Truck Liability insurance is the backbone coverage for commercial trucks and their operators. The policy protects truck operators who become legally liable for bodily injury and/or property damage to others related to operating the truck. All truck owners or lessees are required to purchase this coverage and meet state and federal agencies’ regulatory guidelines.
The following coverages comprise Truck Liability insurance:
- Bodily Injury Liability: Covers medical expenses, rehabilitation, and lost wages for third parties injured in an accident caused by the truck driver.
- Property Damage Liability: Covers the expense of repairing or replacing property damaged in an accident caused by the truck driver. This could entail damage to other vehicles, structures, or property.
- Legal Defense Costs: Covers legal expenses incurred in defending against claims or lawsuits arising from an accident. This includes legal bills, court costs, and settlements.
Certain minimum levels of Liability coverage are required by federal and state governments, and failure to maintain these amounts can result in fines, penalties, or prohibitions on operating commercial vehicles. For example, for operations with trucks over 10,000 pounds gross vehicle weight, the policy limit requirement is typically $750,000; an amount set by the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA) on interstate travel that is generally matched at the state level.
In addition, the federal and state regulatory agencies usually require the insurance company to provide evidence of Liability coverage for the operations of commercial trucks. This evidence demonstrates compliance with federal and state insurance regulations for motor carrier operations.
Motor carriers (businesses with a fleet of vehicles) and owner-operators (individual truck drivers who own and operate their own truck) may have different insurance requirements. Truck Liability insurance policies are tailored to meet the demands of all types of operations.
For comprehensive protection, in addition to Truck Liability insurance, trucking companies should also purchase additional coverages such as Physical Damage insurance, Motor Truck Cargo insurance, and Truckers Pollution insurance, among others.
About Western Truck Insurance Services
Western Truck Insurance Services is an insurance brokerage specializing in commercial truck insurance. We know this stuff and want to make sure you do too. Our clients appreciate our dedication to finding competitive rates and offering unparalleled service beyond excellent insurance options. They also value how our state-of-the-art automation provides lightning-fast truck insurance quotes, customer service, insurance certificates, and coverage changes. Contact us today at (800) 937-8785 to learn more.