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Semi Truck Insurance

Weighing in at 80,000 pounds, semi-trucks present their own hazards for which you'll need insurance. Semi-truck insurance protects your business should any of these happen. Find out how right here.

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Semi Truck Insurance: What is it & do I need it?

Semi-trucks are heavy vechicles, weighing as much as 80,000 pounds. Semi and semi-truck are short forms of the full name of a tractor-trailer combo used to carry freight.

Trailers towed by a semi-truck are categorized as half trailers because these trailers only have a rear axle. Therefore, the front of the trailer and approximately half of the trailer's weight rests on the rear of the tractor.

Semi-trailer truck drivers must get a Commercial Driver License (CDL) to minimize risks on the road. But even with CDL training, the size of a semi-truck can pose inherent risks to other drivers. This is where semi-truck insurance comes in.

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Frequently Asked Questions

Why do semi-truck drivers need insurance?

Truck drivers need insurance for the same reasons as other drivers: accidents can happen. Whether a semi-truck accident is caused by truck driver error, another vehicle on the road, or hazardous road conditions, the resulting damage can be widespread. The following are common causes of semi-truck accidents.


1. Some Truck Drivers Make Improper Wide Turns


Big rigs often have rear stickers that warn other drivers on the road to watch out for the truck's wide turns. While it is completely normal for trucks to use multiple lanes when making turns, the driver is also responsible for making sure the intersection is clear and for checking the truck's blind spots before proceeding.


2. Some Big Rig Drivers Do Not Always Check Their Blind Spots


Semi-trucks have multiple, sizable blind spots. Nevertheless, drivers are required to check all possible blind spots before making any maneuver, including turning. Because it can be difficult for truck drivers to see motorcycles and small vehicles, other drivers should try to avoid lingering directly behind, alongside, or in front of a tractor-trailer truck.


3. Truckers Do Not Always Allow Enough Stopping Distance


Because semi-trucks weigh up to 80,000 pounds when fully loaded, they have a longer stopping distance than standard passenger vehicles. Commercial truck drivers must leave ample space between their trucks and the vehicles in front of them. Similar to everyday people who drive commuter vehicles, some truck drivers follow too closely. Truck drivers who tailgate increase their risk of becoming involved in an accident.


4. Some Truckers Drive Aggressively


Aggressive driving is one of the most common causes of accidents that involve commercial vehicles. Commercial truckers may be more inclined to drive aggressively if they have extremely tight time schedules or if they are generally tired or frustrated after traveling a long distance. Signs of aggressive driving may include speeding, erratic lane changes, tailgating, and making unnecessary sudden stops.


5. Improperly Secured Cargo Can Cause Accidents


Some risks posed by tractor-trailers are not caused by the driver. The staff at cargo loading stations are responsible for loading and balancing cargo onto semi-trucks. An unbalanced load can increase the risk of a rollover or jackknife accident. A more conventional collision may also cause the truck's cargo to spill onto the road and create a hazard.

What are the requirements to get semi truck insurance?

If you are an owner-operator or a private carrier, you will be required by law to have semi-truck insurance. There is a short list of mandatory requirements you must meet before you can get adequately insured. Visit our online resource to learn more about commercial trucking insurance requirements.


1. Commercial Drivers Licence (CDL): When you apply for commercial truck insurance, you will be required to submit a list of all your truck drivers, their licenses, the types of trucks your company will be operating, and other information the insurance carrier will need to customize a policy for your business.


2. DOT & MC Numbers: You must have active Department of Transportation (DOT) and Motor Carrier (MC) numbers. The Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA) regulates both numbers. You will require an MC number if your truck makes interstate trips or if you work for hire to move someone else's property. If you operate across state lines and haul construction equipment and property, you will need an active DOT number.


3. Submit an IFTA report: You may be required to submit an International Fuel Tax Agreement (IFTA) report. The IFTA is an international agreement between the United States and Canada. The agreement allows carriers that travel between the two countries to use a single fuel tax license.

What is the cost for semi-truck insurance?

Several factors determine how much your commercial truck insurance policy will cost. Some of the biggest determining factors are:


  • Your coverage limits.
  • The types of coverage you will be purchasing.
  • Your driving record.
  • Your history of claims.

The truck insurance specialists at CoverWallet can help you find the coverage you need to comply with state, local, and federal regulations.


Your specialist can also adjust your coverage options to meet your unique set of needs. CoverWallet makes getting insurance for your commercial truck fast and easy.


To get started, contact one of our CoverWallet specialists to begin the discussion about your business.

TIP: Be prepared to share how many miles your business travels, whether you do long or short-haul trips, the number of vehicles for which you need coverage, and any other important considerations.


Check out our ultimate guide on Commercial Truck Insurance Prices.

What should I look for in my semi-truck insurance policy?

Before purchasing your policy, be sure to review it to make sure it has everything you set out to obtain.


  • Minimum coverage: Your policy should also include the minimum coverage your state requires.

  • All your assets covered: Your trailer and cargo insurance should cover all your assets, including the equipment you may have inside your trailer.

  • Liability coverage: Your policy should include a substantial amount of liability coverage. Otherwise, you could find yourself paying out of pocket if your driver is involved in an accident.

Do I need an an overweight and over-dimension permit?

An overweight and over-dimension permit will allow your truck to travel with loads that exceed the federal maximum. These permits are conveniently available online.


You can self-issue a permit that will allow you to carry loads up to 200,000 pounds, 16 feet wide, 18 feet high, and 150 feet long.


If you drive an oversized load without a permit, you may incur penalties, and your insurance coverage may be interrupted.

What's the minimum semi-truck insurance coverage I need to stay compliant with the law?

Commercial trucks are required to carry at least $10,000 for personal injury protection and $10,000 for property liability. We recommend purchasing greater policy limits if you need to do so to protect all of your assets.


When shopping for a policy, be sure to make the necessary customizations according to your specific fleet, overweight vehicles, and whether you will be transporting hazardous materials.


Our team at CoverWallet can help you get the policy you need so you can run your trucking business with peace of mind. Contact a CoverWallet agent for a free quote today!

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