Coverage
Physical Damage Insurance for Commercial Auto
Where primary liability addresses the insured’s responsibility to others, physical damage coverage protects the vehicle and the business asset that depends on it, for trucking operations and business auto programs. Available through the Reliable Transportation Association (RTA) partner program, backed by Lloyd’s of London.
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Auto hauler. Owner-operator.
AZ
$12,867
Refrigerated goods hauling. Owner-operator.
CA
$10,390
Dirt, sand & gravel and refuse hauling, new venture. 1-5 vehicles.
FL
$14,095
Dry van / flatbed / LTL. Owner-operator.
GA
$8,109
Dry van / flatbed / LTL, new venture. 5-10 vehicles.
IL
$9,359
Refrigerated goods hauling, renewal, retained account. Owner-operator.
IN
$8,816
Dirt, sand & gravel and refuse hauling, $1,500,000 liability limits. Owner-operator.
NJ
$12,916
Dirt, sand & gravel and refuse hauling, new venture. 1-5 vehicles.
TX
$12,098
Dirt, sand & gravel, large fleet. 10+ vehicles.
TX
$11,829
Mixed fleet operations, large fleet, new venture. 10+ vehicles.
WA
$10,318
Reviewed by STAR Mutual RRG.
Commercial Auto Physical Damage Coverage: What’s Included?
Physical damage insurance is structured around two core components, collision and comprehensive, each responding to a different category of covered event.
Collision Coverage
Commercial auto collision coverage covers repair or replacement of the insured vehicle when damaged in a collision with another vehicle or object, or in a rollover, regardless of how the incident occurred. Covered events include:
Collision with another vehicle
Collision with a stationary object—guardrail, barrier, pole, or structure
Rollover
Single-vehicle road incidents
Comprehensive Coverage
Commercial auto comprehensive coverage covers physical damage or loss to the insured vehicle from non-collision events. Covered events include:
Theft of the insured vehicle
Fire and explosion
Vandalism
Hail, flood, and severe weather
Falling objects and debris
Animal collisions
Glass breakage
Flexible Deductibles
The RTA program offers flexible deductible options. The deductible selected affects the premium: a higher deductible means a lower premium; a lower deductible means a smaller out-of-pocket cost when a covered event occurs. An appointed agent can confirm the deductible options available for a specific vehicle and operation.
Vehicles and Classes the RTA Physical Damage Program Covers
Physical damage coverage through the RTA program is available for a wide range of commercial vehicles. CDL and non-CDL operators are eligible, and new ventures are accepted.
An appointed agent can confirm eligibility for a specific vehicle type and operation.
Eligible classes
Physical damage coverage through the RTA program is available for a range of trucking and commercial hauling classes.
General Freight—dry van, flatbed, and step-deck operations hauling mixed commodities
Last-Mile Delivery—box trucks and cargo vans operating under commercial authority
Refrigerated Goods—reefer operations transporting temperature-sensitive cargo
Hotshot & Expeditor—time-critical freight using pickup trucks and medium-duty vehicles
Sand & Gravel—aggregate and construction material transport; Sand & Gravel requires 2 years in business and CDL experience—an appointed agent can confirm eligibility
Car / Auto Hauler—vehicle transport and dealership logistics; auto haulers require 2 years in business and CDL experience—an appointed agent can confirm eligibility for a specific configuration
Dump Truck / Waste Hauler—construction, debris removal, and waste transport operations
Eligible vehicles
Coverage is available for a wide range of commercial vehicles—CDL and non-CDL operators eligible.
Box Truck—enclosed cargo vehicles used in local delivery and freight distribution
Cargo Van—light commercial vans used in last-mile delivery and courier operations
Dry Van—enclosed trailers used in general freight transport
Flatbed—open-deck trucks used for oversized loads, equipment, and construction materials
Semi Truck / Tractor—Class 7 and Class 8 power units used in long-haul and regional freight
Reefer—temperature-controlled trucks used in food, pharmaceutical, and perishable goods transport
Dump Truck / Waste Hauler—medium and heavy-duty trucks used in construction and waste removal
Hotshot Truck / Expeditor Truck—pickup trucks and medium-duty vehicles used for time-critical freight
Car Hauler / Car Carrier—auto transport vehicles used by vehicle shippers and dealership logistics
Eligible classes
Physical damage coverage through the RTA program is available for a range of trucking and commercial hauling classes.
General Freight—dry van, flatbed, and step-deck operations hauling mixed commodities
Last-Mile Delivery—box trucks and cargo vans operating under commercial authority
Refrigerated Goods—reefer operations transporting temperature-sensitive cargo
Hotshot & Expeditor—time-critical freight using pickup trucks and medium-duty vehicles
Sand & Gravel—aggregate and construction material transport; Sand & Gravel requires 2 years in business and CDL experience—an appointed agent can confirm eligibility
Car / Auto Hauler—vehicle transport and dealership logistics; auto haulers require 2 years in business and CDL experience—an appointed agent can confirm eligibility for a specific configuration
Dump Truck / Waste Hauler—construction, debris removal, and waste transport operations
Eligible vehicles
Coverage is available for a wide range of commercial vehicles—CDL and non-CDL operators eligible.
Box Truck—enclosed cargo vehicles used in local delivery and freight distribution
Cargo Van—light commercial vans used in last-mile delivery and courier operations
Dry Van—enclosed trailers used in general freight transport
Flatbed—open-deck trucks used for oversized loads, equipment, and construction materials
Semi Truck / Tractor—Class 7 and Class 8 power units used in long-haul and regional freight
Reefer—temperature-controlled trucks used in food, pharmaceutical, and perishable goods transport
Dump Truck / Waste Hauler—medium and heavy-duty trucks used in construction and waste removal
Hotshot Truck / Expeditor Truck—pickup trucks and medium-duty vehicles used for time-critical freight
Car Hauler / Car Carrier—auto transport vehicles used by vehicle shippers and dealership logistics
Why Physical Damage Insurance Matters for Trucking Operations
Commercial auto liability and physical damage cover two different exposures. Liability addresses the insured’s responsibility to a third party. Physical damage insurance for trucking covers damage or loss to the vehicle itself, regardless of which party was responsible and regardless of whether a third party is involved at all.
For owner-operators and motor carriers, that distinction matters. A liability policy addresses the business’s third-party exposure. Commercial truck physical damage insurance protects the asset that generates the income.
Total loss protection—for owner-operators whose truck is both their primary asset and their means of generating income, physical damage coverage addresses repair or replacement costs when the vehicle sustains damage or loss in a covered event.
Theft and vandalism—commercial trucks parked overnight or operating across varied routes face theft and vandalism as operational considerations; comprehensive coverage responds to these events where collision coverage is not designed to
Flexible deductibles—the deductible selected affects the premium; operators and their agents can balance premium cost against predictable out-of-pocket exposure.
An appointed agent can confirm physical damage coverage availability and deductible options for a specific trucking operation and state.
Available Through STAR Mutual's Partner Program with RTA
Physical damage coverage is available to STAR Mutual’s appointed agents through the Reliable Transportation Association (RTA) program, designed specifically for trucking operations and commercial auto risks.
Backed by Lloyd's of London
Built for trucking and commercial auto risks
New Ventures Welcome
CDL and Non-CDL Eligible
Flexible Deductibles
Discounts Available
Ready to Add Commercial Auto Physical Damage?
Same-day eligibility. Fast filings. A rate that reflects the operator’s own record. STAR Mutual is built for safety-first operators. For the agents who place them, it’s a program that holds at renewal. Long-term relationships start with the right appointment.
What Affects Physical Damage Insurance Cost?
The specific profile of each vehicle and operation determines physical damage insurance premiums, not a market average. An appointed agent can request a rate for a specific vehicle and operation.
Several factors influence the final rate:
Vehicle type and value
Type of operation
Driving record and experience
Discounts
States Where Physical Damage Coverage Is Available
Commercial vehicle physical damage insurance through the RTA program is currently available in 33 states—including Texas, California, Florida, and Illinois. An appointed agent can confirm current availability for a specific state and operation.
Explore States We Cover
Physical Damage vs Commercial Auto Liability
Knowing how the two coverages relate helps agents build a complete program and gives operators a clear picture of what each one is designed for.
Commercial Auto Liability | Physical Damage |
|---|---|
Addresses the insured's financial responsibility to third parties—bodily injury, property damage, and legal defense costs; does not address the insured vehicle itself. | Covers repair or replacement costs for the insured vehicle following a covered event; does not address third-party bodily injury or property damage. |
Commercial auto liability addresses the insured’s responsibility to a third party. Physical damage covers damage or loss to the insured vehicle, regardless of which party was responsible.
For a complete program, both coverages work together: liability through STAR Mutual and physical damage through the RTA partner program. Liability addresses the business’s responsibility to others. Physical damage protects the asset that generates the income.
Complete Your Commercial Auto Coverage
Physical damage coverage protects the vehicle. The coverages below address what physical damage alone is not designed to cover.
Frequently Asked Questions about Physical Damage Insurance for Commercial Auto
What Is trucking physical damage insurance?
Physical damage insurance addresses repair or replacement costs for the insured commercial vehicle following a covered event—structured around collision coverage for road incidents and rollovers, and comprehensive coverage for theft, fire, vandalism, and severe weather. For trucking operations, this coverage is commonly written as part of a commercial APD program alongside primary auto liability. It is distinct from liability insurance, which addresses the insured's responsibility to third parties. Where liability addresses the business's responsibility to others, physical damage addresses the vehicle.
Are tow trucks covered by physical damage insurance?
Tow trucks are among the commercial vehicles eligible for physical damage coverage through the RTA program. An appointed agent can confirm eligibility, terms, and deductible options for a specific operation and state.
Is physical damage coverage enough on its own?
Physical damage coverage addresses repair or replacement costs for the insured vehicle following a covered event. On its own, it does not address third-party liability, the freight being hauled, the driver's medical expenses, or situations where the other party carries no insurance or insufficient coverage. A complete commercial auto program involves physical damage alongside commercial auto liability and, depending on the operation, motor truck cargo, personal injury protection, and uninsured and underinsured motorist coverage. An appointed agent can confirm the coverage structure appropriate for a specific operation.
What is the stated value on a physical damage policy?
Stated value is the agreed value of the insured vehicle at the time the policy is placed—the maximum amount available under the policy in the event of a total loss. It is agreed between the insured and the insurer at placement and forms the basis for calculating both the premium and the settlement. An appointed agent can confirm the stated value structure for a specific vehicle and operation.
Does trucking physical damage cover leased or financed trucks?
Physical damage coverage is available for leased and financed commercial vehicles. Lenders and leasing companies commonly specify physical damage insurance as part of the financing or lease agreement requirements—addressing both the lender's and the operator's interest in the vehicle. The lienholder or lessor is listed on the policy as an additional interest. An appointed agent can confirm how leased or financed vehicles are structured under the RTA program for a specific operation.
Commercial Auto Physical Damage Coverage: What’s Included?
Physical damage insurance is structured around two core components, collision and comprehensive, each responding to a different category of covered event.
Collision Coverage
Commercial auto collision coverage covers repair or replacement of the insured vehicle when damaged in a collision with another vehicle or object, or in a rollover, regardless of how the incident occurred. Covered events include:
Collision with another vehicle
Collision with a stationary object—guardrail, barrier, pole, or structure
Rollover
Single-vehicle road incidents
Comprehensive Coverage
Commercial auto comprehensive coverage covers physical damage or loss to the insured vehicle from non-collision events. Covered events include:
Theft of the insured vehicle
Fire and explosion
Vandalism
Hail, flood, and severe weather
Falling objects and debris
Animal collisions
Glass breakage
Flexible Deductibles
The RTA program offers flexible deductible options. The deductible selected affects the premium: a higher deductible means a lower premium; a lower deductible means a smaller out-of-pocket cost when a covered event occurs. An appointed agent can confirm the deductible options available for a specific vehicle and operation.
Vehicles and Classes the RTA Physical Damage Program Covers
Physical damage coverage through the RTA program is available for a wide range of commercial vehicles. CDL and non-CDL operators are eligible, and new ventures are accepted.
An appointed agent can confirm eligibility for a specific vehicle type and operation.
Eligible classes
Physical damage coverage through the RTA program is available for a range of trucking and commercial hauling classes.
General Freight—dry van, flatbed, and step-deck operations hauling mixed commodities
Last-Mile Delivery—box trucks and cargo vans operating under commercial authority
Refrigerated Goods—reefer operations transporting temperature-sensitive cargo
Hotshot & Expeditor—time-critical freight using pickup trucks and medium-duty vehicles
Sand & Gravel—aggregate and construction material transport; Sand & Gravel requires 2 years in business and CDL experience—an appointed agent can confirm eligibility
Car / Auto Hauler—vehicle transport and dealership logistics; auto haulers require 2 years in business and CDL experience—an appointed agent can confirm eligibility for a specific configuration
Dump Truck / Waste Hauler—construction, debris removal, and waste transport operations
Eligible vehicles
Coverage is available for a wide range of commercial vehicles—CDL and non-CDL operators eligible.
Box Truck—enclosed cargo vehicles used in local delivery and freight distribution
Cargo Van—light commercial vans used in last-mile delivery and courier operations
Dry Van—enclosed trailers used in general freight transport
Flatbed—open-deck trucks used for oversized loads, equipment, and construction materials
Semi Truck / Tractor—Class 7 and Class 8 power units used in long-haul and regional freight
Reefer—temperature-controlled trucks used in food, pharmaceutical, and perishable goods transport
Dump Truck / Waste Hauler—medium and heavy-duty trucks used in construction and waste removal
Hotshot Truck / Expeditor Truck—pickup trucks and medium-duty vehicles used for time-critical freight
Car Hauler / Car Carrier—auto transport vehicles used by vehicle shippers and dealership logistics
Why Physical Damage Insurance Matters for Trucking Operations
Commercial auto liability and physical damage cover two different exposures. Liability addresses the insured’s responsibility to a third party. Physical damage insurance for trucking covers damage or loss to the vehicle itself, regardless of which party was responsible and regardless of whether a third party is involved at all.
For owner-operators and motor carriers, that distinction matters. A liability policy addresses the business’s third-party exposure. Commercial truck physical damage insurance protects the asset that generates the income.
Total loss protection—for owner-operators whose truck is both their primary asset and their means of generating income, physical damage coverage addresses repair or replacement costs when the vehicle sustains damage or loss in a covered event.
Theft and vandalism—commercial trucks parked overnight or operating across varied routes face theft and vandalism as operational considerations; comprehensive coverage responds to these events where collision coverage is not designed to
Flexible deductibles—the deductible selected affects the premium; operators and their agents can balance premium cost against predictable out-of-pocket exposure.
An appointed agent can confirm physical damage coverage availability and deductible options for a specific trucking operation and state.
Available Through STAR Mutual's Partner Program with RTA
Physical damage coverage is available to STAR Mutual’s appointed agents through the Reliable Transportation Association (RTA) program, designed specifically for trucking operations and commercial auto risks.
Backed by Lloyd's of London
Built for trucking and commercial auto risks
New Ventures Welcome
CDL and Non-CDL Eligible
Flexible Deductibles
Discounts Available
Ready to Add Commercial Auto Physical Damage?
Same-day eligibility. Fast filings. A rate that reflects the operator’s own record. STAR Mutual is built for safety-first operators. For the agents who place them, it’s a program that holds at renewal. Long-term relationships start with the right appointment.
What Affects Physical Damage Insurance Cost?
The specific profile of each vehicle and operation determines physical damage insurance premiums, not a market average. An appointed agent can request a rate for a specific vehicle and operation.
Several factors influence the final rate:
Vehicle type and value
Type of operation
Driving record and experience
Discounts
States Where Physical Damage Coverage Is Available
Commercial vehicle physical damage insurance through the RTA program is currently available in 33 states—including Texas, California, Florida, and Illinois. An appointed agent can confirm current availability for a specific state and operation.
Explore States We Cover
Physical Damage vs Commercial Auto Liability
Knowing how the two coverages relate helps agents build a complete program and gives operators a clear picture of what each one is designed for.
Commercial Auto Liability | Physical Damage |
|---|---|
Addresses the insured's financial responsibility to third parties—bodily injury, property damage, and legal defense costs; does not address the insured vehicle itself. | Covers repair or replacement costs for the insured vehicle following a covered event; does not address third-party bodily injury or property damage. |
Commercial auto liability addresses the insured’s responsibility to a third party. Physical damage covers damage or loss to the insured vehicle, regardless of which party was responsible.
For a complete program, both coverages work together: liability through STAR Mutual and physical damage through the RTA partner program. Liability addresses the business’s responsibility to others. Physical damage protects the asset that generates the income.
Complete Your Commercial Auto Coverage
Physical damage coverage protects the vehicle. The coverages below address what physical damage alone is not designed to cover.
Frequently Asked Questions about Physical Damage Insurance for Commercial Auto
What Is trucking physical damage insurance?
Physical damage insurance addresses repair or replacement costs for the insured commercial vehicle following a covered event—structured around collision coverage for road incidents and rollovers, and comprehensive coverage for theft, fire, vandalism, and severe weather. For trucking operations, this coverage is commonly written as part of a commercial APD program alongside primary auto liability. It is distinct from liability insurance, which addresses the insured's responsibility to third parties. Where liability addresses the business's responsibility to others, physical damage addresses the vehicle.
Are tow trucks covered by physical damage insurance?
Tow trucks are among the commercial vehicles eligible for physical damage coverage through the RTA program. An appointed agent can confirm eligibility, terms, and deductible options for a specific operation and state.
Is physical damage coverage enough on its own?
Physical damage coverage addresses repair or replacement costs for the insured vehicle following a covered event. On its own, it does not address third-party liability, the freight being hauled, the driver's medical expenses, or situations where the other party carries no insurance or insufficient coverage. A complete commercial auto program involves physical damage alongside commercial auto liability and, depending on the operation, motor truck cargo, personal injury protection, and uninsured and underinsured motorist coverage. An appointed agent can confirm the coverage structure appropriate for a specific operation.
What is the stated value on a physical damage policy?
Stated value is the agreed value of the insured vehicle at the time the policy is placed—the maximum amount available under the policy in the event of a total loss. It is agreed between the insured and the insurer at placement and forms the basis for calculating both the premium and the settlement. An appointed agent can confirm the stated value structure for a specific vehicle and operation.
Does trucking physical damage cover leased or financed trucks?
Physical damage coverage is available for leased and financed commercial vehicles. Lenders and leasing companies commonly specify physical damage insurance as part of the financing or lease agreement requirements—addressing both the lender's and the operator's interest in the vehicle. The lienholder or lessor is listed on the policy as an additional interest. An appointed agent can confirm how leased or financed vehicles are structured under the RTA program for a specific operation.
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How to Get Insurance with STAR Mutual RRG
STAR Mutual insurance coverage is available exclusively through appointed independent agents—agents who know the program, understand the appetite, and can give a same-day answer on eligibility.
1
Ask the agent
The operator's current insurance agent can confirm whether they are appointed with STAR Mutual; if not, they can be appointed through the 'Get appointed' form submission.
2
Submit the operation details
The agent gets access to our platform and submits the operation details—vehicle type, trucking class, operating radius, and driver history. Most submissions receive an immediate eligibility response, same day.
3
Get the policy placed
Once eligible, the policy is placed online. COIs are available same day. BMC-91X and state filings are submitted as part of the placement process; the MCS-90 endorsement is issued with the policy.
Get appointed
Agent login
How to Get Insurance with STAR Mutual RRG
STAR Mutual insurance coverage is available exclusively through appointed independent agents—agents who know the program, understand the appetite, and can give a same-day answer on eligibility.
1
Ask the agent
The operator's current insurance agent can confirm whether they are appointed with STAR Mutual; if not, they can be appointed through the 'Get appointed' form submission.
2
Submit the operation details
The agent gets access to our platform and submits the operation details—vehicle type, trucking class, operating radius, and driver history. Most submissions receive an immediate eligibility response, same day.
3
Get the policy placed
Once eligible, the policy is placed online. COIs are available same day. BMC-91X and state filings are submitted as part of the placement process; the MCS-90 endorsement is issued with the policy.
Get appointed
Agent login
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STAR Mutual Risk Retention Group offers commercial auto liability insurance to the members of Reliable Transportation Association (“RTA”), looking for accessible and reliable coverage.
Contact
855-5MY-STAR (855-569-7827)
STAR Mutual RRG
PO Box 51414, Philadelphia
PA 19115
General inquiries:
Agent inquiries:
Claim inquiries:
Coverage
The information presented on this website is for general informational purposes only and does not constitute legal, regulatory, or business advice. Readers are encouraged to consult with qualified legal or insurance professionals regarding questions specific to their circumstances.
The content is provided for general informational purposes only and does not constitute an offer to sell, or a solicitation of an offer to buy, insurance in any jurisdiction where STAR Mutual RRG is not licensed or registered. Any description of coverage is general and subject to the terms, conditions, and exclusions of the actual policy.
STAR Mutual Risk Retention Group offers commercial auto liability insurance to the members of Reliable Transportation Association (“RTA”), looking for accessible and reliable coverage.
Contact
855-5MY-STAR (855-569-7827)
STAR Mutual RRG
PO Box 51414, Philadelphia
PA 19115
General inquiries:
Agent inquiries:
Claim inquiries:
Coverage
The information presented on this website is for general informational purposes only and does not constitute legal, regulatory, or business advice. Readers are encouraged to consult with qualified legal or insurance professionals regarding questions specific to their circumstances.
The content is provided for general informational purposes only and does not constitute an offer to sell, or a solicitation of an offer to buy, insurance in any jurisdiction where STAR Mutual RRG is not licensed or registered. Any description of coverage is general and subject to the terms, conditions, and exclusions of the actual policy.
STAR Mutual Risk Retention Group offers commercial auto liability insurance to the members of Reliable Transportation Association (“RTA”), looking for accessible and reliable coverage.
Contact
855-5MY-STAR (855-569-7827)
STAR Mutual RRG
PO Box 51414, Philadelphia
PA 19115
General inquiries:
Agent inquiries:
Claim inquiries:
Coverage
The information presented on this website is for general informational purposes only and does not constitute legal, regulatory, or business advice. Readers are encouraged to consult with qualified legal or insurance professionals regarding questions specific to their circumstances.
The content is provided for general informational purposes only and does not constitute an offer to sell, or a solicitation of an offer to buy, insurance in any jurisdiction where STAR Mutual RRG is not licensed or registered. Any description of coverage is general and subject to the terms, conditions, and exclusions of the actual policy.
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