What Insurance do I Need as an Interstate Trucker?

Trucking insurance can help provide crucial financial protection for interstate truckers. One of the most valuable types of insurance you can buy is liability coverage. The agents at Upix Agency can help you get appropriate insurance for your trucking operation.

Interstate Vs. Intrastate Drivers

A few key differences between interstate and intrastate trucking may not be common knowledge. While the main difference between the two is that intrastate trucking operations never cross state lines, there are situations where interstate trucking rules may apply. For example, if freight crosses state lines, it may be subject to interstate commerce rules even if the trucking operation was responsible for only a portion of the journey.

Interstate drivers may generally travel throughout the United States, Mexico and Canada. Trucks subject to interstate laws must get a U.S. Department of Transportation (DOT) number before they can get federal operating authority to cross state lines. Intrastate truck drivers should generally follow state laws for what they need to operate legally.

How Much Insurance Do Interstate Truckers Need?

Interstate trucking operations must follow state and federal laws about minimum insurance requirements. Your agent can help evaluate your situation and help you get the right amounts and types of liability coverage to comply with state and federal laws.

Commercial vehicle owners, including interstate truck drivers, must file certain forms showing proof of liability and cargo insurance.

The Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA) requires all interstate truckers to meet certain minimum public liability insurance limits, which vary depending on the type of freight, whether it’s a passenger vehicle and the truck’s weight. Shippers and brokers may require additional coverage.

Each state determines how much commercial auto liability insurance a trucking company must maintain. New Jersey requires minimum amounts of bodily injury and property damage liability coverage. However, your agent may recommend buying more than the minimum required amount of coverage.

What Other Types of Insurance Should an Interstate Truck Driver Have?

Depending on the details of your business, your agent may recommend that you purchase the following:

• Cargo insurance—This coverage helps provide liability protection if the cargo you haul if is damaged by a covered event, such as fire, collision or striking of a load. Shippers typically require for-hire interstate truckers to maintain this coverage.
• Bobtail insurance—This policy helps provide liability coverage for a driver under a permanent lease to a motor carrier when the truck is not attached to a trailer.
• Comprehensive and collision insurance—This insurance helps provide financial protection if the covered truck or trailer is damaged. If you finance or lease a truck or trailer, you must purchase this coverage to satisfy your lienholder.

How Can Interstate Truckers Get Insurance In New Jersey?

Contact Upix Agency in Elizabeth, New Jersey, to start building your interstate trucking insurance plan. We can help you evaluate your options and tailor your coverage to meet your organization’s needs.

This blog is intended for informational and educational use only. It is not exhaustive and should not be construed as legal advice. Please contact your insurance professional for further information.