If you’re in the business, likely you know as well as we do, but just to be sure we are on the same page, with “flatbed” we include:

• ordinary flatbeds
• single-drop decks, also known as stepdecks
• double-drop decks, also known as lowboys
• double-drops with detachable decks, also known as lowboys, RGN
• stretch flatbeds
• stretch single-drop decks
• stretch double-drop decks, 2 or 3 axle

Certain types of insurance are mandatory, others are optional; we list and briefly describe.

• Liability Coverage

Liability insurance covers you for damage or loss to other persons that you are responsible for (this type of insurance would usually cover both tractor and trailer).

• Collision Coverage

Collision insurance covers your flatbed for any damage it suffers, regardless of who is responsible (again, this type of insurance would usually cover both tractor and trailer).

• Comprehensive Coverage

Comprehensive insurance covers your flatbed for damage caused by something other than a collision, such as theft or fire (again, this type of insurance would usually cover both tractor and trailer).

• Ramp, Tarp, Binder, and Chain Coverage

This insurance covers theft or damage to the items listed and is of course peculiar to flatbeds.

• Cargo Coverage

Cargo insurance covers the cargo you are hauling.  It includes loss due to theft, vandalism, fire, and more, unloading/loading coverage, loss of freight charges, salvage efforts, debris removal, and more.  See separate article on cargo insurance for a detailed discussion.