Commercial Truck Insurance Requirements By State

Commercial trucking insurance is an important investment for all trucking business owners as it provides legal and financial protection against different kinds of perils and accidents on the road. Moreover, trucking insurance is mandated by law in almost all the states in the US. So, all trucking operators are required to get insurance to run their business legally. 

Trucking insurance requirements can vary across different states as each state sets its own legal provisions and minimum coverage limits. Hence, this guide will give business owners an overview of legal requirements, insurance costs, commercial trucking insurance market, and popular coverage across different states in the USA. 

Get the latest trucking insights by different states below. 

Commercial Truck Insurance Florida 

Florida is the 3rd most populated state, woven with numerous interstates and highways. Being connected to the Atlantic Ocean and the Gulf of Mexico on three sides, Florida is home to 14 major ports of the U.S. The Florida Department of Transportation (FDOT) claims that these extensive transportation systems are core reasons why the commercial trucking industry is pretty huge in Florida.  

Florida Trucking Industry Overview 

• Florida is expected to have around 160,000 truck drivers by the end of 2030. 
• The interstates and highways in Florida connect to multiple vital places of the U.S., including Atlanta, Tampa, the Gulf Coast, Orlando, Pensacola, and Alabama. 
• Florida’s trucking route also connects the state to Maine in the U.S. – Canada border. 
• There are approximately 24,666 trucking businesses in Florida. 
• In Florida, 84.9% of the communities depend exclusively on trucks to transport their goods. 
• 15.5 million miles of main roads are driven by trucks in Florida. 
• Some of the most popular freight that trucks carry are aircraft parts and engines, cell phones, transmission devices, portable digital computers, gold, integrated circuits, polyamides, medical instruments, and mineral/chemical fertilizers. 
• In 2021, there were 401,127 crashes where trucks were involved, out of which there were 3751 fatalities. 

Commercial Truck Insurance Requirements in Florida 

• General Freight: $750,000 
• Household Items: $300,000 
• Oil Transport: $1 million 
• Hazardous Materials (Hazmat): $5 million

2. Federal Liability Coverage
The truck drivers must meet the FMCSA federal liability limits that vary between $750,000 to $1 million, if they are traveling across state-lines. 

3. Personal Injury Protection
Legal entities also advise truckers to obtain personal injury protection to cover injury-related expenses that happen due to trucking accidents. This can cover medical bills, loss of income due to disability, and household services to the truck drivers.

4. Bodily Injury Liability
This liability coverage provides for any serious injury or death caused to someone by a truck driver. If a case is filed against the trucking business, this can cover up for the legal representation of the truck driver or the business itself.

Besides these, interstate truckers also require the following coverage:

• Cargo Insurance 
• Bobtail Insurance 
• Physical Damage Insurance 

Legal and Document Requirements for Commercial Trucking Businesses in Florida 

Florida state laws require all commercial trucking businesses to have commercial trucking insurance. Along with the general commercial trucking insurance requirements as mandated by Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMSCA), the trucking businesses also get specific insurance requirements according to the type of cargo the truck is hauling. 

Trucking companies need to display a valid USDOT number or a Florida state registration number. They also need to register with the Florida Department of Transportation (FDOT), and comply with all the FDOT truck insurance requirements that are laid out by FMSCA. 

Additionally, the FMSCA and Florida state laws require some additional documents to be submitted by an insurance agent or company. Some of the forms that are required are: 

• Form E 
• Form H 
• BMC-92 
• Form MCS-91 

Most Popular Trucking Insurance Coverage in Florida 

• Primary Liability 
• General Liability 
• Physical Damage 
• Motor Truck Cargo 
• Trailer Interchange 
• Uninsured Motorist Coverage 
• Collision Coverage 
• Comprehensive Coverage 
• Hired Truck Insurance 
• Towing 
• Healthcare Payments 
• Personally Owned Truck 
• Uninsured Motorist Insurance Coverage 

Top Trucking Insurance Companies in Florida 

1. InsurePro 
2. Progressive 
3. State Farm 
4. Sentry 
5. Nationwide 
6. IAT Insurance Group 
7. National Indemnity Company 
8. Northland Insurance 
9. Lancer Insurance Company 
10. OOIDA Insurance Company

Average Trucking Insurance Cost in Florida 

According to Florida truck insurance agents, The average rate of commercial trucking insurance in Florida is $15,522. The average premiums generally range from $12,648 to $17,856. This is generally attributed to standard liability, physical damage, and cargo insurance. 

Commercial Trucking Insurance Texas 

In Texas, there are 172,000 people employed as truck drivers and truckers hold 15 out of every 1,000 jobs. According to the Texas Department of Transportation, Texas leads the country in deadly truck accidents. Despite having less than 8% of the country’s population, Texas roadways were the scene of more than 13% of all fatal trucking accidents in the US. Thus, getting truck insurance coverage is vital in Texas. 

Texas Trucking Industry Overview 

• Trucks convey 73 percent of the goods made in Texas. 
• Trucks handle 85% of the trade between Texas and Mexico. 
• Texas has nearly 3,200 miles of interstate, the most of any state. 
• In Texas, there are more than 300,000 miles of public roads. 
• In Texas, there are more than 66,000 trucking businesses. 
• Texas is rated as the top exporting state. 

Commercial Truck Insurance Requirements in Texas 

Texas trucking insurance law mandates that new businesses and local truckers have a specific level of liability insurance. The kind of freight you pull and the distance you haul it decide how much coverage you need. You must obtain a TXDMV number and maintain specific liability insurance if you don’t cross state boundaries and your truck weighs more than GVW. Minimum amount of liability insurance being: 

• Household Goods: $300,000 
• General Freight: $500,000  
• Oil Transport: $1 million 
• Hazmat: $5 million 
• Cargo Insurance (Intrastate household goods movers and interstate contract carriers): $5,000/vehicle and $10,000/catastrophe  

You must also adhere to all federally mandated regulations for semi-truck insurance in addition to those mentioned above. Federal liability caps often range between $750,000 and $1,000,000. 

Your insurance agent must submit specific filings required by Texas and the FMCSA. These filings should be handled for you by your insurance agent or insurance provider. These forms demonstrate to the government that all your DOT truck insurance requirements are satisfied. Before you may be given your authority, they must be presented. Some common forms include: 

• Form MCS-98  
• Form H 
• Form E 
• The BMC-99 

Top Trucking Insurance Companies In Texas 

1. Progressive
2. Simply Business
3. InsurePro
4. State Farm
5. Sentry
6. National Independent Truckers Insurance Company (NITIC)
7. The Hartford

Average Trucking Insurance Cost in Texas 

These price projections are based on truckers that operate one truck and require liability, cargo, and physical damage insurance. The cost is affected by many factors, including the type of cargo you are hauling, your driving record, and the length of time you have been in operation. 

Commercial Trucking Insurance California 

Commercial Truck Insurance Requirements in California  

The insurance requirements for commercial trucks in California vary depending on the freight carried. Every commercial truck driver operating solely within California state lines in a vehicle that is more than 10,000 gross vehicle weight (GVW) must have an intrastate identification number as well as liability insurance depending on the freight:  

• Oil Transport: $1 million  
• Hazmat: $5 million
• General Freight: $750,000
• Household Goods: $300,000  
• Cargo Insurance: $20,000 per vehicle and $20,000 per catastrophe 

Top Trucking Insurance Companies in California  

1. Aegis 
2. Arch Insurance 
3. Crusader Insurance Company 
4. Dongbu / DB Insurance 
5. Great-West 
6. Lancer 
7. Northland 
8. Progressive 
9. Quality 
10. United Specialty 

 The commercial truck insurance rates vary according to the company’s calculations as different factors are considered.  

Well, there is always an intelligent way available for those seeking the best commercial rates. And the only way to get it is by comparing quotes from different carriers.  

Average Trucking Insurance Cost in California 

Top Reasons You Need to Be Searching for Commercial Truck Insurance Agents Near You 

Don’t let high premiums limit your business potential

Securing the right insurance coverage for your commercial truck is key to protecting your business, but it shouldn’t cost a fortune. Make a smart investment in safeguarding your business with affordable coverage from commercial truck insurance agents.  

Leverage expert knowledge

Likewise, a trusted truck insurance broker can help you find tailored policies that best fit your needs. From recommending required coverages to meeting state compliance regulations, truck insurance brokers near you can make your insurance journey free of any roadblocks. 

Take the load off your shoulders

Choosing the right truck insurance broker can take a load off your shoulders. With dependable, local agents to manage all of the complex details for you, you’ll have more peace of mind and less time worrying about insurance.