California Truck Insurance
CA License #: 0I96350
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California Commercial Truck Insurance
If you are in the trucking industry, you know that a lot goes into keeping your operation running smoothly. From skilled drivers to well-maintained vehicles, it takes a lot of effort to turn a profit. One key component of success is having the right insurance coverage, especially in California.
The Golden State has its unique challenges when it comes to commercial truck insurance. With rising rates and an increase in fatal crashes involving large vehicles, finding the right policy can seem overwhelming. But don't let that discourage you - protecting yourself and your investment is more critical than ever.
That's where an independent insurance agency comes in. Unlike a captive agency that can only offer policies from one carrier, an independent agent has access to multiple insurance providers, which means more options for you. Plus, they can help you navigate the complexities of California's insurance regulations and tailor a policy to your specific needs.
So, whether you're hauling goods up the coast or through the Mojave Desert, make sure you have the right protection. Working with an independent agency can give you peace of mind, knowing you have someone on your side to help you find the best value for your money.
Why do I need California Trucking Insurance?
Truck Liability Coverage
Whether you're a driver who mainly operates within California or you hit the open road and journey out of state, it's crucial that you're covered by liability insurance. Here in California, all truck drivers and businesses are legally obligated to carry a minimum amount of liability coverage, which is determined based on your cargo and destination. For instance, if your rig never leaves the state's borders and weighs more than 10,000 pounds, you'll need to have a CA Intrastate ID Number and suitable insurance. But beyond simply fulfilling the legal requirements, liability coverage is also a wise investment in your own protection. The last thing you want is to be stuck with the costs of your legal defense if someone files a lawsuit against you after an accident. So don't take any chances - make sure you have the proper insurance coverage in place.
Physical Damage Coverage
Did you know that physical damage coverage for trucks is not legally required, unlike liability coverage? But don't be fooled, it is just as crucial. Truck accidents can rack up a hefty bill in no time, with the average cost of large truck crashes being approximately $91,000 per collision. And if there are injuries involved, that cost skyrockets to almost $200,000. That's where physical damage coverage comes in, saving you from devastating losses, particularly when a truck is taken out of operation. Don't leave your truck's fate to chance - protect it with physical damage coverage.
Motor Truck Cargo
As a friendly reminder, For-hire truckers need Motor Truck Cargo insurance to ensure the safety of the products they are carrying during transport. The requirement for this type of insurance generally comes from the party who owns the goods. It is important to note that depending on the cargo in question, you may need specific endorsements. For instance, if you're hauling refrigerated goods, then it's imperative to have "reefer breakdown" coverage. This can cover you for scenarios such as a $50,000 shipment of ice cream going bad when your reefer unit breaks down in the sweltering Mojave Desert. Out of all the insurance types for 18-wheelers, cargo insurance is the one that you need to pay close attention to. As the saying goes, "you get what you pay for." Some carriers might try to exclude coverage for certain events by creating long lists of exclusions, so it's important to read the fine print and understand what you're signing up for. We hope this helps shed some light on the importance of Motor Truck Cargo insurance and the nuances that come with it. Stay safe out there on the road!
Truckers General Liability
Truckers GL coverage might be a tad perplexing, but let's break it down for you in a less mystifying manner. This type of insurance is intended to safeguard your company from any mishaps that may occur while you're not operating your truck. Conversely, your auto liability coverage takes effect when you're in the driver's seat. However, if your business entails more than just driving a truck, like running a quarry or warehouse, you'll need a more comprehensive general liability insurance policy that encompasses risks beyond the trucking industry.
Why Should I use a California Insurance Agent?
CA Truck Insurance Programs Specific to Your Needs
Rather than try to make a generic insurance policy fit your specific needs, find a program that already caters to the types of trucks your business uses. For example, TIS specializes in the trucking niche and provides market access to numerous California commercial truck insurance programs, including markets for the following types of operations:
- Agricultural
- Auto Haulers
- Box Trucks
- Cement Mixers
- Commercial Vans
- Dry Van
- Dump Trucks
- Flatbed
- Fleets
- Garbage Trucks
- General Freight
- Hazmat
- Heavy Haul
- Hot Shots
- Intermodal
- Livestock
- Logging
- Long Haul
- LTL Trucking
- New Ventures
- Pickups
- Reefer
- Tankers
- Towing
Instant Certificates of Insurance with the TIS Mobile App
No one wants to find themselves at 6AM waiting for their agent to send over a certificate of insurance before you can pick up a load. You want to know that if you ever need to prove you are insured that you’ll have the tools needed to get the help you need instantly. For our part, TIS is available 24/7 to issue your certificates of insurance through the TIS mobile app or our TIS24 website. Regardless of where you or your drivers may go, we’re right there with you for every mile of your journey.
Get Assistance with your California Truck Permits & Filings
With so many laws and regulations, ensuring you stay compliant can be tricky—but not staying compliant can be expensive. In 2018, the California Air Resources Board fined Roadrunner Transportation Systems and Marten Logistic $52,000 and $100,000 respectively for “not verifying that each truck hired or dispatched was compliant with California.”
The right agent won’t only make sure you’re insured but will also help you keep all of your permits up to date. At TIS, our permits department is well versed in all of the permits and regulations in California, and we are constantly watching the everchanging system for updates that might trip you up. We ensure our clients have all of the required California truck permits to keep driving in and out of the state. Our permits department strives to keep you informed of all changes made to laws and regulations in California.
Commercial Transportation & Truck Insurance in 48 States
As a California based independent brokerage, TIS has access to nearly every "A rated" insurance carrier under the sun. No matter what kind of truck you’re driving, we can partner you with the carrier right for your trucking business. Not in California? No problem! TIS offers a wide array of truck insurance products in surrounding states including Arizona, Nevada and Oregon. Contact us today to learn more.
California Truck Insurance Quote
Here is what Our Happy Customers have to say
Lisamarie was fantastic. I was under the gun getting my commercial truck insurance and she was able to get me a great policy with time to spare. She answered all of my questions, regardless of how dumb, quickly and professionally. I will continue to work with Lisamarie as my trucking business grows. If she ever decides to leave The Insurance Store I will more than likely take my business with her.Jay Gainey
My first year in business has been a roller coaster but I am apart of an trucking community where we discuss industry news, updates and share resources. With that being said my insurance has been the biggest expense of my new business and during one our calls someone mentioned Mohave Insurance program so of course as I keep striving to improve overhead and shrinkage in my business I reached out and Kelli Clerisse answered my inquiry and shall we say the rest is history. My previous insurance coverage was coming to an end and the quote I received from The Insurance Store and I couldn't believe my eyes the down payment for 2 trucks was lower than it was for my first truck and the monthly payment the same lower and did I say on TWO TRUCKS!!! they are a game and I recommend TIS for all industry newbies!!!!!Corey Bryant
Selene did outstanding work for me. I went from having a massive insurance renewal rate that would just about put me out of business and signing on with Selene and she got my rates dropped big time. Now with the rates she got me, my company can continue to move forward and build it as a family trucking company.Don J.