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Refrigeration Breakdown Coverage

At SCI, we specialize in providing affordable and reliable Refrigeration Breakdown Insurance Coverage for truckers across America. For decades, clients have trusted us for our flexible payment options, quick claims support, free filings, and expert guidance. Our goal is to make sure you get dependable coverage and the best customer service in the industry.

Keep Your Refrigerated Cargo Safe With The Most Reliable Insurer!

Find the right reefer insurance with our comprehensive policy.

As a reefer truck owner or operator, you face the constant risk of your refrigeration unit failing — which can result in spoiled goods and heavy losses. Refrigeration Breakdown Insurance, also known as Reefer Trucking Insurance, protects you from these unexpected situations.

This coverage acts as an add-on to your motor truck cargo policy, safeguarding your shipments in the event of mechanical failure or accidental damage.

If you regularly transport perishable or temperature-controlled goods, this insurance provides extra peace of mind and keeps your operations secure. Our insurance experts are always ready to guide you in choosing the best plan for your business.

What are the RISKS subject to reefer unit operation?

  • If your refrigerated unit malfunctions in transit: While you might be able to rescue some of the things, the majority will likely spoil within a few hours.
  • If you get involved in an accident: Reefer trucks are more likely to cause significant injury, death, or property destruction in the event of any collision. Moreover, it could also harm your cargo or your refrigeration system.

Because of these risks, having the right reefer coverage in place is essential for every refrigerated transport business.

What does refrigeration breakdown insurance COVER?

Reefer breakdown coverage is an extension of your cargo insurance that protects against unexpected, accidental, and mechanical failures. It typically covers:

  • Goods replacement cost.
  • Storage costs at a facility for business.
  • Cost of product disposal.
  • In case of duty suspension.

This policy ensures your business, carriers, and shippers are financially protected and can recover quickly after an unforeseen incident.

What EXCLUSIONS apply to refrigeration breakdown coverage?

Your reefer insurance is not applicable under the following circumstances:
  • In case of driver's negligence or tardiness.
  • Carrying high-risk commodities such as fish, fresh meat, poultry, seafood, tobacco products, and pharmaceuticals.

Who needs refrigerated breakdown coverage?

Truck owners are subject to various liabilities, each of which may result in significant claims against their assets. Every owner-operator must have an asset security strategy in place that is based on the availability of liability insurance.

Reefer breakdown coverage is for:

  • Anyone who is transporting frozen or refrigerated goods, cosmetics, plants, flowers, or other temperature-sensitive goods.
  • Specific types of vehicles and trailers, such as reefer semi-trucks, refrigerated coaches, and pickup trucks with mounted reefer units.

What other kinds of insurance are required for reefer trucking?

Following are the truck insurance coverage needed for refrigerated vehicles:

Primary Liability Insurance

Primary liability insurance provides coverage for motor carriers if any goods being transported are harmed. Motor carriers who transport chilled goods add the reefer license. While not normally covered by most insurance, loading and unloading can be included as an approval.

Physical Damage Coverage

The majority of motor carriers will choose physical damage protection to protect their truck in the event of an accident, even if it is not required by law. Physical damage insurance comes in two forms:

  • Collision: In the case of an accident, this insurance covers any damage.
  • Comprehensive - Includes damage that is not caused by an accident. For instance, if a fallen tree strikes the car, denting the hood or shattering the glass

Medical Insurance

The reefer driver’s and their passengers’ medical needs are covered

Underinsured/ Uninsured Driver Insurance

The reefer driver’s and their passengers’ medical needs are covered

Additional Insurances

The motor carrier may choose to include one of the following, depending on whether they transport chilled items on trailers they don’t own:
  • Trailer Interchange: Provides protection for a trailer owned by a third party while it is in the policy holder's possession (whether or not linked to the tractor). Only takes effect if a documented contract with the trailer's owner is in existence.
  • Now-Owned Trailer: Likewise to a trailer interchange, but without the requirement of a written agreement. Only trailers connected to a semi truck, however, are covered.

How Much Does Reefer Breakdown Insurance Cost?

Your refrigerated breakdown insurance premium will depend on how our insurer evaluates the following variables:
  • The size, price, and type of truck.
  • Tax-deductible sum.
  • Your policy limit.
  • Number of business years.
  • Driving history of the driver.
  • Hauled freight kind.
  • Claim history.
  • The service area.
Therefore, don’t delay referring to trucking insurance. Discuss your options freely with our insurance agent to get the best protection to assist your trucking business comply with FDA regulations and legal insurance needs.

Save Big With SCI As Your Most Reliable Insurer

At SCI, we partner with National Independent Truckers Insurance Company to provide comprehensive, affordable, and fast coverage solutions for reefer trucks and refrigerated fleets.

We understand the risks involved in hauling perishable goods — from mechanical breakdowns to transit delays — and that’s why our Refrigeration Breakdown Coverage is designed to keep your business running smoothly, no matter what.

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