How New Drivers Get Commercial Truck Insurance

There's never been a better time to become a truck driver.

A surge in demand fed by the fast-paced economy and the e-commerce boom means opportunities for new drivers.

Just getting a commercial driver's license isn't enough, though. New drivers need specific insurance coverage before they can begin driving trucks.

That's true whether they're independent or work for a trucking company. Getting commercial truck insurance for new drivers isn't always simple, though. Here's everything you need to know about making it happen.

New Driver Truck Insurance: What Should You Know?

New truck drivers often struggle to get the insurance coverage they need. That's because they start off in something of a catch-22.

They have a clean driving record but no driving history for insurers to evaluate. For that reason, some companies won't insure new truck drivers at all.

Many follow what the industry calls the two-year rule. It says that drivers must have two years of truck driving experience to qualify for coverage.

Of course, some insurance carriers will insure new drivers. Those that do charge higher premiums, though.

That's to offset the potential risks a new truck driver theoretically creates. This means new drivers — who must have insurance coverage to satisfy their legal obligations — sometimes pay far more for it than experienced drivers would.

What Coverages Does a New Truck Driver Need?

All commercial vehicle drivers must maintain proper insurance coverage. However, the type they require varies based on their specific job situation.

For example, company drivers need comprehensive coverage, but it's something that their employers must provide for them. Owner-operators, on the other hand, need to find and pay for their own insurance.

Even then, the type of coverage required varies. Some owner-operators who lease their trucks from a motor carrier will receive liability coverage with their lease. Generally, however, owner-operators who lease must procure primary liability and physical damage coverages themselves.

That's also the case for owner-operators who own their vehicles outright. They must find an insurance company to provide them with multiple coverage types