If you own a trucking business in Tennessee, you know that finding the right commercial truck insurance can be a challenge. With so many factors to consider, from coverage limits and premiums to safety ratings and endorsements, it's easy to feel overwhelmed by the process. However, having the right commercial truck insurance is essential for protecting your business and its drivers. This blog post will provide tips for finding quality commercial trucking insurance in Tennessee so you can make the best decision for your company.
First, it's essential to identify your insurance needs to determine the coverage types you should purchase. For example, consider additional coverage options such as cargo insurance, non-trucking liability, primary auto liability, truckers' general liability, and physical damage protection. These crucial components can help protect your business from financial losses due to accidents or other incidents. Each line of coverage you purchase is important to protect your trucking business. It is essential to understand what coverages you need or don't need based on the type of trucking business you operate. For example, an owner-operator may need bobtail and physical damage insurance when a motor carrier would not. Or a trucking company hauling UIIA freight would need coverage that someone hauling refrigerated cargo would not.
Once you've identified the coverage options, it's time to shop for the best value for your money. Compare prices and coverage limits from several different insurers and ensure you understand exactly what is covered under each policy before making a decision. Be bold and ask questions if something needs to be clarified or if there are any additional fees associated with the policy. Not all trucking insurance companies are the same, and it is important that you look for a company that is highly rated in the industry. Even though a company offers a cheap truck insurance quote, they still need to be reputable or have adequate policy provisions to keep you fully covered. At Thomas Wilson Group, we are truck insurance experts who work with multiple truck insurance companies to help you find the best coverage at the best rate possible. We can find a truck insurance quote tailored to your company and your business goals by working with numerous carriers.
Knowing your rights and responsibilities regarding commercial truck insurance in Tennessee is also essential. All businesses must adhere to state laws regulating minimum levels of insurance coverage or federal laws if you are an interstate motor carrier, so make sure you understand these regulations before signing any paperwork or making changes to an existing policy. For example, commercial vehicles in Tennessee are required to carry a minimum of $750,000 combined single limit on their auto liability policy. Often called primary liability, an auto liability policy will provide coverage for bodily injury and property damage resulting from a covered accident. For a commercial vehicle to be compliant to haul freight for hire across state lines, the motor carrier must obtain an insurance policy that can provide the necessary filings to the FMCSA and show that they have the minimum coverage established by the FMCSA, which is $750,000. Usually, trucking companies will be required, by freight shippers, to carry a higher limit on their primary liability policy of $1,000,000. Depending on the type of freight you haul, this limit could increase, so be sure to ask if your truck insurance quote has a high enough liability limit.
Finding quality commercial truck insurance in Tennessee requires research and comparison shopping, but it can be simple and manageable. By understanding your needs, shopping around for the best value, considering additional coverage options, and familiarizing yourself with state and federal laws regarding commercial truck insurance, you can find the right policy for your business at a price that fits your budget. At Thomas Wilson Group, we have over 40 years of combined experience in the trucking industry and would love to talk more about finding the best truck insurance in Tennessee. Give us a call or reach out via email.
We look forward to talking with you soon!