When your business relies on trucks, it’s necessary to have all the right insurance policies and coverage in place. Truckers driving from state to state have unique liabilities and risks, and one accident can cause severe damage. Whether it’s just one truck operating or an entire fleet, there are insurance requirements that everyone must follow. Having comprehensive insurance coverage can put clients at ease when their products are transported. Here are the requirements and details of interstate trucking insurance. 

Trucking Insurance Requirements

Before any truck can operate, it needs to follow protocol and have the required policies. All truckers need to follow the regulations set by the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA), regardless of traveling intrastate or interstate. Drivers still need to follow the regulations according to the state they’re traveling through. 

These insurance requirements are designed to protect the driver, cargo, other drivers on the road, and the company. The policies and cost can vary for each company depending on the state, number of trucks, type weight of cargo, and safety record. 

FMCSA minimum requirements:

• Non-hazardous freight weighing under 10,001 lbs – $300,000 minimum
• Non-hazardous freight weighing  over 10,001 lbs  – $750,000 minimum
• Oil moved by for-hire & private carriers – $1,000,000 minimum
• Other hazardous material – $5,000,000 minimum

Each trucker must obtain the appropriate amount of insurance and submit proof to FMCSA to be protected.

Other Policies To Consider

Obtaining the necessary FMCSA insurance coverage limit is legally required, but it’s not comprehensive. Depending on the state, there may be other insurance requirements. Here are the standard policies that are typically mandatory:

• Primary Liability Truck Insurance – covers bodily injury and property damage where the trucker is at fault
• General Liability – protects the company from incidents that occur off the road. It also covers financial costs for libel, slander, and false advertising claims
• Cargo  – covers the transported products and goods while hauling
• Bobtail – cover when the truck is used for non-hauling purposes, the trailer is detached, or personal business
• Physical Damage – covers any damage to trucks and equipment due to theft, collision, vandalism, and natural disasters

Protect Your Trucks With Biscayne Risk

Understanding the legality of insurance for the trucking industry can be challenging to keep track of. If an accident occurs without having the right coverage, it can cost thousands and exposes your business to legal trouble. Biscayne Risk has a team of experts that are well-versed in the trucking industry. We can work closely with you to further understand the needs of your trucking company and analyze any risks that are unique to your business. Contact us today to learn more about the necessary policies for your trucking company.