If you’re in the business you probably already know, but just to be sure we are all on the same page: hot shots are pickup trucks such as Ford Super Duty models F-250, F-350, and F-450; Dodge RAM 3500; and Chevy Silverado 3500HD among others.  They are at a minimum three-quarter ton and carry loads on, for example, 20-foot flatbed gooseneck hot shot trailers; the loads typically run from under 10,000 lbs up to about 26,000 lbs.

The list below is relatively complete, but if you have any specialized needs, always discuss with your broker.

• Liability, bodily injury — covers you for injuries to other persons for which you are held responsible.
• Property damage — covers you for damage to other persons’ property for which you are held responsible.
• Medical payments (medpay) — covers your and your passengers’ medical payments for injuries suffered while you are driving your truck.
• Cargo – covers the cargo you are hauling (see separate article on cargo insurance).
• Collision — covers your truck and trailer for collision with another vehicle or stationary object and for rollovers.
• Comprehensive — covers your truck and trailer for fire, theft, vandalism.
• Ramp, chain, tarp, and binder coverage — covers these items for fire, theft, vandalism, and damage suffered in a collision or rollover.
• Loading & unloading — covers cargo during loading & unloading.
• Towing & storage — covers towing & storage for truck, trailer, and equipment that has been damaged.
• Debris removal — covers costs of removing debris after a collision, rollover, or cargo-spill.
• Pollution — covers damage caused by release of pollutants.
• Earned freight — covers you if you arrive at the delivery point with the goods but are not paid, or are only partially paid, for the delivery due to damage to the cargo; earned freight coverage allows you to recover the freight charges from your insurer (instead of the shipper).
• Loss mitigation (aka sue & labor) — covers costs you incur to prevent further damage to cargo after a collision, rollover, or other incident.
• Downtime — covers you for up to $100 per day for up to 30 days if you are unable to work due to damage to your truck.
• Loan/lease/gap — if you make a small downpayment and have a long-term loan and then, shortly after you buy your truck, it is stolen or totaled, you will likely owe more on the loan than the truck is worth, and thus the payment you receive from your insurer for the loss of the truck will be less than what you owe.  Loan/lease/gap insurance covers you for the difference.
• Family Emergency Expenses — covers you for up to $2,500 for family travel expenses if you are injured when far from home.