Who Needs Dump Truck Insurance Coverage?
Melbourne, Fla.—Coverage for dump trucks fall under commercial vehicle insurance, a general category of insurance. Dump truck owners, like the owners of other commercial vehicles, must carry dump truck liability insurance in order to have these trucks operational on the roadway.
Under Florida law, the commercial trucking industry is governed by a different set of insurance requirements than regular motorists. State laws for dump truck insurance cover bodily injury liability as well as property damage liability. Some states mandate additional types of insurance. In Florida, the minimum requirements are:
$10,000 property damage liability
$10,000 bodily injury per person
$10,000 personal injury protection
But this might not be enough, and the minimum amount of commercial liability coverage required depends on the type of cargo the trucks are hauling, for example:
Household goods – $300,000
General freight – $750,000
Oil transport – $1,000,000
Hazardous materials – $5,000,000
It is important to acknowledge that dump trucks can cause severe damage and financial loss in the event of an accident. As a result, any person who is responsible for the operation of a dump truck needs proper insurance, including:
Independent owners and operators
For-hire dump truck drivers
Motor carriers working with dump trucks
Truck drivers who travel out of state must meet all FMCSA federal liability limits, which are usually between $750,000 and $1,000,000. Also, the following coverage must be included:
Personal Injury Protection (PIP)
Personal injury protection covers the driver regardless of fault up to the policy limits. This type of insurance helps pay for injury-related costs for anyone involved in the truck accident. This could include medical bills, loss of income due to a disability and household services.
Property Damage Liability
Property damage liability covers damages the truck driver causes to your vehicle. This could include repairing or replacing your vehicle altogether.
Bodily Injury Liability
Bodily injury liability coverage pays for serious and permanent injuries or death to others caused by the truck driver. The insurance company pays for injuries up to the limits of the policy. Additionally, this coverage provides legal representation for the truck driver or company if sued.
So, what kind of truck may fall under this recommendation:
Aggregate haulers
Landscapers
Excavators
Construction
Trash hauling
Sand and gravel haulers
Snow/ice removal
Seasonal businesses
Among many others.
By law, proof of insurance must be kept at the main business office as well as in the vehicle. The one kept in the truck should be a copy. Acceptable proof of coverage comes directly from the insurance company, or a surety bond if possessed. When traveling out of the country, lack of this proof could void re-entry.
Discover a full-service provider of commercial insurance products, and services for trucking and commercial auto insurance. We invite you to review our programs: Truck, public transportation, and commercial specialty auto.
Contact one of our local commercial/truck insurance agents from Melbourne Truck Insurance to find out what options are available for your trucking and transportation business in the Palm Bay area, and help you start saving on the protections needed to keep it always afloat. We have the products and underwriting experience that meet the insurance needs of your business.
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