Farm Trucking & Livestock Hauling Insurance

The farming industry is unique in that it must pay freight fees twice. This highlights the importance of protecting your farm vehicles and the risks associated with their use and cargo. Whether you are transporting grain, equipment, supplies, or livestock, it is crucial to ensure their safety. We also understand that farmers might haul their goods or provide hauling services for others to increase the farm’s revenue. We have extensive experience in traditional farm trucking, livestock hauling and providing for-hire services.

Factors that Affect Farm Truck Insurance Cost:

Similar to personal auto policies, the price of your farm semi-tractor insurance or farm dump truck insurance or commercial vehicle coverage is affected by various factors. Although specific machinery may not need liability coverage, farm trucks and semis must carry this coverage to comply with state laws. While comprehensive and collision coverages are not mandatory, they are worth considering based on your farm’s requirements to protect your vehicles and assets.

Deductible Amount

If you choose a higher deductible, your insurance premiums might be lower. For example, if you increase your original $250 deductible to $500 or $2,500, you could be eligible for a discount on your premium.

Driving Record

Insurers assess your driving record and that of your employees who operate farm vehicles to determine the probability of future claims. More violations on your record, such as speeding tickets or collisions, may cause an increase in premiums.

Insurance History

If you have multiple claims in the past, you may pay more for your farm vehicle insurance.

Vehicle Usage

The purpose and frequency of your vehicles’ usage and the type of cargo transported can impact insurance costs.

Vehicle Number

If your farm utilizes several commercial vehicles, you must include them all in the insurance policy, providing their individual details.

Loss Control

GPS on all vehicles, front, rear and driver-facing cameras, and driver safety course are some examples.

Vehicle Make, Model, and Type

The value of your vehicle plays a significant role in determining insurance prices. Factors like whether it’s a semi, pickup, grain truck, or tractor, the make, model, and year of manufacture are all considered. Most trucking carriers are looking for fleets and trucks less than 15 years old, and the rates are reflected in newer vehicles.

Average Pricing for Farm Truck Insurance

Commercial vehicles on farms come in various types with differing usage, make, model, and value. As a result, determining an exact average for farm truck insurance can be challenging due to these diverse variables. However, here are some specific examples of pricing for the mandatory liability component and separate optional comprehensive/collision coverage for farm vehicles:

Liability Coverage

  • A 25-year-old semi-truck valued at around $80,000 and an 18-year-old trailer valued at $25,000, with liability coverage of $1 million, may cost about $800 to $2000 per year.

  • A similar semi-tractor with a value of around $80,000 but with only $500,000 in liability coverage may cost between $600 to $1,500 per year.
  • A 3-year-old pick-up truck valued at $50,000 to $55,000 may cost about $500 to $900 per year for $1 million of liability coverage.
  • A 20-year-old grain truck valued at $50,000 with a maximum liability coverage of $1,000,000 may range from $350 to $600 annually, with an additional $100 for underinsured and uninsured motorist coverage.

Comprehensive & Collision Coverage

  • The semi and trailer may cost about $150 to $300 per year, while collision coverage may be around $400.
  • It may cost about $160 per year for a similarly valued semi-tractor, and collision coverage may range from $400 to $500.
  • Comprehensive coverage for the pick-up truck may cost about $85 to $100 per year, while collision coverage may range from $200 to $300 per year.
  • The grain truck may incur comprehensive coverage costs of $15 to $50 per year with collision coverage ranging from $30 to $50 per year.

The total cost for a single commercial farm vehicle, including liability, personal injury, uninsured/underinsured motorist coverage, comprehensive, and collision, may vary between $400 to $1500.

For farm vehicles used for hire/trucking, the total insurance cost per semi-tractor could range from $3,000 to $7,500 per year per power unit, depending on factors like driving record, commodities hauled, and specific state and federal requirements.

These are all general estimates! The larger the fleets, the better the rates get. Having the proper loss control items in place with good claims history can significantly affect your overall premium rates in trucking insurance. We’d love the opportunity to partner with you and find the best coverage solution for you!

*For Hire Operators* It is crucial that your over-the-road fleets are 25 years and under at worst. The best case would be to have the entire fleet be under 15 years of age. It is also essential to have at least three years of operating history, good claims history, and driving records for all drivers.

Our Farm Insurance Promise

We value people, even more than the farms they operate, and make it our job to mitigate risks and leave no room for doubt. We actively listen, ask questions, and leverage our network of insurance carriers to find the right coverage, at the best price possible.

To learn more about our ‘People Before Policies’ approach – complete and submit a free quote request – or call us at 419-423-9145.