Refrigerated truck insurance is important for businesses that move perishable goods. It covers both the truck and the refrigeration unit, helping to pay for repairs, breakdowns, and even spoiled cargo. Because of the extra risks, it usually costs more than regular truck insurance. But is it worth it? Let’s find out!
Why Do You Need Refrigerated Truck Insurance?
Protecting Special Equipment
Refrigerated trucks (also called “reefer trucks”) have expensive cooling systems, insulation, and electrical parts. If something breaks, it can be really pricey to fix.
Spoilage Risks
If the refrigeration system stops working, your cargo (like food or medicine) could spoil. That could mean losing a lot of money. Insurance can help cover that loss.
Covers Your Cargo
Refrigerated truck insurance usually includes “contents cover,” which helps pay for lost or damaged goods if something goes wrong during transport.
Accidents Cost More
Since refrigerated trucks carry valuable items, accidents often lead to bigger insurance claims, making this type of insurance more expensive.
What’s Included in Refrigerated Truck Insurance?
A good policy will have:
- Vehicle Coverage – Covers damage to your truck or theft.
- Refrigeration Unit Coverage – Pays for repairs or replacement if the cooling system breaks.
- Cargo Coverage – Helps if goods spoil or get damaged in an accident.
- Business Interruption Cover – Some policies help cover lost income if your truck is out of service.
- Loss of Use Cover – Helps pay for a replacement truck if yours is being fixed.
Some policies may also include:
- Public liability insurance – Covers legal costs if spoiled goods cause harm to a customer.
- Employers’ liability insurance – If you have employees, this helps cover workplace injuries related to handling cargo.
How to Find the Right Refrigerated Truck Insurance
Compare Prices
Not all insurance providers charge the same amount, so get quotes from different companies to find the best deal.
Talk to an Expert
Insurance brokers who specialise in refrigerated trucks can help you find the best coverage for your business.
Customise Your Policy
Make sure your policy covers what you need. If you transport high-risk goods (like medicine or seafood), you may need extra protection.
Look at Extra Cover
You might want to add options like:
- Breakdown and recovery – Covers roadside help if your truck stops working.
- Misfuelling cover – Pays for repairs if you put the wrong fuel in your truck.
- Hazardous goods cover – Needed if you transport dangerous materials.
- Reefer breakdown coverage – Special cover for refrigeration failures.
- Goods in transit insurance – Protects your cargo while being transported.
How Much Does Refrigerated Truck Insurance Cost?
Prices depend on things like:
- Truck age and model – Newer trucks usually cost more to insure.
- Type of cargo – High-risk items (like frozen food or medicine) make insurance more expensive.
- Driving history – A clean record could mean lower premiums.
- Level of coverage – More coverage means higher costs.
- Distance travelled – Long-haul truckers might pay more than local delivery drivers.
On average, refrigerated truck insurance could cost between £2,500 and £7,500 per year. If you have a fleet of trucks, some companies offer discounts.
How to Lower Your Insurance Costs
Want to save money? Try these tips:
- Choose a higher excess – This means you pay more out-of-pocket for a claim, but your premium will be lower.
- Train your drivers – Well-trained drivers are less likely to have accidents, which can reduce costs.
- Improve security – GPS tracking, alarms, and locks can help lower your insurance.
- Bundle your policies – If you need multiple types of insurance, getting them from the same provider could get you a discount.
- Limit your mileage – Some insurers offer lower rates for businesses that don’t drive long distances.
FAQs on Refrigerated Truck Insurance
Do I need refrigerated truck insurance if I lease my truck?
Yes, you may still be responsible for insurance, especially for the cargo and refrigeration unit.
What if my refrigeration unit stops working?
If you have refrigeration breakdown cover, insurance could help pay for repairs and lost cargo.
Can I cover multiple trucks under one policy?
Yes, fleet insurance covers several trucks under one plan, which could be cheaper.
Does it cover engine problems?
Not always. Some policies only cover damage from accidents, not regular breakdowns. Check the details!
Will insurance pay for delays at customs?
Probably not, but some policies include contingent cargo cover, which helps if delays cause cargo loss.
Refrigerated truck insurance isn’t just about protecting your truck—it keeps your business safe from unexpected costs. Whether you transport fresh food, dairy, or medicine, the right coverage could save you thousands of pounds.
Take your time to compare policies, work with an expert, and choose a plan that fits your business. It’s better to be safe than sorry!