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Talis Insurance Group

Commercial Trucking Insurance

Rental Reimbursement and Downtime Coverage

Rental reimbursement and downtime are different benefits that may help when a covered loss takes a truck out of service. Rental reimbursement may help with a replacement vehicle; downtime may address certain income effects. Both are subject to policy terms.

What it may cover

What they may provide

  • Rental reimbursement toward a replacement vehicle, where included
  • Downtime benefits for certain covered out-of-service periods
  • Benefits triggered by a covered loss
  • Coverage subject to waiting periods and limits
  • Options that vary by policy

Two different benefits

Rental reimbursement and downtime are not the same thing. Do not assume a policy guarantees a replacement vehicle or lost income — the wording defines each benefit.

  • A covered loss takes a truck out of service
  • Repair periods after a covered event
  • Replacement-vehicle needs during repairs
  • Income effects of downtime
  • Contractual continuity requirements

Who may consider it

Who may consider them

  • Owner-operators dependent on a single truck
  • Fleets managing vehicle availability
  • Operations with tight delivery commitments
  • Businesses financing or leasing equipment

Coverage in practice

Real-world situations

A covered collision sidelines your tractor

Rental reimbursement may help toward a replacement vehicle during covered repairs, subject to limits and waiting periods.

Repairs keep the truck out of service

Downtime coverage may address certain income effects during a covered out-of-service period, subject to the policy.

A delivery commitment continues

Continuity options may help keep an operation moving after a covered loss, depending on the coverage elected.

Important to know

Important to know

A licensed professional can explain exactly what each benefit provides in a given policy.

  • Rental reimbursement and downtime are different benefits — do not assume one includes the other.
  • They generally apply only after a covered loss, subject to waiting periods, limits, and exclusions.
  • No guarantee of a replacement vehicle or specific income payment should be assumed.

Prepare for a quote

Information commonly requested

  • Vehicle information and values
  • Financing or lease details
  • Typical repair and replacement needs
  • Requested rental or downtime limits
  • Waiting-period preferences
  • Operating radius
  • Insurance history and loss runs
  • Requested effective date

FAQ

Frequently asked questions

Are rental reimbursement and downtime the same?

No. Rental reimbursement may help with a replacement vehicle; downtime may address certain income effects. They are separate benefits.

Do these apply after any breakdown?

Generally they apply after a covered loss, not routine mechanical breakdown, subject to the policy terms.

Is a replacement truck guaranteed?

No. Rental reimbursement provides a benefit toward a replacement subject to limits and waiting periods; it does not guarantee a vehicle.

Does downtime replace all lost income?

No. Downtime provides a defined benefit subject to the policy, not a guarantee of full lost income.

How are limits and waiting periods set?

They are selected in the policy. A licensed professional can help you choose suitable options.

Coverage disclaimer. Coverage descriptions are provided for general informational purposes only. Actual coverage is subject to policy terms, conditions, limits, deductibles, exclusions, underwriting eligibility, and carrier availability. Please consult a licensed insurance professional regarding your specific operation.

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