Protect Your Business with Heavy Truck Insurance

If you have a business that uses large commercial vehicles to haul or deliver goods, you need heavy truck insurance. This is the best way to safeguard your company from the financial impact of an accident. Strong infrastructure plans are leading to more heavy truck demand, which is good news, but it’s important to safeguard your assets. 

Whether you’re self-employed or managing a fleet, heavy truck insurance is a must. At American Insurance Brokers, we can help you find a policy that meets your needs. We consider your required liability amounts, budget, and more. Our knowledgeable insurance agents have all the answers you need! 

What Is Heavy Commercial Trucking?

The International Organization of Vehicle Manufacturers defines heavy trucks as vehicles intended for the carriage of goods. Maximum authorized mass is over the limit of light commercial vehicles (ranging from 3.5 to 7 tons). This classification would also include oversized or obscure dimensions. 

 Here are some examples: 

• Hauling construction or farming equipment 
• Carrying items that are unique in size, such as doublewide trailers 
• Super loads that are over the dimensional norms

 Whether it’s a wide load or particularly heavy equipment, there are different challenges associated with these types of trucks. They require qualified drivers, specific routes, and in some cases, escorts.  

Unfortunately, all of these precautions aren’t enough to guarantee you won’t get into an accident. After all, there’s no way to control other drivers on the road. This is why heavy truck insurance is the best way to protect your vehicle and financial health. 

Types of Heavy Truck Insurance

Driving is always a risk, regardless of the vehicle you operate, but heavy trucks can be even more dangerous. From blind spots to bulky cargo, there’s a lot that can go wrong. When your vehicle is your way of making a living, it’s important to protect it. These types of commercial truck insurance can give you peace of mind wherever and whenever you hit the road. 

Commercial Liability 

General liability insurance for heavy trucks is the most basic coverage available. It can help pay for property damage or medical bills for others if you cause an accident. In some cases, it may even cover your legal defense costs if someone sues you after an accident.  

Physical damage 

Physical damage insurance protects your truck in case of a crash, fire, or theft. In some cases, natural disasters will also be under this umbrella of coverage. 

Cargo 

When it comes to commercial truck insurance, freight is one of the most important pieces of the puzzle. Drivers and fleets alike need this coverage for cargo that is lost, damaged, or stolen. Find a plan that provides protection in the event of a fire, collision, or striking of a load. 

Equipment insurance 

If you use a flatbed trailer, you probably have ramps, chains, and tarps. All of this equipment is necessary for you to do your job, but it’s also costly. Coverage for these items can help you purchase replacements in the event that something is damaged or stolen. 

Medical payments 

This type of coverage, also known as MedPay, will activate if you sustain an injury in an accident while you are on the job. Serious injuries can lead to mounting medical bills, which makes this a critical part of any heavy truck insurance policy. 

Non-Trucking Liability 

Non-trucking liability insurance, sometimes referred to as bobtail insurance, is crucial for drivers who use their trucks for non-business, personal use while not under dispatch. This coverage fills the gap when you’re driving your truck without a trailer for personal reasons and therefore not covered by primary liability insurance.  

It’s an essential layer of protection that safeguards drivers against the financial implications of an accident occurring during these off-duty periods. Whether you’re heading to the shop for maintenance or running personal errands, non-trucking liability ensures that you’re covered every mile of the way. 

Owner-Operator Insurance 

For owner-operators, having comprehensive insurance coverage is not just a requirement but a cornerstone of their business’s financial security. Owner-operator insurance is a bundle of policies designed to cover the myriad of risks faced by independent truckers.  

This package typically includes basic insurance for trucks. You have the option to add additional coverage such as cargo insurance, passenger accident insurance, and downtime coverage. This allows you to customize your insurance plan to better suit your needs.  

Whether you’re leased to a motor carrier or operate under your own authority, the right owner-operator insurance plan can protect your assets and livelihood against unexpected events, ensuring that your business keeps moving forward no matter what happens on the road. 

Uninsured motorist 

An accident with someone who is uninsured or underinsured can be incredibly stressful. This coverage helps pay for medical bills, damages, lost wages, and pain and suffering for you and your passengers. 

Motor truck general liability 

If something happens that isn’t directly related to driving, this type of coverage will kick in. Due to the nature of the job, most of these instances are related to loading and unloading cargo. 

Workers’ compensation 

Commonly referred to as workers’ comp, this is a mandatory form of insurance that nearly every type of business requires. It may cover medical costs and a portion of lost wages for employees who are injured on the job. In addition, it may protect companies from lawsuits relating to workplace conditions. 

Understanding Heavy Truck Insurance Requirements 

The Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA) and every individual state have specific insurance requirements for commercial trucks, personal vehicles used for company purposes, and other company vehicles/equipment. 

 Fortunately, we can handle these regulatory filings for you: 

• BMC34: Record of cargo liability coverage 
• BMC91-X: Demonstrates liability insurance, including bodily injury, property damage, or environmental restoration 
• FMCSA: Proof of Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration registration 
• Form E and Form H: Shows you are meeting at least the minimum requirement for insurance in your home state 
• MCS90: States your financial commitment meets the state’s minimum requirement 
• OS/OW COI: Proof of sufficient liability insurance to operate oversized or overweight vehicles 
• SR22: Demonstrates you have filed minimum liability insurance with your home state’s motor vehicle department 

Each situation is different, so our team will carefully examine your business to make sure everything is correct. It’s also worth noting the importance of obtaining at least the minimum amount of insurance for your business in order to remain compliant with these laws. That said, heavy commercial trucks can cause a great deal of damage in an accident. This is why we urge our clients to consider more than the minimum. 

No matter what coverage you need, we can help you stay within your budget and meet federal and state rules. 

Why American Insurance Brokers for Heavy Truck Insurance? 

Your job is to tackle the challenges of getting important freight to a final destination. At American Insurance Brokers, we want you to focus on these important trips, not insurance research. 

With this mission in mind, we do the leg work for you. From unparalleled research to decades-long industry relationships, our agents know what they’re doing. We work with more than 35 A-rated insurance companies, so we can help you comparison-shop for the best price. Our team makes it easy to get several quotes in one place, so all you have to do is view a few options. 

 After you’re on board with us, you’ll reap the benefits for years to come. We offer free annual policy reviews for all of our clients. This is an opportunity for us to confirm you’re receiving the best coverage at a fair price. 

Here’s what we look for: 

• Low deductibles and high limits 
• Compliance with all federal and state filings 
• A responsible insurance company that is there when you need assistance 

 Your job requires the best heavy truck insurance money can buy, which is why we do extensive research. We can make the best policy for you based on your route, vehicle type, and fleet size. 

Do You Have the Right Amount of Heavy Truck Insurance? Get a Free Policy Review to Find Out

Understanding commercial vehicle insurance for heavy trucks can be overwhelming. It’s important to make sure you have the right coverage for your vehicles.  

At American Insurance Brokers, we understand the importance of having insurance that meets your business needs, not just any insurance. We offer a free policy review for commercial vehicles. This review helps you understand your current policy and helps you find ways to improve it. 

Know What To Look For in Commercial Insurance Policies 

American Insurance Brokers experts recommend truck insurance policy holders review their policy annually for best coverage. This step allows you to adjust your coverage as your business expands. It helps you save money and maximize your benefits. Here’s what you should focus on in a quality insurance policy: 

• Low Deductibles and High Limits: It’s vital to understand the specifics of what you’re paying for in your policy. Key areas to examine include the deductible—the amount you’re responsible to pay before your insurance starts covering costs—and the policy’s maximum payout limits. Ideally, your policy should feature a low deductible and high coverage limits to ensure comprehensive protection. 
• Ensured Compliance with Federal and State Requirements: The realm of commercial truck insurance is filled with a myriad of regulations, including but not limited to FMCSA, MCS90, BMC34, BMC91-X, Form E, Form H, OS/OW COI, and SR22 requirements. A top-notch insurance provider will navigate these regulations expertly, ensuring your policy keeps you compliant without you having to worry about falling short of legal insurance mandates. 
• A Responsive Insurance Company: Our brokerage collaborates with over 35 “A” rated insurance carriers, dedicating time and effort to secure the most suitable and affordable coverage for your needs. Whether you’re mystified by the complex requirements for obtaining legal and cost-effective truck insurance, or you’re seeking to avoid being underinsured in the event of an accident, our wealth of industry connections guarantees that you receive competitive pricing for your insurance, tailored to your circumstances. 

Choosing the right commercial insurance agent is crucial to navigate through the insurance acquisition process successfully. With American Insurance Brokers, Inc., you’ll find a partner committed to demystifying the process and ensuring you’re neither overpaying nor under protected. Allow us to review your current heavy truck insurance for free and guide you toward the optimal insurance solution for your heavy trucking needs. 

Get A Quote Today

While our roots are in Louisiana, we offer top notch service across the south, including heavy commercial insurance in Texas. From high winds to driving rain, we know exactly what drivers in the region are up against. The states we serve include: 

• Texas 
• Louisiana 
• Arkansas 
• Mississippi 
• Alabama 
• Georgia 
• Tennessee 

 If you’re in the market for heavy truck insurance, we can connect you with effective policies and competitive rates. We are known for excellent customer service and unmatched expertise, which is why we are the first choice for heavy truck insurance in the southern U.S. Whether you use your trucks for deliveries or hauling materials to job sites, we can find insurance for your specific operation. 

Speak to one of the trained insurance agents at American Insurance Brokers at 1-(800) 256-1177 to get a quote on your new policy.