Hunter NelsonOwner of Nelson Insurance Agency

Truck Insurance VIN Value vs Custom Upgrades

14 Aug 2026 · 1 min

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Hunter Nelson explains that truck and trailer insurance values are determined by the vehicle's VIN, reflecting the stock model's base value. Any aftermarket or permanently attached custom equipment—such as wet lines, custom bumpers, upgraded tires, or interior upgrades—is not automatically covered under standard policies. Insurers require separate coverage specifically for permanently attached equipment to protect its added value.

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The other thing to note is trucks, when they are insured, or trailers, anything along those lines, are gonna be based off the VIN for the value. So you go buy the stock Kenworth, uh, T900, you're gonna get paid for the stock base model of that truck. Now, if you guys go add wet lines to it, custom bumpers, uh, sick tires, you deck out the inside, all this permanently attached equipment. Insurance does not automatically cover that stuff. You guys will need, um, coverage for permanently attached equipment.