FC
Full CoverageTruck Insurance
Garbage truck insurance

Garbage & Refuse Truck Insurance Cost

Average garbage & refuse truck insurance costs $1,550/month ($18,600/year) in 2026. Rates range from $14,000 to $30,000 annually depending on experience, cargo, and operating radius.

Average Monthly
$1,550
Average Annual
$18,600
Range
$14,000–$30,000

Cost by Operator Profile

Operator ProfileAnnual CostMonthly Cost
Residential curbside collection$14,000–$19,000$1,170–$1,585
Commercial front-load$17,000–$23,000$1,420–$1,920
Roll-off container hauling$18,000–$24,000$1,500–$2,000
Landfill/transfer station hauling$20,000–$30,000$1,670–$2,500

What You Pay For: Cost Breakdown by Coverage

A garbage & refuse truck insurance package bundles multiple coverages. Here is how the average $18,600/year premium breaks down by line of business:

Primary Liability ($1M)
$6,500–$10,500
Physical Damage
$2,800–$5,500
General Liability ($1M)
$2,500–$4,500
Pollution Liability
$1,500–$3,500
Workers Compensation
$4,500–$9,500 (varies by state)

7 Factors That Determine Your Rate

Route type
Residential has high stop frequency; commercial higher weights; roll-off heaviest risk
Hazardous vs solid waste
Hazardous waste hauling requires specialized carrier + pollution liability
Workers comp exposure
Garbage is one of the highest-risk industries for WC β€” drives total cost
Pollution liability
Leaks/spills during transfer; $500K–$2M limits standard
Landfill access bonds
Some municipalities require surety bonds for landfill access

How Garbage & Refuse Truck Insurance Cost Varies by State

Garbage truck rates are heavily state-dependent due to WC costs. CA, NY, NJ, IL at top of range. Southern states 15–25% below average. Municipal contracts require state-specific compliance.

See state-by-state truck insurance pricing β†’

What each coverage pays and the federal rules for this truck are on our garbage truck insurance page.

How to Lower Your Garbage & Refuse Truck Insurance Cost

  • Detailed route manifests help defend cargo/pollution claims
  • Dash cams on garbage trucks reduce WC claims (backing/loading accidents)
  • Bundle pollution with GL for combined discount
  • Work with carriers that specialize in waste hauling β€” specialty underwriters price better
  • Maintain driver safety training β€” backing accidents are top WC cost driver

Get Your Garbage & Refuse Truck Insurance Quote

Your quote depends on your exact operation. We compare many A-rated carriers to find your best rate in minutes β€” your FMCSA data pre-fills 80% of the application.

Get a quoteCall 317-427-5599