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MOST REQUESTED COVERAGE’S
Auto Liability, Motor Truck Cargo Coverage, Commercial General Liability, Medical Payments, Uninsured Motorist, Underinsured Motorist
Personal Injury Protection (PIP), Owned Auto, Non-Owned Auto, Hired Auto, Collision Coverage, Comprehensive Coverage and Trailer Interchange
Massachusetts Commercial Truck Insurance and Requirements
Commercial trucking is a core industry in Massachusetts. A large number of truckers travel Massachusetts’ roads each day, providing a vital service for the state’s businesses and citizens. Operating such large vehicles requires special responsibilities, including the need for properly-maintained vehicles, comprehensive commercial truck insurance and an understanding of the state’s requirements.
Insuring commercial trucks can be complex, due to the unique risks associated with them. That is why it’s important to know what specific commercial truck insurance is required in Massachusetts before hitting the road. By understanding the requirements and having adequate coverage, you can protect yourself and your assets, as well as obey the law and remain in compliance with the state’s regulations.
This article will provide an overview of Massachusetts’ commercial truck insurance requirements, discuss different available options and explain what to look for in a policy. It will also cover special considerations, such as additional coverages that may be needed depending on the type of freight being transported and when an interstate permit is necessary.
What Types of Insurance are Required?
Massachusetts does not require an overall approval of insurance for commercial motor vehicles operating within the state. However, there are some specific types of coverage required for these vehicles. The three main types of coverage commercial trucks must have in Massachusetts are:
1. Liability Insurance: This provides financial protection if you are at fault in an accident that damages other people’s property or causes injury or death to someone else.
2. Uninsured/Underinsured Motorist Coverage: This pays for losses caused by other motorists who do not have adequate liability coverage or do not carry any insurance at all.
3. Physical Damage Coverage: This pays for damage done to your vehicle during an accident or other incident.
The minimum amount of liability insurance you must carry depends on the type and weight of your truck, as well as the type of freight you are hauling. Generally speaking, the minimum coverage amounts for trucks between 10,001 lbs and 26,000 lbs is $750,000, while those heavier than 26,001 lbs. must carry a minimum of $1 million in liability coverage.
Additional Commercial Truck Insurance Options
Though liability insurance is generally considered to be enough to satisfy legal requirements in Massachusetts, many truckers choose to purchase additional coverages to further protect their business assets in the event of an accident. The exact policy depends on individual needs and preferences, but some commonly-purchased coverages include:
• Cargo Coverage: This pays for damage or loss incurred while cargo is being transported, either due to an accident or any other covered risk. Depending on the type of freight being hauled, this coverage may be a necessity.
• Trailer Interchange: This coverage pays for damages to a trailer that belongs to someone else if it was damaged while attached to your truck during an accident.
• Non-Trucking Liability: This coverage pays for damages caused by a truck that is not under dispatch but is still considered “on duty” (i.e., driving from one destination to another).
• Occupational Accident Insurance: This policy provides medical benefits and death benefits to a driver who is injured on the job due to a work-related accident.
• Primary Automobile Liability Insurance: This insurance essentially adds an extra layer of protection on top of the minimum required liability insurance, providing additional compensation if you are at fault in an accident.
Interstate Operating Permits
Massachusetts has special licenses available for truckers that plan on operating across state lines as part of their business. Depending on where they will be driving and how often they plan on crossing state lines, such operators may be eligible for either a single state permit or a multiple-state permit that allows them to travel through several states in one trip. A single-state permit also requires a surety bond, which acts as additional protection in case something were to go wrong while transporting freight across multiple states.
The paperwork required to obtain an interstate operating permit includes proof of insurance showing the appropriate minimum coverage levels are met as well as registration documents that demonstrate the owner has up-to-date registration fees paid on their vehicle (with permits expiring after 12 months)
Finding The Right Commercial Truck Insurance Policy
When looking for the right commercial truck insurance policy, it’s important to understand exactly what kind of protection you need based on the type of freight being transported and any special requirements related to crossing state lines. It’s also important to consider any additional coverages discussed above that may be needed beyond the minimum requirements imposed by Massachusetts law.
Although cost is always important when selecting a policy, it should never take priority over having proper coverage in place (otherwise it defeats the purpose). Make sure you talk with an experienced agent who understands both your needs and the particular requirements associated with operating a commercial truck within Massachusetts before selecting a policy.
Below are the classifications of commercial big rig trucking policies.
• Symbol 1 – Any auto, don’t have to schedule them. Covers any auto as long
as the insured is using it. (This is rare nowadays especially for Big Rig Trucks))
• Symbol 2 – Any owned auto. Covers only autos that the insured owns.
Includes autos you acquire ownership of after the policy begins.
• Symbol 3 – Owned private passengers autos only. Covers private passenger
autos. Includes autos you acquire after the policy begins.
• Symbol 4 – Owned autos other than private passenger autos only. Covers only
those autos you own that are not private passenger and for liability for trailers
you don’t own while attached to power units you own. Includes those autos
not of the private passenger type you acquire after the policy begins.
• Symbol 5 – Owned autos. Subject to No Fault State.
• Symbol 6 – Owned autos. Subject to Compulsory Uninsured Motorist Law.
Form you attach when the state requires and insured can not reject uninsured
motorist coverage. It includes autos you acquire during the policy period after
the policy begins.
• Symbol 7 – Specifically described autos. Covers only described autos.
Coverage follows power unit. Non owned trailers have liability with this form. (Most common for Big Rig, Box Trucks and other For-Hire operations)
• Symbol 8 – Hired Auto Only. Covers auto you lease, hire, rent or borrow.
This does not include any auto you lease, hire, rent or borrow from any of your
employees, partners or members, etc.
• Symbol 9 – Non-Owned Autos Only – Coverage auto you do not own, lease,
hire, rent or borrow that are used in connection with your business. Includes
auto owned by your employees, partners, members, etc.
We can easily insure the following Massachusetts business types. >Click here to get your free Massachusetts Big Rig Truck Insurance Quote<
CEMENT CONTRACTING – COAL HAULING – CONSTRUCTION – COURIER SERVICE – COURTESY PASSENGER TRANSPORT – DEBRIS REMOVAL – DEMOLITION – DIRT, SAND & GRAVEL – ELECTRICIANS – EXPEDITERS – FARMING – FIREWOOD HAULING – BULK FLORIST Refrigerated DELIVERY – FOR-HIRE TRUCKING – FROZEN FOODS TRANSPORT – FURNITURE DELIVERY – GARBAGE COLLECTION – HAZARDOUS MATERIALS HAULING – HOTEL SHUTTLES – HOTSHOT TRANSPORT – ICE CREAM VENDOR – IMPOUND LOT – INTERIOR DECORATING – INDEPENDENT TRUCKING – LANDSCAPING – LEASED-ON BIG RIG TRUCKING – LINEN SUPPLY – LOGGING – LONG-HAUL TRUCKING – MOTORCYCLE DEALERSHIP – OWNER-OPERATOR – PIANO MOVING – PLUMBING – ROCK QUARRY HAULING – RECYCLING SERVICES – REFRIGERATED GOODS TRANSPORT – RETAIL FOOD MARKET – ROOFING – SHOPPING MALL DELIVERIES – SNOW PLOWING – TOW OPERATION – TREE SERVICE – WIDE LOAD HAULER – WRECKER SERVICES and much more.
In conclusion, Massachusetts commercial truck insurance is not only a legal requirement but also a way to protect yourself from financial losses brought about by accidents involving your truck(s). Though liability insurance is generally considered to be enough to comply with state law, additional coverages may be recommended depending on what type of freight you’re hauling and whether or not you plan on crossing state lines during your trip.
An experienced agent can help you select an appropriate policy that meets both your unique needs and all relevant regulations.