General Questions
1
Q: What is commercial truck insurance?
A: Commercial truck insurance is a type of policy designed to protect trucks used for business operations. It typically includes liability coverage, physical damage, cargo insurance, and other protections required for trucking companies and owner-operators.
2
Q: Who needs commercial truck insurance?
A: Anyone operating a vehicle for commercial transportation of goods may need commercial truck insurance. This includes owner-operators, trucking companies, delivery services, and logistics businesses.
3
Q: How much does commercial truck insurance cost?
A: Costs vary based on factors like driver experience, vehicle type, cargo hauled, and operating radius. Most owner operators pay between $8,000 and $20,000 per year.
4
Q: What insurance is required for commercial trucks?
A: Most commercial trucks must carry primary liability insurance. Federal minimums typically start at $750,000 but many brokers require $1,000,000 in coverage.
5
Q: How quickly can truck insurance be activated?
A: In many cases, coverage can be activated the same day once all required information is submitted and underwriting approves the policy.
DOT & FMCSA Questions
6
Q: Do I need insurance to activate my MC number?
A: Yes. While you can apply for an MC number without insurance, your operating authority will not become active until insurance filings are submitted to FMCSA.
7
Q: What insurance filings are required for trucking companies?
A: Insurance companies file forms such as BMC-91 or BMC-91X electronically with FMCSA to prove financial responsibility.
8
Q: What is the minimum liability for interstate trucking?
A: Federal regulations usually require a minimum of $750,000 in liability coverage, although many carriers choose $1,000,000.
9
Q: What is a DOT number?
A: A DOT number is issued by the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration and is used to track safety records and compliance of commercial carriers.
10
Q: What is an MC number?
A: An MC number provides operating authority to transport goods across state lines for hire.
Coverage Questions
11
Q: What does primary liability insurance cover?
A: Primary liability insurance covers damages or injuries caused to other people or property if the truck is involved in an accident.
12
Q:What is physical damage coverage?
A: Physical damage coverage protects the truck itself from losses caused by collisions, theft, vandalism, or natural disasters.
13
Q: What is motor truck cargo insurance?
A: Cargo insurance protects the freight being transported in case of theft, damage, or loss during transit.
14
What is bobtail insurance?
Bobtail insurance provides liability coverage when a truck is driven without a trailer attached.
15
Q: What is non-trucking liability insurance?
A: Non-trucking liability covers a truck when it is used for personal purposes outside of dispatch.
Business & Operations
16
Q: Can new trucking companies get insurance?
A: Yes. Many insurers offer new venture trucking insurance, although rates may be higher during the first two years of operation.
17
Q: Can I insure multiple trucks under one policy?
A: Yes. Fleet policies allow multiple trucks and drivers to be insured under one policy.
18
Q: What is the radius of operation in truck insurance?
A: The radius of operation refers to how far trucks travel from their base location, such as local, intermediate, or long-haul operations.
19
Q: Can multiple drivers be added to a trucking policy?
A: Yes. Policies can include multiple approved drivers depending on underwriting guidelines.
20
Q: Do insurance companies check driver records?
A: Yes. Insurers review motor vehicle records and safety history before issuing coverage.
Specialized Trucking Questions
21
Q: What insurance do box trucks need?
A: Box trucks typically require commercial auto liability, physical damage coverage, and cargo insurance.
22
Q: What insurance do dump trucks need?
A: Dump trucks often require liability coverage, physical damage, and general liability depending on the type of work performed.
23
Q: What insurance do hotshot trucking operations need?
A: Hotshot trucking operations usually require liability coverage, cargo insurance, and physical damage protection.
24
Q: What insurance do delivery and logistics companies need?
A: Delivery companies often need commercial auto liability, cargo insurance, general liability, and sometimes hired and non-owned auto coverage.
25
Q: Can trailers be insured separately?
A: Yes. Trailers can be insured through trailer interchange coverage or physical damage policies.
Claims & Policy Management
26
Q: What is a deductible in truck insurance?
A: A deductible is the amount the insured must pay before the insurance company covers the remaining loss.
27
Q: What happens if a truck is totaled?
A: If the truck has physical damage coverage, the insurer will pay the actual cash value or agreed value depending on the policy.
28
Q: What is a certificate of insurance?
A: A certificate of insurance confirms that a trucking company has active insurance coverage.
29
Q: Can I replace a truck on an existing policy?
A: Yes. Policies can be endorsed to replace a vehicle with a new truck.
30
Q: How do I get a commercial truck insurance quote?
A: You can request a quote by providing information such as driver details, truck information, cargo type, and operating radius.