Large commercial truck accidents can cause injuries and fatalities. Insurance help to cover the costs associated with these incidents. You want to approach trucking insurance companies in California to enjoy protection. Commercial truck insurance can help cover the cost of repairing your box truck. You can even use this to cover accidents and fatalities caused by your tractor-trailer. Here’s a guide that tackle all you need to know about California commercial truck insurance.
If you are considering venturing into business, investing in a fleet of commercial vehicles is important. However, truck drivers are susceptible to various factors that may compromise road safety, such as blind spots, massive size, and instability. Thus you need a truck insurance in semi truck and other transportation vehicles to mitigate such risks.
The trucking insurance in California is designed to cover liabilities, damages to cargo or property, or any accident. You need to consider the type of business you are operating when securing a trucking insurance in California. The following are the most useful types of coverage included:
Commercial auto Insurance
Motor truck general liability insurance
Non-trucking liability insurance
Bobtail insurance
Transportation pollution liability insurance
Trailer interchange insurance
California law requires all vehicles on the roadways to have a valid insurance policy. Here we are going to discuss the needs of some commercial truck insurance requirements of the counties in California:
A distinct class of commercial trucks is required to register with the Department of Transportation. If your track falls in any of the following classes, you must obtain a DOT number:
Has a weight above 10,000 Ibs
Transports 8 passengers and above for compensation
Transports hazardous materials
Designed to carry more than 15 passengers either for money or not
Before obtaining a DOT number, you must have a commercial truck insurance in los angeles county. Ideally you need to have a liability coverage of $750,000-$1,000,000, cargo insurance of $5,000 and $10,000 for theft or accident. However, the specific amount of your commercial truck insurance in los angeles ca depends on the nature of the products you intend to transport and where you want to take them.
In Fontana, CA, the truck insurance requirements vary depending on the type and use of your truck. But some stipulated minimum insurance requirements exist to operate a commercial vehicle legally. You must have liability, cargo, and physical damage coverage.
Like any other county in California, you must undertake an insurance policy for your commercial vehicles. The rate you incur depends on the coverage requirements, payment plan, operating radius, fleet's value, and driver's CDL experience and age, among others.
The State of California, in collaboration with The FMCSA, has specific insurance requirements all truckers need to meet. It would be best to have a general liability insurance worth $750,000. To be safe, other coverages, such as general liability, are also great. Other requirements regarding risks unique to you are as follows:
$5,000,000 hazmat liability insurance
$300,000 household goods liability insurance
$1,000,000 oil transport liability insurance
As for the requirements regarding commercial truck insurance in Sacramento CA, all trucks used for transportation must conform with the minimum $750,000 general freight liability coverage. Other requirements to be followed regarding risks unique to you are as follows:
$5,000,000 hazmat liability insurance
$300,000 household goods liability insurance
$1,000,000 oil transport liability insurance
Truck insurance in San Francisco is similar to Los Angeles County. All commercial vehicles should have a minimum coverage of $750,000. Other requirements regarding risks unique to you are as follows:
$5,000,000 hazmat liability insurance
$300,000 household goods liability insurance
$1,000,000 oil transport liability insurance
Requirements for commercial truck insurance in San Diego state that the minimum liability insurance requirement for commercial vehicles is $750,000. In addition to liability insurance, it is essential to have cargo insurance to secure your goods while in transit and physical damage insurance to cover any damage to your truck. Workers' compensation insurance is also required for employees who operate or labor around commercial vehicles. It is best to compare various insurance providers to find the best coverage and rates for your particular requirements.
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Truck general liability insurance protects your business against any claims of personal injury, bodily injury, or property injury that may occur due to your business operations. It also protects your company against lawsuits or legal claims. General Liability insurance can provide coverage in the following circumstances:
A customer slips or falls on your premises
Delivering wrong products that result in damages
Slander exposures
Any actions of the driver that result to damage of property
This insurance covers major perils such as:
Bodily injury–If anyone is injured due to a commercial truck accident, the insurance covers lost wages, emotional damage, medical costs, and other related costs
Property damage–Your commercial truck can cause damage to third-party property, such as a building or vehicle. The insurance will cover replacement or repair costs. Liability coverage on property damage is compulsory in California
Legal fees–Your business or commercial truck driver can be sued after an accident. The policy will compensate for all involved legal fees and settlements. In case you need to appear in court, the insurance will cover lawyer fees and other costs
A customer came to your premises to request the delivery of their goods. He slipped and fell in the entrance hall, leading to fractures. General liability insurance can cover the customer’s medical bills
Your truck caused some structural damage to a store by accident. In this situation, general liability insurance can reimburse the losses of the building owner
All vehicles used for business purposes in California must have commercial auto insurance. If your truck is involved in an accident, the insurance will cover all the expenses and bills. It helps cover all injuries and damages the insured driver may cause to pedestrians, other drivers, and passengers.
According to California law, all commercial auto policies must carry a minimum liability limit of $ 30,000 for any bodily injury, $15,000 for each person, and $5,000 for any property damage. Here is a brief breakdown of what is covered in the commercial auto insurance policy:
The medical payment insurance will cover all the medical expenses incurred by the passengers and driver in the insured vehicle after the accident. It will cover medical costs regardless of who was at fault in the accident.
It covers damage to your insured vehicles as a result of the accident. This truck and semi truck insurance in california will pay for all vehicle repairs except those done in the engine and other very costly parts.
Comprehensive insurance can offer you compensation for damages due to theft or fire. If any unauthorized party breaks into your vehicle, the insurance will pay for all the repairs. It also covers any loss from falling objects or vandalism.
If you hire a vehicle for business purposes and it is involved in an accident, the hired auto liability will cover the expenses. It covers all rented vehicles or employees' cars used for work-related errands.
When running your errands, you can be involved in an accident with a driver who doesn't have liability insurance or one who has a limit that is too low to cover your expenses. Uninsured/underinsured motorist coverage will cover the cost the other driver would’ve been obligated to cover using his insurance policy.
Cargo insurance offers coverage on the freight or commodities being hauled. It covers liability for lost cargo or cargo damage due to unfortunate events like fire or collision. The insurance will help reimburse the exact value of damaged or lost goods in transit. There are two types of cargo insurance available in the market which include; inland and marine, and you must select depending on your needs.
covers you from liability when your vehicle is not in use for business purposes. It will cover bodily injury or property damage to third parties when driving your truck for personal reasons, such as driving from home to the business premises.
Bobtail insurance, on the hand, offers you coverage when you are operating the truck without attaching a trailer. Ideally, it covers your vehicle when the load has already been delivered and you’re on the way to get another load.
It is optional for your commercial business to have this type of insurance. But it is essential to protect yourself and your assets when driving your truck for personal purposes.
This is a specialty insurance policy that protects commercial truck owners dealing with the transportation, shipment, or delivery of products or materials that may lead to environmental pollution or degradation. This over-the-road policy can also be customized to provide coverage for the loading and unloading of cargo that may result in the creation of a pollution condition.
This essential insurance policy provides the policyholder with the following coverages: Spill cleanup costs, bodily injuries and property damages, defense expenses, and over-the-road pollution coverage. Important to note is that this insurance policy can only be affected if the claims arise from a pollution condition. The coverage limits under the transportation pollution liability insurance for commercial Trucks in California range between $3,000,000 to $100,000,000.
This is insurance coverage that protects a policyholder from incurring any costs that may arise from physical damage on a hired or borrowed trailer. The insured perils under this policy are fire, theft, collision, explosion, and vandalism. To say that trailers are expensive to buy is an understatement. The cost of buying a cheap and new trailer usually ranges between $10,000 to $35,000. Thus, almost all trailer owners are bound to refuse to lend you their trailer if you do not purchase the trailer interchange insurance policy.
You require this type of insurance if you regularly operate non-owned trailers under interchange agreements. Although not compulsory in California, it will save you from incurring exponential costs and damages. The insurance cost depends on the goods you are hauling, the number of trailers, and the coverage limit you select.
Commercial truck insurance in California cost estimates are roughly $12,094-$16,563 per year on each truck. At these premiums, the policyholder enjoys coverage for things such as physical damages, cargo, and liability.
Factors that affect the cost of premiums are location, make and model of the vehicle, driving history, and business history. The table below shows a further idea of California commercial truck insurance cost estimates based on the rates of the best companies:
| Cost per Month | Cost per Year | Best for | |
|---|---|---|---|
| NEXT | $60 | $720 | Best overall; Fastest general liability insurance for commercial trucks |
| CoverWallet | $75 | $900 | California commercial truck insurance online quotes comparison |
| The Hartford | $100 | $1,200 | Best for auto insurance that covers for a fleet of commercial truck owners |
| Tivly | $104 | $1,248 | Best for matching commercial truck owners with insurance providers over the phone |
| Thimble | $110 | $1,320 | Providing commercial truck owners with temporary insurance coverage |
| Hiscox | $138 | $1,656 | Liability insurance for commercial truck owners with automatic renewal |
| Big Rig Insurance | $150 | $1,800 | California owner-operators and fleets |
| Network Truck Insurance | $170 | $2,040 | 24/7 client center |
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Several companies offer commercial truck insurance in California. Here are some of the most reputable commercial truck insurance companies in California.
Competitive rates and flexible coverage options
User-friendly online platform for obtaining quotes and managing policies
Specializes in commercial truck insurance in California, providing tailored coverage for the unique needs of trucking businesses
Limited coverage options beyond commercial truck insurance
May not be suitable for businesses with complex insurance needs or specialized operations
NEXT is one of the digital trucking insurance companies in California that offers a wide range of commercial insurance products, such as commercial auto insurance. They offer tailored coverage options customized to your specific needs. Their competitive pricing and easy-to-use virtual platform make them outstanding.
Best for: Best overall; Fastest general liability insurance for commercial trucks
Average cost: $60 per month
Our rating: 10/10
Provides access to multiple insurance carriers, offering a wide range of coverage options
Easy-to-use online platform for comparing quotes and managing policies
Offers customizable insurance packages for commercial trucking businesses
Limited availability in some states
Some customers may find the online platform impersonal compared to traditional insurance brokers
CoverWallet is also another reputable digital insurance company in California. They have multiple coverage options from various insurance providers to guarantee you have the most competitive rates. Whether you are looking for truck insurance in san jose california, commercial truck insurance in san Diego, or any other county, CoverWallet got your back.
Best for: California commercial truck insurance online quotes comparison
Average cost: $75 per month
Our rating: 10/10
Established insurance company with a long-standing reputation
Offers comprehensive coverage for commercial trucking businesses, including specialized options such as motor truck cargo insurance
Provides personalized support through a network of agents
Premiums may be higher compared to other commercial truck insurance California providers
Limited online capabilities for obtaining quotes or managing policies
The Hartford is a well-established insurance company with amazing deals on its auto insurance for trucks in California. They offer coverage for tractor-trailers, dump trucks, and other commercial vehicles.
Best for: Best for auto insurance that covers for a fleet of commercial truck owners
Average cost: $100 per month
Our rating: 9/10
Innovative digital platform that offers commercial truck insurance coverage with a focus on technology and data-driven solutions
Provides real-time visibility into insurance premiums and risk management, allowing businesses to make informed decisions
Offers flexible coverage options and personalized service through a team of experienced insurance professionals
Limited availability in some states
Doesn’t issue online quotes
Tivly offers comprehensive expertise and experience on their commercial truck insurance in California. They are outstanding due to their competitive rates and exceptional customer service. Call now to compare quotes over the phone.
Best for: Best for matching commercial truck owners with insurance providers over the phone
Average cost: $104 per month
Our rating: 9/10
Offers on-demand, flexible insurance coverage for commercial trucking businesses, allowing businesses to pay for coverage only when they need it
Provides digital and streamlined insurance purchasing process through a user-friendly mobile app
Offers a range of coverage options, including general liability, commercial auto, and equipment protection
Coverage may be more expensive compared to traditional annual policies for businesses with consistent coverage needs
Thimble offers on-demand commercial truck insurance. Their policies are flexible, and you can purchase on a monthly or specific project basis. The company also has comprehensive information on how to cover your vehicle adequately.
Best for: Providing commercial truck owners with temporary insurance coverage
Average cost: $110 per month
Our rating: 8/10
Offers customizable coverage options to suit the needs of different trucking businesses
Online platform allows for easy policy management and claims filing
May not be suitable for large trucking operations or businesses with complex insurance needs
Limited availability in some states
Hiscox is another trucking insurance companies in california that offers a wide array of options for businesses. You can discuss your policy with their team about your needs, and they will customize a suitable policy. They offer coverage for multiple vehicles, such as delivery trucks and refrigerated trucks.
Best for: Liability insurance for commercial truck owners with automatic renewal
Average cost: $138 per month
Our rating: 8/10
Specializes in commercial vehicle insurance in California for owner-operators and fleets
Includes liability, physical damage, and cargo insurance among its coverage options
Has a team of knowledgeable agents who provide customized customer service
Limited online quotation and policy management capabilities
Potentially unsuitable for enterprises operating outside of California
Big Rig Insurance California is a commercial vehicle insurance company that caters to California owner-operators and fleets. They provide a variety of coverage options, such as liability, physical damage, and cargo insurance. Their team of seasoned agents provides personalized service to clients, making them an excellent option for businesses requiring customized insurance solutions.
Best for: California owner-operators and fleets
Average cost: $150 per month
Our rating: 7/10
Offers discounts
Specializes in working with trucking businesses in California
Has a 24/7 client center.
Online quotes available
Doesn’t issue instant online quotes
Network Truck Insurance in Roseville CA underwrites trucking insurance for box truck, dump truck, flatbed truck, and other trucking businesses. This company offers physical damage insurance, general liability insurance, commercial umbrella insurance, and more. Discounts are offered for these policies if you hold a commercial driver’s license or have a good business profile. Consider this company if you’re looking for commercial truck insurance for new drivers in California.
Best for: 24/7 client center
Average cost: $170 per month
Our rating: 7/10
Commercial trucking insurance California accidents might occur when transporting goods and services. This can result in bodily injury, physical damage, or property damage. Any business operating trucks need good insurance coverage in the event of such unfortunate happenings.
As a business owner, you must be cautious and vigilant to mitigate risks. You must have a cover that covers all perils. Ensure you negotiate with the insurance company on the risks you need to insure your trucks and business.
A variety of companies offer different policies, and you need to compare their prices to select the best for your business. California commercial truck insurance is compulsory; you should secure one now.
Use anyone except Employers. Period. They are non-transparent and shameful. After I complained long enough to warrant a call from a supervisor, the supervisor called back from a PRIVATE NUMBER (no caller ID), left a message that they are not reversing their decision (without any communication with me), and failed to leave a phone number for me to call back. She was hiding! They also fact find via email and phone calls, which is terrific for speed and communication. However, after setting a precedence of email or phone calls, they send time sensitive information via email, without any heads up... they are hoping you miss it and forfeit via expiration. Evil policies. Go elsewhere.
This place is an absolute joke of a company and should be ashamed of the way they conduct business. I was hurt on the job at the end of July and it took them just shy of 7 weeks to issue out a paycheck to me. Yes the amount was back dated but still. Not many have the luxury of not receiving a paycheck for almost 2 months. To top it all off, the original adjuster marked me down for the wrong state which caused a problem from the get go, I've had 3 different adjusters now since each one can't seem to figure out the simplicity of my claim. All my paperwork which includes, my job, house, and drs visits all are from the same state and city but yet some how I have been filed under a completely different state 1500 miles away. They do not answer your phone calls or emails no matter how many you leave. I've had to escalate my frustrations to the supervisors of each of these individuals in order to even get some kind of response. I've had more communication and information given to me about my claim from the customer service representatives then the actual adjusters.......... please tell me how that works?! A serious overhaul needs to happen here in order to serve your clients the way they deserve to be taken care of. 10/10 do not recommend this company to a single soul on earth
I have never had the displeasure of working with a more incompetent and disrespectful person in my life. I’m an injured worker and the adjuster that was assigned to my case was named Carrie Furgeson. In the past 6 weeks that I’ve been injured and out of work I have only been able to get ahold of her twice, not for lack of trying. I have left countless voicemails, countless emails, and she ignores them all. When I am finally able to get ahold of her I’m greeted with terrible customer service. She is rude, she talks over me and I’m hardly able to get a word in edgewise. She spelled my name wrong on my documents even after I spelled it for her properly countless times, this caused a whole new issue with my bank. I have bill collectors from the hospital calling me demanding payment and Carrie Furgeson won’t do a single thing to help, or to get them paid. All of my documentation is in Colorado, my job is in Colorado, my address is in Colorado, all my Dr offices and appointments have been in Colorado and Carrie still managed to hold my claim because she wasn’t sure what state she needed to file it under. It’s been 6 weeks since my Injury and my company still hasn’t received the wage paperwork to fill out so they can get me my correct wages. When she’s not ignoring me she’s answering my questions with “I don’t know” well I don’t know how she got this job, because apparently she doesn’t know anything about it. She is a disgusting morose individual inside and out and I genuinely wish her the worst in all of her future endeavors. I highly recommend you don’t use this company. Please if you are a business owner and your looking into this company please don’t use them. I’m sure they have the cheapest payment and that’s why companies use them in the first place, but you will be doing your employees a grave disservice by forcing them to venture into this absolute dumpster fire of a company. I would rate 0/5 if possible but 1 was the lowest I was allowed.
Their general liability insurance purchase process is simply the best online experience I've ever had in my life!
As long as they cover your line of business, you're literally covered! best rates, best coverage, best online experience, best professionals, can't be happier that I chose them!
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