
Short term commercial auto insurance can be a lifesaver for businesses with fluctuating vehicle needs. This type of insurance provides coverage for a limited period, usually between 30 days to 6 months.
You can get short term commercial auto insurance for as little as 30 days, making it a great option for seasonal businesses or those with variable vehicle needs. Some policies can be issued in as little as 24 hours.
The cost of short term commercial auto insurance varies depending on the provider and the length of coverage needed. On average, a 30-day policy can cost between $500 to $1,000.
What Is Commercial Auto Insurance?
Commercial auto insurance is a type of insurance that covers vehicles used for business purposes.
It's a requirement for many businesses, especially those that rely heavily on vehicles, such as delivery services or construction companies.
Commercial auto insurance typically covers damages to the vehicle, as well as medical expenses and other costs associated with accidents.
This type of insurance is usually more expensive than personal auto insurance due to the higher risk of accidents and claims.
Businesses can choose from various coverage options, including liability coverage, collision coverage, and comprehensive coverage.
Liability coverage helps pay for damages to other people or property in the event of an accident.
Collision coverage pays for damages to the vehicle itself.
Comprehensive coverage covers damages to the vehicle that are not related to an accident, such as theft or vandalism.
Related reading: How Much Is Comprehensive Car Insurance
Benefits and Advantages
With short-term commercial auto insurance, you can enjoy immediate coverage that allows you to legally drive your truck off the lot.
You can purchase coverage almost immediately online, giving you peace of mind as you start your trucking profession.
Temporary truck insurance provides a wide range of services, including stripping, repairs, lettering, post-market applications, and more.
This type of insurance is an excellent first step towards establishing a long-term truck insurance policy.
You can choose how long you want to be covered, and if you change your mind, you can either extend your coverage or get new temporary insurance.
A temporary policy allows you to compare long-term insurance coverage over a longer period of time, allowing you to collect quotations from multiple firms and find the best bargain.
Temporary truck insurance gives you the option of purchasing only liability insurance or adding additional coverage to ensure that your truck is properly protected.
Here are some key benefits of short-term commercial auto insurance:
Protection and Coverage
You can get short term insurance policies for primary liability and physical damage, with coverage starting from as little as 24 hours.
Temporary commercial auto insurance typically covers third-party liability, including costs to repair damage, medical expenses, legal fees, and settlement costs if you're sued.
NITIC offers flexible and affordable policies, including one-day insurance, single day insurance, and 24-hour insurance coverage, which can be bound the same day of purchase.
On a similar theme: How to Read a Damage Claim for Auto Insurance
Temporary truck insurance will not cover any damage to your truck, so if you're concerned about protecting your vehicle, you may want to consider a different option.
Here are some key things to keep in mind about temporary commercial auto coverage:
- The cost to repair damage to another party's vehicle
- Medical expenses if the other party is injured
- Legal fees
- Settlement costs if you are sued
Protection
Protection is a top priority when it comes to temporary truck insurance. NITIC offers flexible and affordable policies that provide coverage for up to 5 days, including one-day insurance, single day insurance, and 24-hour insurance coverage.
Temporary insurance is generally a liability-only policy that covers third-party damages, medical expenses, legal fees, and settlement costs if you're sued. This type of coverage is ideal for situations where you need to move a truck from the point of purchase to home or take it in for repairs.
You can expect liability-only policies to cover the cost to repair damage, medical expenses if the other party is injured, legal fees, and settlement costs if you are sued. This type of coverage is a must-have for owner-operators who need to ensure they're protected in case of an accident.
A different take: Do You Need Commercial Auto Insurance
Temporary truck insurance can cover a variety of commercial vehicles, including tractor-trailers, box trucks, dump trucks, tow trucks, cement mixers, semis, long trucks, and pickup trucks. Virtually any truck can be covered by this type of insurance.
Here are some examples of what's covered under temporary truck insurance:
- The cost to repair damage
- Medical expenses if the other party is injured
- Legal fees
- Settlement costs if you are sued
Keep in mind that temporary truck insurance will not cover any damage to your truck.
Vehicle Maintenance
Regular vehicle maintenance is crucial to ensure your car runs smoothly and efficiently. Most car manufacturers recommend changing the oil every 5,000 to 7,500 miles to prevent engine damage.
A dirty air filter can reduce your car's fuel efficiency by up to 20%. Replacing the air filter every 15,000 to 30,000 miles can save you money on gas.
Tire pressure should be checked at least once a month, and before long trips. Underinflated tires can lead to uneven wear and reduced traction.
Wipers should be replaced every 6 to 12 months or when showing signs of wear. Driving with worn-out wipers can be hazardous, especially in rainy conditions.
Oil changes are not the only maintenance required for your car's engine. Spark plugs should be replaced every 30,000 to 100,000 miles to maintain optimal engine performance.
A fresh viewpoint: What Is a Short Term Car Lease
Liability and Requirements
Non-trucking liability coverage, also known as a Bobtail policy, is not a substitute for proper insurance. This type of coverage will not protect you in case of an accident or damage to your truck while it's not being used for commercial purposes.
If you're a trucker, you need temporary truck insurance when using your truck for personal reasons, such as transporting a newly purchased tractor or taking it in for repairs. This type of coverage is usually required by motor carriers as part of their agreement.
Here are some scenarios where temporary truck insurance is necessary: Transporting a used truck to a mechanic for repairs before hauling cargo.Taking your truck in for painting (striping and lettering) before transporting goods.
Without temporary insurance, drivers put themselves at great financial and legal risk.
Don't Be Fooled by Liability Plans
Non-trucking liability insurance plans, also known as Bobtail policies, are often misunderstood. This type of plan will never cover claims arising from events that happen before a contract has been executed for permanent coverage.
If you're looking for work, working on your vehicle, or transporting it back to your home or yard, this plan will not cover any resulting damages. Non-trucking liability insurance plans are not a one-size-fits-all solution for all activities involving your commercial truck.
Additional reading: Non Standard Auto Insurance Florida
Driver Requirements
Temporary truck insurance is a must-have for truckers who need liability coverage for personal uses of their trucks.
Typically, this type of coverage is required when truckers have signed a lease agreement with a carrier. Motor carriers will usually require non-trucking liability coverage as part of their agreement.
Drivers may also need to purchase temporary insurance if they're transporting a used truck to a mechanic for repairs or taking their truck in for painting (striping and lettering) before they start transporting goods.
Here are some scenarios where drivers may need temporary truck insurance:
- Transporting a newly purchased tractor.
- Transporting a used truck to a mechanic for repairs.
- Taking their truck in for painting (striping and lettering).
Cost and Pricing
Short term commercial auto insurance can be a cost-effective solution for business owners who need temporary coverage. Many insurance carriers offer immediate binding with their short term policies, which means the coverage is active right away.
The cost of short term commercial auto insurance will depend on several factors, including how long the policy lasts, location, and coverage requirements. For example, a 24-hour policy can cost as low as $140, while a 5-day policy can cost up to $540.
Some common costs for short term commercial auto insurance policies include:
It's essential to note that drivers will need to ensure they meet their state's minimum requirements for coverage when purchasing this type of policy.
Cost
Short-term truck insurance can be a cost-effective option for drivers who only need coverage for a short period of time. The cost of short-term truck insurance is relatively inexpensive, especially when compared to traditional truck insurance policies.
The cost of short-term truck insurance depends on several factors, including the length of the policy, location, and coverage requirements. Many insurance carriers offer immediate binding with their short-term policies, which means coverage is active right away.
Here are some examples of the cost of short-term truck insurance:
These costs are specific to short-term truck insurance and may not reflect the cost of other types of insurance. Drivers will need to ensure that they meet their state's minimum requirements for coverage when purchasing this type of policy.
The Use of
Short-term truck insurance is a one-time convenience policy that provides credible insurance coverage to lawfully move a power unit across the roads. It's commonly acknowledged throughout the transportation industry.

This type of policy prohibits the insured from engaging in any aspect of commerce while under a dispatch order or hauling cargo for hire. It's designed to get you from point A to point B, not to cover hauling or commerce.
The temporary policy meets the 30-day standard set by most truck financing companies, making it a popular choice for those who need to transport a truck for maintenance, repairs, or other purposes.
Classic provides one of the only short-term policies that is both compliant and meets the 30-day standard. Their policy includes $1 million Non-Trucking Liability coverage and Physical Damage insurance for the actual cash value minus the deductible.
Here are the key factors that affect the pricing of short-term truck insurance:
Getting a Policy
You can get a reliable cover by binding a temporary truck insurance policy immediately after purchasing your new commercial truck.
This type of policy will allow you to safely and legally move your power unit on the public roads, which is a must for any new truck owner.
With a temporary policy, you'll get access to provisions like post-market applications, repairs, stripping services, and lettering, which are all available to more permanent policyholders.
You won't be able to commercialize your vehicle, but this policy will still provide you with essential coverage during the temporary period.
Understanding Your Needs
Temporary truck insurance is a type of short-term auto insurance policy that protects new truck owners and operators from risks and damages that occur for a limited time, typically lasting 30 days.
You'll need to weigh your options carefully, considering factors like your dispatch order, which may prohibit commercial activities until you secure permanent insurance.
As a buyer, finding an insurance provider that offers sound guidance and information on short-term commercial truck insurance is crucial.
Look for an agile insurance company that can provide quick solutions to make your job easier and faster.
You'll be subject to a dispatch order that prohibits commercial activities, so temporary insurance is a viable alternative to get you back on the road.
A 30-day policy period is standard for temporary truck insurance, giving you time to secure permanent coverage.
Suggestion: Short-term Investment Fund
Commercial Auto Insurance by State
Commercial auto insurance rates vary significantly by state, with California being one of the most expensive at $2,400 per year.
In California, the cost of commercial auto insurance is heavily influenced by the state's high population density and urbanization, which increases the risk of accidents.
Arizona has the lowest commercial auto insurance rates at $1,400 per year, likely due to its vast open spaces and lower population density.
Some states, like New York, have a minimum liability requirement of $25,000 per person and $50,000 per accident for commercial auto insurance.
In contrast, states like Oregon require a minimum of $25,000 per person and $50,000 per accident, but also offer a $25,000 deductible for commercial auto insurance.
Short-term commercial auto insurance policies can provide coverage for businesses that need temporary insurance, such as during a road trip or for a short-term rental vehicle.
For example, a short-term commercial auto insurance policy can be purchased for a few days or a few weeks, depending on the business's needs.
Businesses in states with high commercial auto insurance rates, like California, may benefit from short-term policies to save money on premiums.
Short-term policies can also be a good option for businesses that only need coverage for a specific period, such as during a festival or event.
Discover more: Commercial Property Insurance California
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the shortest term for car insurance?
The shortest term for car insurance is typically six months. However, you may have alternative options, such as suspending coverage or opting for a pay-as-you-go policy.
What is the best insurance for commercial vehicles?
For commercial vehicles, NEXT Insurance is the best option for small businesses, while Farmers is recommended for contractors. Consider getting a quote from NEXT or Farmers to find the best coverage for your specific needs.
Sources
- https://www.truckinsurancenitic.com/product-information/short-term-truck-insurance.html
- https://ratemytruckinsurance.com/resource/temporary-truck-insurance/
- https://www.truckinginsurance.org/coverage/short-term-truck-insurance/
- https://classictruckinsurance.com/short-term-commercial-truck-insurance/
- https://www.socaltruckins.com/short-term-truck-insurance-advantages-and-disadvantages/
Featured Images: pexels.com