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Why Purchase A Separate Cargo Policy?
While most truckers obtain cargo coverage as part of their motor truck liability policy, there are times when purchasing a stand-alone cargo policy makes better business sense.
A separate cargo policy can offer several advantages:
Cost Savings â By separating coverage, you can often shop for a more competitive premium rather than being tied to your auto liability carrierâs cargo option.
Higher Coverage Limits â Stand-alone cargo policies often allow for higher per-vehicle and per-occurrence limits than those bundled with auto policies.
Broader Eligibility â Certain commodities or classes of business that are excluded under bundled policies (e.g., high-value electronics, refrigerated goods, or mobile homes) may be accepted under a separate cargo program.
More Comprehensive Protection â Stand-alone policies can include enhanced endorsements such as debris removal, sue-and-labor coverage, refrigeration breakdown, or expanded theft coverage.
Flexibility for Specialized Operations â If you handle diverse freight types or run multi-state operations, a dedicated cargo policy can be tailored more precisely to your risks.
Choosing a separate cargo policy gives you more control over your coverage terms, limits, and pricingâensuring you have the right protection for the cargo you haul and the contracts you need to meet.
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Choose the situation that best fits your operation:
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Not All Cargo Policies Are Built The Same!
Not All Cargo Policies Are Built The Same!â
Click the link below to download our free Cargo Comparison Guide
1.Motor Truck Cargo Legal Liability
This core coverage protects the goods you haul while they are in your care, custody, and control. It responds to losses from covered perils like theft, fire, and collision. Stand-alone cargo policies often allow for higher limits, broader coverage, and acceptance of more cargo classes compared to cargo coverage bundled into auto liability. Always review your policy for exclusions and endorsements that may limit this protection.
2.Debris Removal
Many cargo policies include a limit (commonly $1,500 to $5,000) to cover the cost of removing debris after a covered loss. Progressiveâs policy extends this with up to $25,000, but coverage terms vary by carrier. Always verify limits and conditions with your agent to avoid out-of-pocket expenses.
3.Refrigeration Breakdown
Refrigerated goods require special protection. Endorsements like Progressiveâs Refrigeration Breakdown Coverage pay for spoilage due to sudden mechanical failure of refrigeration units. These endorsements typically require strict maintenance logs and have specific exclusions (e.g., lack of fuel, poor maintenance). Ask your agent to confirm compliance requirements to keep coverage valid.
4.Earned Freight Charges
This endorsement reimburses lost freight income when cargo is damaged or destroyed by a covered peril. Limits typically range from $2,500 to $10,000. Progressive provides up to $10,000, which is higher than many competitors. Always confirm if this is included or requires an additional premium.
5.Excluded Cargo
All carriers list commodities they will not cover. For example, Progressive excludes art, jewelry, controlled drugs, live animals (with conditions), contraband, and property held by another carrier. Other insurers may also exclude hazardous materials, mobile homes, and high-value electronics unless specifically endorsed. Always review your cargo list with your agent to ensure no gaps in coverage.
6.Sue and Labor
This provision reimburses necessary expenses you incur to prevent further cargo loss (for example, moving freight to a safe location). Progressive reimburses up to $7,500 under this clause. Check your policy to confirm limits and conditions, as some carriers only cover expenses after a claim is approved.
7.Pollutant Removal
Pollutant cleanup coverage is often excluded, but some carriers (like Palomar and Progressive) offer limited pollutant removal expenses ($5,000 to $25,000). This covers extraction of pollutants caused by a covered peril but excludes costs for testing or unrelated environmental cleanup. Confirm the scope of this coverage with your agent.
8.Unattended Equipment Exclusion
Many cargo policies exclude theft from unattended trailers unless strict security conditions are met (e.g., fenced lot, king pin lock, security guard). Progressive also restricts coverage for property left in trailers beyond 72 hours. These exclusions are a common reason for claim denialâensure you understand the security requirements outlined in your policy.
9.Business Equipment Coverage
Progressive uniquely includes coverage for business equipment (e.g., computers used for trucking operations) up to $5,000 with a $250 deductible. This is not typically included in most cargo policies. Review if your operation relies on equipment that should be separately insured.
10.Mobile/Modular Homes Endorsement
Some carriers specifically exclude mobile/modular homes or only cover them with an endorsement. Progressive provides Form 2370 to modify coverage for this exposure. If you transport modular housing, confirm this endorsement is in place to avoid uncovered claims.
11.Additional Exclusions to Watch
Policies may also exclude loss from civil authority, war, dishonest acts, inherent vice (cargo deteriorating on its own), voluntary parting with goods, and mysterious disappearance. Progressive explicitly lists these exclusions. Always review the exclusions section of your policy and ask your agent for clarification to ensure your operations are fully covered.
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HOW DOK CAN HELP
Shop Around for insurance
Whether you’re a single-unit owner-operator or building a multi-truck fleet, weâll design coverage that fits your exact needs â without overspending. As an independent agency, DOK Insurance shops multiple top-rated carriers on your behalf to find the best combination of price, protection, and policy flexibility. We compare options across liability, cargo, physical damage, and more â so you get real value and the peace of mind that comes with expert recommendations, not sales pressure.
Receive Service the Way You Prefer
Clients can reach us on their terms â by email, phone, text, or live chat during our expanded service hours. We also offer 24/7 self-service tools, including a quick and easy Certificate of Insurance (COI) generator, so you can get what you need anytime, without waiting. At DOK Insurance, convenience isnât optional â itâs built in.
FMCSA & DOT Compliance
Weâll help you navigate federal filings, BOC-3, and insurance minimums to stay compliant and on the road. Our customers benefit from the latest regulatory and industry news, updates and potential risks.
Ongoing Support & Risk Management
Our relationship doesnât end once your policy is issued. At DOK Insurance, we provide year-round support to help you stay protected and proactive. Whether you’re facing an upcoming audit, expanding your fleet, or filing a claim, weâre here to guide you through the process with clarity and urgency. We also review your coverage regularly to ensure it still fits your operation â adjusting as your business grows and risks evolve. With us, you’re not just insured â you’re backed by a partner committed to your long-term success.
Expert Guidance from Day One
We answer the questions you didnât even know to ask â because when you’re starting a trucking company, the paperwork and policy choices can feel overwhelming. From permits and filings to choosing the right limits and endorsements, our team walks you through each step without jargon or pressure. We make sure you understand your coverage, your compliance requirements, and your options â so you can make informed decisions with confidence and focus on growing your business.
Ready for a Quote?
Please fill out just one driver and vehicle and upload any documentation that shows the rest.
Once you submit the form, we will shop around for the following for you.
Here is what we need for the most accurate quote:
- Document showing vehicle schedule
- Document showing all drivers, including name, date of birth, driver’s license and state, and date of hire
- IFTA reports for the last 4 quarters
- Loss runs for the last 3 years (5 years preferred
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Cargo Insurance FAQs
Q1.What does Motor Truck Cargo Insurance cover?
It covers freight or goods you haul while they are in your care, custody, and control, protecting against losses caused by perils like fire, collision, and theft. Stand-alone policies may include broader protections than cargo coverage bundled into your truck liability policy.
Q2.When should I consider a separate cargo policy?
A separate policy makes sense when you need higher limits, more comprehensive coverage, acceptance of excluded commodities, or cost savings by shopping outside your auto liability carrier. It's also valuable if your contracts require specific endorsements.
Q3.What cargo types are typically excluded?
Common exclusions include art, jewelry, live animals, contraband, hazardous materials, and high-value electronics unless endorsed. Progressive, for example, also excludes controlled drugs, property held by another carrier, and property stored beyond 72 hours. Always check your policy and consult your agent.
Q4.Does cargo insurance cover unattended trailers?
Usually no, unless strict security conditions are met (e.g., fenced lot, locked trailer, surveillance). Progressive and other carriers deny claims if trailers remain unattended over policy-specified time limits. Always understand your security obligations to avoid uncovered losses.
Q5.Are refrigeration breakdowns covered?
Only if you have a Refrigeration Breakdown Endorsement. Progressiveâs version covers spoilage from sudden unit failure but requires maintenance logs and excludes losses from lack of fuel or improper upkeep. Ask your agent if you need this endorsement for reefer operations.
Q6.What endorsements should I consider adding?
Valuable endorsements include refrigeration breakdown, debris removal, sue-and-labor, business equipment, and earned freight coverage. Progressive also offers courier and mobile/modular home endorsements for specialized risks. Always check if endorsements require additional premiums.
Q7.What is 'sue and labor' coverage?
This provision reimburses costs you incur to prevent further cargo damage (e.g., offloading goods to a safe location). Progressive covers up to $7,500. Other carriers may offer different limits or conditions, so confirm with your agent.
Q8.Does my policy cover pollutant cleanup?
Most cargo policies exclude pollutant cleanup unless specifically endorsed. Some carriers, including Progressive, provide limited pollutant removal expenses. Always verify if this coverage applies to your operations and what perils trigger it.
Q9.What about business equipment like computers?
Most cargo policies donât cover business equipment, but Progressive includes up to $5,000 with a $250 deductible. If your operations depend on specialized gear, discuss with your agent whether additional coverage is needed.
Q10.How do I ensure Iâm fully covered?
The best way is to review your exclusions, endorsements, and limits with an experienced insurance agent. Because carriers differ in what they cover, verifying with your agent ensures there are no surprises at claim time.