiage or additional coverage? An agent will quickly update your policy and issue your certificate.

We Know Hotshot Truck Filings

We get it. Filings are complex. And knowing who needs what filing can make your head spin. Don’t worry, our team of truck insurance experts will arrange to have your filings issued. Are you a new venture trying to activate your ICC/MC number? A member of our team will walk you through the process.

Covering Truckers All Across The United States

Our licensed agents can cover your friends all across the United States. Find out more about Trucking Insurance Services and where we write coverage.