Ohio Truck Insurance

OH License #: 1319470

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Commercial Truck Insurance in Ohio

A truck needs more than a reliable driver and the right number of functioning wheels to keep it driving and turning you a profit. It also needs the right insurance—at least, it does if you care about protecting yourself and your drivers while also complying with the law. Finding the right insurance on your own can be tricky, especially as insurance rates continue to rise. Fortunately, we’re here to help you find the best insurance for your needs and budget.

Insurance is required throughout the United States no matter where your trucks may go, although they vary from state to state. If you’re driving in Ohio, we know just what you need to stay insured and operational. Keep reading to learn more about Ohio truck insurance and why you should use an independent insurance agent to find the right truck insurance for you.

Why do I need Ohio Trucking Insurance?

  • Truck Liability Coverage

    It’s easy to see why liability coverage is required in every state. Accidents happen, and when those accidents involve trucks, they are big, not to mention expensive. They are also fairly common. According to the FMCSA, the “number of large trucks and buses in fatal crashes [in 2018] increased by 48 percent from its low of 3,432 in 2009.” That amounts to over 5,000 trucks. When the unthinkable happens, you at least want to know that any injuries or damage sustained by the other driver or vehicle are covered. Liability insurance does just that. The state of Ohio requires that truck drivers and businesses hold a minimum level of liability insurance, which depends on your haul and where you’re driving. For example, if your truck doesn’t cross state lines, you are required to acquire an intrastate-only USDOT number, PUCO number, and be insured.

  • Physical Damage Coverage

    According to the FMCSA, “the average cost of all large truck crashes is about $91,000 per crash,” or up to nearly $200,000 if there are injuries. That average can even reach millions of dollars if fatalities are involved. So even though the law doesn’t require that you obtain physical damage coverage, it might be in your best interest to have it. It will protect you from potential losses like those incurred by a truck being put out of commission.

  • Motor Truck Cargo

    Motor truck cargo insurance is needed by for-hire truckers to properly cover the commodities they are hauling. It is generally required by the party who owns the product being transported. This ensures that if their goods are damaged or stolen while in transit, their assets will be covered. In Ohio, you are required to maintain a minimum level of motor truck cargo insurance for $10,000/vehicle and $10,000/catastrophe. Depending on the cargo that is in transport by your big rig, you may need specific endorsements. For example, if you transport refrigerated goods, you will need to make sure you have “reefer breakdown” coverage. This might cover a $50,000 load of fresh produce when the reefer unit breaks down while driving along I-70 in the summer. Of any line of 18-wheeler insurance, cargo insurance is the one you need to understand and pay attention to the most. You usually get what you pay for, and some carriers will make a long list of exclusions that specifically exclude coverage for certain events.

  • Truckers General Liability

    Truckers general liability is similar to liability insurance, but it can be a bit more confusing. Here is the simplest way to understand it: Truckers general liability is designed to protect your business from any damage that might occur when you are not behind the wheel of your truck. On the other hand, your auto liability coverage would cover your business when you are driving. So, if you have other aspects of your business—such as a quarry or a consolidation warehouse—you will need a more robust general liability insurance policy that considers exposures outside the realm of trucking.

Why Should I use an Independent Insurance Agent?

Find Insurance Programs Specific to Your Needs

It’s tempting to go to a general insurance provider and try to mold a policy to meet your needs. You’ll find that it is much easier and more effective to find a program that caters to clients in your field and works with the specific kinds of trucks you drive. At TIS, we specialize in trucking and provide market access to numerous specialty truck insurance programs, such as the following:

Instant Certificates of Insurance with our Mobile App

Insurance is meant to help you when you least expect to need it. No one wants to find themselves stranded in the middle of an interstate at 2 in the morning, trying to get ahold of an agent so you can prove your policy, just to hear an answering machine tell you that no one is available. You want to know that if you ever need to prove your policy, you’ll get the help you need instantly. At TIS, we provide 24/7 support through our mobile app, which can issue your certificate of insurance no matter where you or your drivers end up.

Get Assistance with your Ohio Trucking Permits & Filings

With ever-changing permits, compliance can be difficult—not because you’d rather break the law, but because it can be tricky to keep up with when they expire and to get them renewed. The right agent will understand this and aid you in keeping your trucks compliant with all state regulations. At TIS, our permit department is well versed in all permits and regulations related to Ohio truck insurance, and our fingers are on the pulse of the ever-changing system. When updates come up, you’ll be the first to know, and we’ll ensure you have the proper Ohio truck permits to keep driving.

As an independent brokerage, TIS also has access to nearly every carrier under the sun. No matter what kind of truck you’re driving, we can partner you with the perfect carrier for your business. Contact us today to learn more.

Ohio Truck Insurance Quote

Here is what Our Happy Customers have to say

Rita was an awesome help. She’s very professional and got what I needed in a timely manner. It’s hard to come across honest people, I will definitely recommend to family and friends. Thank you, Rita!
Jason Yanez
TIS has been extremely helpful during my permitting process. Shalyn has been very helpful and informative. Two thumbs up!
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Shalyn was great from start to finish. She took the time to explain the process to me. I knew what to expect every step of the way.This turned out to be a one stop shop for all of my business needs. Great company to do business with!!!!
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