Living in Florida, you must carry the appropriate commercial auto insurance to legally drive your truck on its roads. The state and the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA) require specific levels of insurance for commercial trucks dependent upon the type of hauling. Zot Insurance Agency of Davie, FL wants you to understand the insurance policies you need to meet the legal requirements of the state and federal government.

Liability Coverage Minimums

While typical drivers in Florida law must carry liability insurance of at least $10,000, a commercial trucker must meet a higher set of insurance requirements. This minimum varies depending on the cargo type. It ranges from $300,000 to $5 million.

• Household goods require a $300,000 minimum liability insurance policy.
• General freight requires a $750,000 minimum liability insurance policy.
• Oil transport requires a $1,000,000 liability insurance policy.
• Hazardous materials require a $5,000,000 liability insurance policy.

Hauling across state lines means you must also meet the FMCSA federal liability limits. These typically range between $750,000 and $1,000,000.

This pays for the property damage you cause to another vehicle in an accident. This pays for repairs to their vehicle or replacing the vehicle. Your insurance also covers bodily injury liability, which covers costs of permanent or serious injuries or death when you cause an accident. Personal injury protection protects you and pays your medical costs if you incur injuries in an accident you or another driver causes.

If you drive your truck independently, meaning you own the vehicle and drive as an independent contractor, you must purchase all the policy components required by law. If you drive a truck for another company as its employee, the trucking company typically purchases the majority of the insurance. They may require you to obtain a hired truck insurance policy.

Zot Insurance Agency serving Davie, FL wants you to remain safe on the road. Let us help you protect your investment in your rig and your health with commercial trucking insurance.