8 Things Only Pickup Truck Drivers Understand
Ray Cogan
Would you like to be the first to know when every friend, family member and casual acquaintance is ready to move into their new home? Then maybe you should consider the glamorous life of pickup truck ownership!
The truth is, there are lots of reasons to buy a truck. Need to tow a boat, camper or trailer? No problem. Time to landscape the flower beds? Forget stuffing those bags of mulch into the trunk of your car.
Trucks are the perfect utilitarian choice of the automotive world. But pickup ownership does come with a unique set of pros and cons.
Ready to take the plunge into truck ownership? Here are 8 things you should know:
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You’ll be asked to help people move. A lot.
I’d like to think I’m a generally helpful and considerate person. But when you own a truck, you may find your kindness stretched to its limits — at least when it comes to providing free manual labor. Here are the facts: Moving requires a truck. And you own a truck. That’s something nobody forgets. On the plus side, if you suddenly hear from an old friend you haven’t talked to in five years, you probably know why they’re calling.
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You’ll never wonder, ‘Will this fit?’
We’ve all experienced that embarrassing moment when you buy something in a store, only to discover it won’t fit though your car door. As a truck owner, those worries are gone (and say goodbye to delivery fees)! Whether you’re buying sheets of plywood or a new couch, you’ll never wonder if you have the space to take it home.
- Parking can be a chore.
Every year, it seems it seems like trucks are getting bigger. Parking spaces, on the other hand, are not. This can make navigating tight spaces a pain. If you’re opting for the newest heavy-duty pickup, be prepared for a longer walk from the parking lot.
Related: How to Parallel Park Like a Pro - Always be ready to lend a hand.
I’ve been on both sides of this one. Earlier this spring, I drove my car to watch a race at a local road course. It had rained all weekend, and the parking was in an open field. As soon as I pulled off the gravel path, I heard my car sink into the soft ground. I was stuck. I didn’t bother calling a towing company. Instead, I walked down the aisle to the first 4X4 truck I could find. The owner happily grabbed a tow strap, hooked up my car and saved the day. If you’re buying a truck, be ready to do the same.
Related: What to Include in a Car Emergency Kit - You’ll pay more at the pump.
I still remember the sticker shock I received the first time I paid nearly $100 to fill up my truck’s empty tank. Sure, that’s when gas was nearing record highs. But the truth is, you’ll always have higher fuel bills when you choose to drive a truck. They’re big. They’re boxy. And those large engines that are great for towing are also way less efficient than your friend’s hybrid.
Related: The Difference Between Regular and Premium Gas - People will ask to borrow your truck. A lot.
When you own a car, you rarely get asked to loan it out. But when you drive a pickup, you can expect requests to borrow it at least a few times a month. What you do with those requests is up to you. Just make sure you understand how insurance works when you lend out your car .
If it’s any consolation, they may offer to compensate you for your troubles. One time, my brother-in-law left a $5 bill on the dashboard. It helped cover a fraction of the gas he used (see No. 4).
- Some will use it as a trash can.
People can be the worst
sometimes. If you own a truck, don’t be surprised to find an empty soda can or cigarette butt in the bed. It may not happen often, but don’t say I didn’t warn you.
- You’re ready for anything.
Bad weather. Dirt roads. Camping. Towing. Hauling. Whatever the task, your truck can handle it. In many ways, it’s the perfect adventure vehicle. So take some comfort knowing you’ll always be ready for action at a moment’s notice.
There you have it – my secret insight into the world of pickup truck ownership. Some of it’s good. Some of it’s not so good. But if you ask most truck owners, they wouldn’t trade it for anything.
Whether you drive a car, truck or SUV, it’s important to make sure you have the right
to protect it. When you’re with ERIE, you’ll get outstanding coverage, great rates and service from local people who care.
to get the conversation started.
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At Lindquist Insurance, we offer personal, proactive service that keeps you focused on growth, not guesswork. Whether you're expanding, hiring, or just refreshing for the season, we’re here to ensure your business is covered from every angle. Call us today at (301) 694-0008 or visit www.lindquistinsurance.com to schedule your Spring Business Insurance Checkup.
We serve the Annapolis and Frederick, MD area.
Spring brings longer days, blooming landscapes, and unpredictable weather for businesses in Annapolis and Frederick, Maryland. Storms in the Mid-Atlantic can bring heavy rain, flooding, hail, and strong winds, often leading to costly damages for business owners. That’s why now is the perfect time to evaluate your business insurance coverage and ensure you’re protected against the unique seasonal risks spring brings. *** Why Spring Storms Matter to Maryland Business Owners Maryland's spring weather is known for its volatility. Sudden thunderstorms, high winds, and localized flooding can affect both coastal towns like Annapolis and inland areas like Frederick. In 2022 alone, several businesses in Frederick County experienced power outages and property damage due to intense spring storms. Similarly, businesses near the Chesapeake Bay face storm surges and flash flooding, especially during early-season weather systems. 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Spring storms can lead to power surges and electrical issues, which can damage your essential equipment, like refrigerators, HVAC systems, or point-of-sale terminals. Equipment breakdown insurance helps cover the cost of repair or replacement, so your operations don't have to close temporarily. This is crucial for restaurants, retail shops, and healthcare facilities in Annapolis and Frederick that rely on specialized machinery. 4. Commercial Auto Insurance. If your business uses vehicles for deliveries, transportation, or service calls. Make sure your commercial auto insurance includes comprehensive coverage. This protects your vehicles from non-collision-related damages, including those caused by hail, fallen trees, or flooding. Local fleets operating between Annapolis and Frederick are especially vulnerable during spring travel, when roads may be slick or obstructed. 5. General Liability Insurance. Spring storms sometimes lead to unexpected hazards, like a slippery floor or fallen debris outside your storefront, that can cause injury to customers or passersby. General liability insurance covers medical costs, legal fees, and settlements if someone gets hurt on your property. This type of coverage is essential for public-facing businesses, such as those located along the bustling streets of Annapolis or in Frederick’s historic downtown district. Take These Steps Now to Stay Protected Review Your Policy with a Local Agent. Insurance needs vary depending on location, business type, and risk exposure. A local agent, like the experienced team at Lindquist Insurance, can assess your current coverage and suggest any needed updates tailored to the Annapolis and Frederick regions. 1. Document and Protect Your Assets. Take an inventory of your equipment, supplies, and property. Back up digital records and store documents off-site or in the cloud. This speeds up claims processing in the event of a loss. 2. Create a Spring Storm Preparedness Plan. Include emergency contact lists, backup power sources, evacuation procedures, and a communication plan for employees and customers. 3. Schedule an Annual Insurance Checkup. Use the changing season as a reminder to reassess your business insurance needs. Your business evolves—and so should your protection. At Lindquist Insurance , we’re proud to serve the business communities of Annapolis and Frederick, MD. Our goal is to help you weather any storm with confidence, knowing you’re covered where it counts. Whether you run a waterfront shop in Annapolis or a growing service business in Frederick, our team is ready to help you find the right business insurance solutions for the spring season and beyond. Contact our business insurance specialists today for a free business insurance review or call us at (301) 694-0008 or visit www.lindquistinsurance.com. *** For more information on Maryland weather, visit the Weather US website .
At Lindquist Insurance, we’re here to help you with your car insurance now and in the future. If you're thinking about switching your car insurance and live in Frederick, Annapolis, or Washington, DC, now is the perfect time to reach out. At Lindquist Insurance, our friendly local agents make the process simple, fast, and tailored to you. We’ll compare top providers, explain your options, and guide you every step of the way.
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