Trucking Insurance Resources

Liability Coverage protects you when you're at fault in an accident that causes injury or property damage to others. It covers medical bills, repair costs, and legal fees for the other party.

Physical Damage Coverage protects your own truck from damage, whether from accidents (collision) or other causes like theft, fire, or weather (comprehensive). This is optional unless you have a loan on the truck.

The FMCSA requires $750,000 minimum for most interstate carriers, but most brokers and shippers require $1,000,000. We typically recommend:

• $1,000,000: Standard for most operations
• $1,000,000 - $5,000,000: For specialized or high-value freight
• Check your contracts: Always match or exceed your highest contract requirement

Bobtail/Non-Trucking Liability (NTL) covers you when you're using your truck for non-business purposes or when you're not under dispatch. This includes:

• Driving home after your last delivery
• Going to/from maintenance or repair shops
• Personal use of the truck
• When between leases or contracts

You need it if: You're leased to a carrier, have your own authority but sometimes drive empty, or want coverage for personal use of your truck.

At TRISAFE, we provide:

• Same-day COIs: If requested by 2pm ET on business days
• 24-hour turnaround: For standard requests
• Email delivery: All COIs are emailed as PDFs
• Urgent requests: Available for rush needs

Make sure to provide complete certificate holder information including company name, address, and any special wording requirements.

For the most accurate quote, have this information ready:

• Business info: DOT/MC numbers, years in business, garaging state
• Operation details: Radius/lanes, commodities, annual miles, trailer type
• Equipment info: Truck year/make/model/VIN/value
• Driver info: Number of drivers, years of experience, MVR history
• Current coverage: Dec page, loss runs (if available)
• Coverage needs: Liability limits, physical damage, cargo, etc.

Insurance rates are based on multiple factors:

• Driver experience: More experience typically means lower rates
• Operating radius: Longer hauls usually cost more than regional
• Commodities: Higher-value or hazardous freight increases rates
• Loss history: Past claims affect your premium
• Coverage limits: Higher limits = higher premiums
• Deductibles: Higher deductibles lower your premium
• Credit history: In most states, better credit means better rates

In most cases, yes. Here's why:

• Contract requirement: Most brokers and shippers require it
• Financial protection: Cargo can be worth $100,000+ per load
• Legal responsibility: You're responsible for the freight in your care
• Types of claims: Theft, damage from accidents, spoilage (reefer), water damage

Typical cargo limits range from $100,000 to $250,000. Higher-value commodities may require more coverage.

Follow these steps:

1. Ensure safety: Check for injuries and move to safe location if possible
2. Call authorities: Contact police for an official accident report
3. Exchange information: Get other driver's info, insurance details, and contact info
4. Document everything: Take photos of damage, scene, license plates, and any injuries
5. Get witnesses: Collect names and contact info of witnesses
6. Report the claim: Contact us immediately at (614) 974-6067
7. Don't admit fault: Let the insurance companies determine liability

Trailer interchange coverage protects trailers you're hauling that you don't own. This includes:

• When it applies: When hauling shipper/carrier-owned trailers
• What it covers: Physical damage to the trailer from collision, theft, fire, etc.
• Typical limits: $15,000 - $50,000 per trailer
• Who needs it: Operations using drop-and-hook, intermodal, or hauling others' trailers
• Important: This does NOT cover the cargo inside—you still need cargo coverage

Yes, absolutely. We specialize in helping new carriers get started. Here's what to know:

• New authority programs: We work with carriers who understand startup operations
• Higher initial rates: Expect higher premiums for the first 1-2 years (no loss history)
• Required documents: Business license, DOT/MC paperwork, driver info, equipment details
• Payment options: May require larger down payments or different payment terms
• Build history: Maintain clean operations to lower rates over time

Contact us early in the process—we can help guide you through insurance requirements.