What Are The Requirements For Trucking Insurance in Florida ?
When driving a commercial truck, you need to know that you and your cargo are protected on the road. Insurance policies were created for this reason, and to help you prepare for the unexpected. Florida truck drivers should be aware that there are specific requirements for the insurance you must carry. In this article Kirby Soar Insurance we will explain all the requirements for trucking insurance in Florida.
The Facts on Commercial Trucking Insurance in Florida
What Affects My Trucking Insurance Rate?
Every state in the U.S. requires commercial truck drivers to have insurance, but the specific requirements vary from state to state. They also can be affected by whether or not the vehicle transports hazardous material, and the size of the truck. To determine the minimum insurance coverage needed for your truck, you first will need to consider its weight. All amounts listed below are minimum coverage amounts. This means they represent the least amount of protection you can have on your commercial trucking insurance in Florida.
Minimum Coverage For Trucking Insurance in Florida
The state of Florida requires at least $10,000 of coverage in three areas: personal injury protection, property damage liability, and bodily injury liability.
- Personal injury protection, or PIP, provides coverage for you in the event of an accident, whether or not you are found to be at fault. PIP coverage will provide compensation for 80 percent of reasonably priced medical expenses, 60 percent of any lost wages, and up to $5,000 in death benefits.
- Property damage liability covers payment for damage to property owned by others during an accident. The types of property covered through this insurance can include other vehicles, fencing, utility poles, signs, buildings, and other types of transportation.
- Bodily injury liability insurance prevents you from having to pay out of pocket for any injuries you may be found at fault for in an accident, as well as any legal expenses.
The Bigger The Truck The More Coverage You Need
When it comes to trucking insurance, size matters. Vehicles weighing more than 26,000 pounds must carry additional liability insurance against both personal injury and property damage. The specific guidelines are as follows:
- An additional $50,000 per incident for vehicles weighing between 26,000 and 35,000 pounds
- An additional $100,000 per incident for vehicles weighing between 35,001 and 44,000 pounds
- An additional $300,000 per incident for vehicles weighing more than 44,000 pounds
How Cargo Affects The Coverage Requirements
The type of cargo you are carrying also affects your insurance coverage responsibilities. Here are the minimum liability coverages you need for trucking insurance in Florida.
- $300,000 for household goods
- $750,000 for general freight
- $1 million for oil transport
- $5 million for transportation of any hazardous material
Where You Travel Affects Your Coverage Requirements
Traveling across state lines? You’ll have to pay for the privilege. Federal regulations through the Department of Transportation stipulate a minimum of $750,000 total in liability coverage per incident.
Commercial Trucking Insurance in Florida
At Kirby Soar Insurance, we are your independent insurance team, based in the heart of Central Florida. Keep in mind, the information listed above only covers the minimums for commercial trucking insurance in Florida. However, trucking and cargo insurance is our specialty and we can answer the most in-depth questions you may have. Our team of agents has more than 130 years of combined experience working with policies of this type. Working with multiple providers we are confident in our abilities to find you the best coverage at the lowest price. To schedule a consultation with one of our commercial trucking insurance experts call us at (813) 752-1680 or visit our office at 809 South Evers Street in Plant City.
We’re proud to serve individuals and businesses throughout Polk and Hillsborough County in Florida.
