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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
Tennessee Commercial Truck Insurance and Requirements
Tennessee is a great place to own and operate a commercial truck, with a population of over 6.8 million people, the state allows for an enterprising entrepreneur to gain an edge in the transportation industry. However, owning and operating a commercial truck does come with a slew of associated logistical and legal responsibilities; one of which is obtaining and adhering to the necessary insurance requirements.
The following paragraphs provide an overview of Tennessee’s commercial truck insurance requirements, what types of coverage are necessary, and how to best protect your trucking business from potentially costly liabilities.
What is Required for Commercial Truck Insurance in Tennessee?
All commercial trucks in Tennessee must be insured with a minimum of liability coverage. The state mandates that truckers carry at least $750,000 in liability insurance for any cargo damage or bodily injury caused by their trucking operation. This includes damage to any cargo and/or people in vehicles other than the slow-moving vehicle itself.
Beyond standard liability coverage, owners of commercial vehicles must also maintain complete automobile physical damage coverage on the vehicle itself. This policy provides protection against accidental damage to the vehicle due to natural disasters and collisions. Additionally, specialized forms of coverage are available depending on the type of goods being transported and nature of the services provided. These include cargo insurance and motorist protection insurance, which are designed to protect against lost cargo and associated medical expenses should the driver become injured while on the job.
In addition to insurance coverage requirements, commercial truck owners in Tennessee must maintain their vehicles according to the standards outlined by the state’s Departments of Transportation (TDOT). The TDOT stipulates that all trucks have valid license plates, registration, and Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) approval before being operated on roadways. The EPA mandate also applies if you plan on transporting hazardous materials. It is also important for trucks within the state to obtain a trip permit if operating for periods longer than five days or within non-commercial zoned areas.
Lastly, Tennessee requires that all drivers meet certain licensing criteria before operating a commercial truck within the state. Driver’s must obtain a Tennessee Commercial Class A or B driver’s license as well as obtain an 80-hour Certified HazMat Handler certificate in order to transport hazardous materials across state lines. Additionally, all trucks must comply with Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA) regulations, which include limits on hours behind the wheel and medical exams for drivers who have been on the job for 30 days or more.
The Benefits of Licensed Vehicle Insurance
One of the major reasons why truckers in Tennessee opt to purchase licensed vehicle insurance is because it offers enhanced protection against certain liabilities that come with transporting freight across state lines. Not only does this help recover costs associated with accidents or damage sustained during transportation, but it also ensures that truckers are providing legal services within their specialized industry.
For instance, auto physical damage coverage helps protect businesses from costs related to repairing/replacing vehicles involved in accidents or other natural disasters such as flooding or hail storms. This is essential for not just staying afloat financially in such instances but also ensuring that other drivers remain safe on the roadways when transporting freight.
Additionally, specialized forms of cargo and motorist protection insurance help recoup costs associated with lost or damaged cargo while providing additional coverage for medical expenses incurred during the course of delivery services. While there are some exemptions related to specific commodities based on size and weight, most carriers will require some form of cargo insurance as part of their services agreement before entering into a contract with motorists.
Finally, having licensed vehicle insurance can also provide additional protection against identity theft and cybercrimes for those who operate commercial trucks online or deliver goods via digital platforms. Insurers are able to provide increased cyber security measures which can assist in shielding business owners from potentially expensive liabilities should their information be accessed without permission by hackers or other malicious actors.
How Can I Get Licensed Vehicle Insurance In Tennessee?
Securing licensed vehicle insurance in Tennessee is relatively straightforward; however, it is important to shop around as there are several insurers offering different levels of coverage at a range of price points depending on your specific needs. Before starting your search consult local regulatory bodies such as the TDOT or Division of Regulatory Services as they can provide additional resources and insights related to mandated coverage levels within the state.
Local experts such as insurance agents or brokerages can also provide more personalized advice based on their experience with similar customers within your area; providing recommendations on optimal coverage packages best suited for your business model. Doing so helps ensure that you are properly covered while aiding in keeping operating costs low over time.
Once you have selected an insurer it is essential to read through all contracts carefully prior to signing any agreements; this helps prevent surprises or discrepancies later down the line when filing claims following an accident or other related incident. Sticking with reputable providers is often beneficial as they have proven track records of honoring claims as long as you meet all certifications prior to purchasing an insurance policy with them.
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 Tennessee business types. >Click here to get your free Tennessee 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.
Tennessee presents any trucking business owner with numerous opportunities for success; however; it is important to adhere to relevant safety regulations and applicable insurance requirements prior to entering into service contracts within the state’s borders. This helps ensure not only your protection but also that of your customers; ultimately reducing potentially costly liabilities associated with accidental damage or loss in transit over time.
By understanding what types of coverage are necessary as well as doing your due diligence when selecting reputable insurers within your area you can reliably navigate some of the legal and logistical hurdles related to owning/operating a commercial truck across Tennessee’s roadways.