Oklahoma Truck Insurance


OK License #: 3000969706

Image

Oklahoma Commercial Truck Insurance

The wide open plains and rolling hills of Oklahoma offer truckers gorgeous scenery and open roads. As the crossroads connecting the Great Plains to the American Southwest, Oklahoma sees its share of 18-wheelers hauling freight across the region. Whether you're based in The Sooner State or just passing through, understanding Oklahoma's truck insurance requirements is key to smooth trucking.

Trucking is a vital part of Oklahoma's economy and infrastructure. With over 82,000 employees in trucking-related jobs, it accounts for 1 out of 15 total jobs in the state. Oklahoma has a robust trucking industry with more than 12,000 companies operating locally, from owner-operators to large fleets.

Last year alone, Oklahoma truckers transported 148 million tons of freight amounting to $181 billion of goods. Top hauls include crude oil, mixed freight, gasoline, aggregates, and animal feed. The state's central location means all types of cargo traverse Oklahoma by truck. Major trucking hubs are found in Oklahoma City, Tulsa, Lawton, and McAlester. Interstates including I-40, I-35, and I-44 crisscross the state alongside other highways, forming an extensive road network ideal for trucking.

Whether based in or just passing through Oklahoma, understanding the state's commercial truck insurance requirements is key for smooth trucking operations.


Understanding Oklahoma Trucking Insurance Coverages


  • Auto Liability

    Auto liability coverage is mandatory in Oklahoma, paying when your commercial truck injures others or damages their property. For example, if your loaded flatbed smashes into a row of parked cars along Route 66 in Clinton, liability coverage will pay for the damaged vehicles so you don't directly shoulder the expenses. Or if a distracted driver crashes into your rig in Muskogee, causing serious injuries, your liability insurance will cover their medical bills up to the policy limits. Oklahoma requires minimum liability limits of $100,000 injury per person, $300,000 injury total, and $50,000 property damage. Higher limits provide extra protection. Liability insurance helps Oklahoma truckers avoid steep out-of-pocket costs if an accident occurs.

  • Physical Damage

    Physical damage, also called collision or comprehensive coverage, is critical protection for trucks operating in Oklahoma. It covers repair or replacement costs if your commercial vehicles are damaged in an accident, vandalized, or affected by storms like tornadoes or hail. For example, if an overloaded semi-truck crosses the median on I-40 near Sayre and totals your shiny new Kenworth, physical damage coverage will pay to replace the wrecked truck so your business can get back up and running. Without it, you'd be stuck with the bill. Physical damage gives Oklahoma truckers peace of mind that their rigs vital to their livelihood are protected against damage.

  • Motor Truck Cargo

    Motor truck cargo insurance is critical for truckers hauling freight in Oklahoma. It covers the value of any cargo damaged or stolen while in your care during transit. For example, if you're hauling a shipment of electronics from a Tulsa warehouse to an Oklahoma City retailer and thieves break into your locked trailer in Chandler, cargo coverage will reimburse the full value of the stolen electronics. Or if a tanker truck accident on I-35 spills and ruins the dairy products you're carrying, cargo insurance will pay to replace the spoiled goods. Without cargo coverage, you'd be on the hook for compensating customers for any lost or damaged freight. Oklahoma truckers who haul goods for customers should invest in robust motor truck cargo insurance.

  • Reefer Breakdown

    For truckers hauling temperature-controlled freight across Oklahoma, reefer breakdown coverage is essential protection. It covers loss or damage if the refrigeration unit fails during transit. For example, if you're carrying a load of fresh seafood from the Gulf up I-35 to Oklahoma City, and your reefer unit stops working due to an electrical issue outside of Ardmore, the warm temperatures could ruin the cargo. Reefer breakdown coverage would pay to replace the spoiled shipment so you don't take a financial hit. Or if a broken reefer compressor causes ice cream to melt en route from Tulsa to Amarillo, this coverage will reimburse the diminished value. Oklahoma truckers hauling perishables should invest in reefer breakdown coverage for peace of mind.

  • Trailer Interchange

    When swapping trailers temporarily with other carriers, trailer interchange coverage is important for Oklahoma truckers. It fills liability gaps that can occur during equipment exchanges. For example, say you need to pick up a load in Oklahoma City but your dry van trailer is currently being loaded with freight in Dallas. You swap trailers with a carrier who needs to go southbound on I-35. If their trailer suffers damage like a blown tire while in your possession, trailer interchange coverage will protect you since your policy was actively covering it. Without this coverage, you could be held responsible for damage to the borrowed equipment. Trailer interchange provides useful liability protection during reciprocal trailer use.

  • Non-Trucking Liability

    Non-trucking liability coverage provides important protection for Oklahoma truckers when using their rigs off-duty. Regular commercial policies only cover truck use for business purposes. If you run a personal errand in your rig and cause an accident in say Miami, Oklahoma, you could be denied coverage without non-trucking liability added. For example, say you drive your loaded flatbed to a Tulsa BBQ joint for dinner after delivering freight. If you accidentally sideswipe a car on the way, non-trucking liability would cover the damage, preventing an expensive denial of your claim. It extends liability and other coverage to personal truck use when not on a job. Oklahoma truckers should consider this useful protection for off-duty rig use.

  • Excess Liability

    Oklahoma truckers wanting extra protection beyond basic liability limits should consider excess liability, also called umbrella coverage. It provides additional liability coverage above your primary policy's limit. For example, if you have $1 million in underlying liability but want $3 million total, a $2 million excess policy stacked above it would get you there. Excess comes into play when damages exceed your primary limit following an accident. So if a wreck on I-44 caused $1.5 million in injury claims but your liability limit was $1 million, the excess coverage would kick in and cover the additional $500,000. For high-risk trucking and peace of mind, excess liability is an affordable way to boost protection in Oklahoma.

  • Workers Compensation

    Oklahoma employers like trucking companies are required to carry workers compensation insurance. It covers medical expenses and lost wages if an employee suffers an injury on the job. For example, if one of your drivers slips climbing out of his rig in the Tulsa yard and breaks his leg, workers comp will pay for his hospital bills, rehab, and time missed while recovering. Or if a mechanic badly cuts his hand repairing a truck in your Oklahoma City terminal, workers comp covers the costs. This insurance protects your business by paying employee injury claims instead of you paying out of pocket. Workers comp also provides benefits to the injured worker. Oklahoma trucking companies should carry proper workers comp to cover their employee injury risks.

  • Occupational Accident

    In addition to standard workers compensation, trucking companies in Oklahoma may want to consider occupational accident coverage. Also called OCAC coverage, it provides extra benefits for injuries to important members of your team. For example, if your lead dispatcher falls and breaks her leg exiting the Oklahoma City office, OCAC would provide higher wage replacements and death benefits since she is considered "key staff." Or if your top driver suffers a career-ending back injury loading his rig in Tulsa, OCAC would pay more given his status as a "key employee." This coverage provides enhanced protections for injuries to vital team members that can significantly impact your operations. For motor carriers, OCAC fills gaps that basic workers compensation may not address.

  • General Liability

    Beyond auto-related risks, trucking companies also need to insure their business facilities and operations with a general liability policy. This covers injuries or property damage you may cause others away from the road. For example, if a visitor slips and falls in your Tulsa truck terminal, liability will cover their medical bills and protect your company. Or if someone claims your Oklahoma City loading dock damaged their property, general liability would pay for it. It also covers associated legal expenses if you need to defend against a liability claim. Even simple risks like a customer tripping over a toolbox in your office can add up without the right protection. That's why Oklahoma truckers should invest in comprehensive general liability coverage.


Why Choose The Insurance Store for Truck Insurance in Oklahoma?

Partnering with TIS isn't just about insurance; it's about joining a legacy. With 50 golden years in the business, our family-owned venture has thrived on trust and excellence. We pride ourselves on our association with A+ rated insurance carriers specializing in commercial truck insurance.

From flatbeds, refrigerated trucks, and tankers, to specialized trailers for livestock or oversized loads, we've got you all covered. Oklahoma's varied cargo needs diverse transport solutions, and our coverage spans across this spectrum.

Here are some types of trucking operations we can help you find insurance for in Oklahoma:

Instant Certificates of Insurance with the TIS24 App

Check out our app, TIS24. It's not just an app; it's your 24/7 insurance assistant. Whether you want to issue a certificate of insurance, grab your ID cards, or just access policy documents on-the-go, TIS24 ensures you're always in control.

Get Assistance with your Oklahoma Truck Permits & Filings

Navigating the maze of truck permits and filings in Oklahoma can be daunting. That's where our TIS Trucking Services step in, simplifying this complex journey for you. Whether it's understanding the nuances of Oklahoma's regulations or ensuring compliance, our expert team has got your back.

Serving the Sooner State and Beyond!

While Oklahoma is close to our hearts, our services aren't just confined to its borders. For truckers venturing into Texas, Arkansas, Kansas, Colorado, New Mexico, and Missouri, we've got you covered too.

Get a Quote for Oklahoma Truck Insurance

Ready to safeguard your trucking venture in the heartland of America? Give our affable TIS team a shout at 888-570-3130 or request a quote. Let's ensure that come rain or shine, your journey through Oklahoma's beautiful landscapes is always a secure one.


Oklahoma Truck Insurance Quote

Here is what Our Happy Customers have to say


Great service!!! They work hard on getting you the best quote!!! Just got my commercial policy and they saved me lots!!! I really recommend the insurance store.
Geovanni Jimenez

Gloria was my agent, and she was extremely helpful and patient in explaining everything to me in detail. She was also very quick to respond back to me whenever I had a question. Thank you for all your help it’s truly appreciated.
Cindy Franco

Bobby was very patient, helpful and quick! He made it very easy getting insurance on my vehicle, and I will definitely be recommending him! Thank you! πŸ™‚
Brisa Quintero