Garbage Truck Insurance | What Municipal and Private Haulers Need to Know
- Nate Jones, CPCU, ARM, CLCS, AU
- Sep 10
- 2 min read
Garbage trucks play a vital role in keeping communities clean and safe. Whether you're a municipal sanitation department or a private waste hauling company, operating garbage trucks comes with significant risks—from traffic accidents to property damage and environmental hazards. That’s why having the right insurance coverage is not just smart—it’s essential.
In this guide, we’ll explore the key insurance coverages garbage truck operators need and how Wexford Insurance can help protect your business, your fleet, and your reputation.
Why Garbage Truck Insurance Is Unique
Garbage trucks are heavy-duty vehicles that operate in residential neighborhoods, commercial zones, and industrial areas. Their frequent stops, large blind spots, and interaction with waste materials make them more prone to accidents and liability claims.
Whether you're hauling household trash, recyclables, or industrial waste, your insurance needs to account for:
High vehicle value and maintenance costs
Potential damage to third-party property
Injuries to workers or pedestrians
Environmental risks from spills or leaks
Essential Insurance Coverages for Garbage Truck Companies
Required by law in all states, this coverage protects your business if a garbage truck causes bodily injury or property damage to others. It’s the foundation of any commercial vehicle policy.
2. Physical Damage Coverage
Includes collision and comprehensive coverage to protect your garbage trucks from accidents, theft, vandalism, and natural disasters. Given the cost of these vehicles, this coverage is crucial.
Covers non-driving-related incidents, such as damage caused during waste collection or injuries that occur on a customer’s property. It’s especially important for private haulers working in residential or commercial areas.
4. Pollution Liability Insurance
Garbage trucks may carry hazardous materials or encounter spills. Pollution liability coverage helps protect your business from environmental cleanup costs and related claims.
If you employ drivers or waste collection crews, workers’ comp is required in most states. It covers medical expenses and lost wages for employees injured on the job.
6. Inland Marine Insurance
Protects mobile equipment and tools used in waste collection that aren’t permanently attached to your trucks.
Coverage for Municipal vs. Private Haulers
Municipal Haulers often operate under government contracts and may have specific insurance requirements, including higher liability limits and public entity endorsements.
Private Haulers typically need flexible coverage options to meet the demands of residential, commercial, and industrial clients.
Wexford Insurance understands the differences and can tailor policies to meet your operational and regulatory needs.
Why Choose Wexford Insurance?
At Wexford Insurance, we specialize in providing business insurance for transportation-related companies across the U.S., including garbage truck operators. Whether you're a city sanitation department or a private waste management firm, we help you find the right coverage to stay compliant and protected.
We offer:
Customized insurance packages for garbage truck companies
Coverage for fleets and independent operators
Competitive rates and flexible payment options
Expert support from agents who understand the waste hauling industry
Get a Quote Today
Don’t let unexpected risks disrupt your waste collection operations. Contact Wexford Insurance today to get a personalized quote for garbage truck insurance. We’ll help you protect your vehicles, your team, and your business with coverage you can trust.
