Shopping for trucking insurance can be overwhelming. Whether you manage a trucking company with a fleet of five or a team of 20, you want to make sure that each truck is protected by a policy that’s tailor made to your needs. You probably have plenty of trucking insurance questions that you want to get answered before you commit to an insurer. Rather than settle for a policy that you don’t understand, take the time to review the following FAQs for trucking insurance and make sure you know what to look for. Here is a great link with FAQ’s answers. https://www.truckinsure.com/truck-insurance/faqs
What Kind of Truck Insurance Do I Need?
Finding the right kind of truck insurance can be tricky. Different kinds of policies offer different levels of coverage. You should do some research to see what kind of coverage is required in the state that you operate in and start from there. Typically, though, all carriers should have the following:
- Commercial auto liability with a coverage – limits usually of $1,000,000
- Motor truck cargo – limits usually of $100,000 but consider higher
- Physical damage coverage – various deductible options should be considered
- Non-owned trailer, or trailer interchange coverage
- Workers Compensation or Occupational Accident Injury Coverage
These coverages are standard across the trucking industry, but many carriers require additional policies to further protect against liabilities.
Do I Need Permits to Operate Nationwide?
If you are starting a trucking company with the intent to operate in multiple states, then yes, you will need to obtain a permit from the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA). FMCSA will issue a motor carrier authority when you register to receive a USDOT number and your insurance is posted. In order to register your truck, you will need an International Registration Plan (IRP), an International Fuel Tax Association (IFTA) agreement, and a Single State Registration (SSRS). All of these documents and registrations are required in order to operate in more than one state.
How Can I Pay for My Trucking Insurance?
The answer to this question depends on what insurer you choose. Different providers have different options, but it’s best to look for one that can accept a range of payment methods. Western Truck Insurance Services accepts forms of payment in just about any manner:
- Comcheck
- Personal check
- Credit Cards
- Bank wire or ACH
- Western Union
- Cash
If there is another form of payment not listed that you would prefer, Western Truck Insurance Services will make a good faith effort to accommodate it.
Is There a Penalty for Canceling a Policy?
Different trucking insurance providers maintain different cancellation policies. Many do impose a “short rate” cancellation penalty. Western Truck allows its clients to cancel at any time, and any fees or penalties are determined by the individual insurance company and Western Truck Insurance can advise those costs in advance. In most cases, if you request a cancellation early, you will not be subject to any cancellation penalties.
Can Truck drivers with a Subpar Record Be Insured?
If you employ a driver who previously had a DUI, or other major, conviction, you may have found that it’s difficult to obtain insurance for them. Similarly, if you have drivers with other negative driving history, or with little or no experience, it is likely to see very high premiums for those drivers— if an insurer agrees to insure them at all. Western Truck Insurance Services aims to be able to provide insurance coverage for every driver.
How Can I Take a Truck Off of My Policy?
Removing a truck from your insurance policy typically requires that you sell it, if you own it, or terminate a lease, if you are leasing it. You may also be able to obtain a non-operational certification from the Department of Motor Vehicles (DMV) in order to prove that the truck is not currently in use. This may allow you to remove the truck from your insurance without actually selling it. In addition to updating an insurance policy, trucking companies should remember to update the MCS-150 Form if a truck is no longer part of its fleet, remove any DOT placards from it, and cancel the IRP registration if appropriate.
What Advantages Does Western Truck Offer Clients?
Western Truck Insurance Services offers many benefits to trucking companies seeking affordable and effective insurance options. As experts in the trucking industry, they know how important it is to cover exposures and address liabilities. They partner with their clients to develop a program that’s uniquely suited to the business. Their professionalism and ethical standards stand out and are second to none.
About Western Truck Insurance Services
Western Truck Insurance Services is a commercial truck insurance agency with roots dating back to 1954. We have evolved into a highly respected, professionally managed, truck and transportation insurance brokerage. The hallmark of our organization is our desire to provide unparalleled service. We go way beyond what you expect to receive from an insurance brokerage. Equipped with state of the art automation, Western Truck Insurance can provide you with lightning fast truck insurance quotes, customer service, Insurance certificates, and coverage changes. Contact us today at (800) 937-8785 to learn more!