We’re Your Commercial Trucking Specialists in Agoura Hills, California

Zeyger Insurance has the knowledge and expertise to properly insure your commercial trucks and trailers. As a private carrier, you are responsible for hauling goods in your own truck for your company or employer. Whether you’re working in construction, excavation, manufacturing, or any other private carrier capacity, we have truck insurance solutions for you.

Finding policies can be confusing and you might not know if you’re getting what you need. We make it simple and never try to sell you “extra” coverage you don’t need.

Zeyger Insurance can help you achieve the best rates, only the coverage you need, and superior ongoing support.

Trucking Insurance in Calabasas California from Zeyger Insurance

What Does Commercial Trucking Insurance Cover?

Commercial trucking insurance is similar to commercial auto insurance in basic coverage, such as liability, comprehensive, collision and other types of coverage that are specific to business vehicle use.  A commercial trucking policy is designed to protect your business from significant losses that could affect your company’s financial well being.

Commercial trucking insurance policies combine several different types of coverage – some are required and some are optional. A typical policy includes some combination of the following:

Primary Liability

Every trucker/trucking company who operates under their own authority is required to carry primary liability coverage on all owned units and either provide this insurance for their leased vehicles or ensure that the leased operator carries it on their own.  Generally, the motor carrier provides this coverage for the leased operators but there are rare instances when this is not the case.

  • Limits up to $5 Million
  • Uninsured Coverage
  • Underinsured Coverage
  • Property Damage
  • Medical Payments Coverage
  • Additional Insureds Available

Physical Damage

Provides coverage for repair or replacement due to damage resulting from a covered loss (collision, fire, theft, hail, windstorm, earthquake, flood, mischief, or vandalism) to owned vehicles.

  • Stated Value on commercial vehicles
  • Actual Cost and Replacement Cost Values on PPV’s
  • Low Rates on Total Insured Values
  • Deductible options from $0 to $5,000
  • Non-owned Trailers
  • Trailer Interchange Coverage
  • Roadside Assistance Options

Cargo Insurance

Provides coverage for loss or damage to the property a truck is transporting (the load). Generally, though not always, provided by the motor carrier for leased operators.

  • Many cargo categories available
  • Limits up to $250,000
  • Deductibles from $0 to $5,000
  • Reefer Breakdown

Truckers General Liability

Simply put, CGL guards you, your business, and your employees from claims involving bodily injury or property damage born out of your business operations. These policies cover the expense of out-of-court settlements, litigation and judgments awarded by courts.

  • “General Liability”
  • Limits up to $10 Million
  • Low Premium Cost
  • Additional Insureds Available

Occupational Accident

Product designed specifically for owner operators in the trucking industry. In most states, by being self-employed owner operators can opt out of state mandated workers compensation coverage. While not the same as workers compensation, occ/acc is similar in scope and intent.

Most motor carriers require their leased operators to be covered either by workers compensation or occ/acc at the leased operators expense. For those who qualify, occ/acc is generally a lower cost alternative.

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Commercial Trucking Insurance FAQ

Running a commercial trucking operation is like orchestrating a symphony on wheels – a complex interplay of logistics, schedules, and valuable assets moving across vast distances. Yet, amidst the hum of engines and the rhythm of the road, an unseen conductor safeguards it all: robust commercial trucking insurance. This isn't just a regulatory checkbox; it's the financial bedrock that protects your business from the inherent risks of the highway. From navigating unexpected accidents and cargo damage to defending against third-party liabilities, the right insurance coverage can mean the difference between a minor setback and a catastrophic closure. Like a seasoned captain charting a course through unpredictable waters, understanding your insurance needs is paramount. This guide is designed to demystify the complexities, answer your most pressing questions, and equip you with the knowledge to make informed decisions, ensuring your fleet, cargo, and livelihood are always protected.

Frequently Asked Questions

FAQ: What is commercial trucking insurance and why is it essential?

Commercial trucking insurance is a specialized policy designed to protect businesses operating heavy vehicles from the unique risks associated with transporting goods or materials for hire. It is essential because it provides financial protection against liabilities arising from accidents, cargo damage, and other operational hazards that could otherwise devastate a business. Without it, a single incident could lead to massive out-of-pocket expenses, legal battles, and potential business closure. This coverage ensures compliance with federal and state regulations, which mandate specific insurance minimums for commercial carriers to operate legally. It acts as a critical safety net, allowing businesses to recover from unforeseen events and maintain operational continuity.

Real Results: A small owner-operator faced a $1.5 million lawsuit after an at-fault accident; their $1 million primary liability policy covered most damages, preventing personal bankruptcy and preserving their business.

Takeaway: Commercial trucking insurance isn't just required, it's a vital shield protecting your entire operation from the substantial financial and legal risks of the road.

FAQ: What's the difference between private auto and commercial truck insurance?

The fundamental difference between private auto and commercial truck insurance lies in their scope of coverage, risk assessment, and legal requirements. Private auto insurance covers personal vehicles for individual use, focusing on risks associated with daily commuting and leisure, typically with lower liability limits. Commercial truck insurance, conversely, addresses the significantly higher risks of operating large vehicles for business purposes, covering cargo, substantial liability, and employee-related incidents. Regulators like the FMCSA mandate much higher minimum coverage for commercial vehicles due to the greater potential for property damage, injuries, and fatalities. The policies are also structured to account for different vehicle weights, cargo values, and operational radii, reflecting the distinct risk profiles.

Real Results: A driver using their personal pickup truck for a small-scale, unregistered commercial hauling gig found their private auto policy denied a claim after an accident, leaving them personally liable for $120,000 in damages.

Takeaway: Always use specialized commercial insurance for any business-related driving to ensure adequate coverage and legal compliance, avoiding catastrophic gaps.

FAQ: What are the primary types of liability coverage I need?

The primary types of liability coverage essential for commercial trucking include Primary Auto Liability, General Liability, and typically, Workers' Compensation. Primary Auto Liability covers bodily injury and property damage to third parties in an accident where your truck is at fault, and it's federally mandated. General Liability protects against non-driving business risks such as injuries on your premises or advertising injury, offering a broader shield for your business operations. Workers' Compensation is crucial if you have employees, covering medical expenses and lost wages for work-related injuries, a requirement in most states. Understanding these forms of liability is key to comprehensive protection against various potential legal claims.

Real Results: A trucking company faced a lawsuit when a visitor slipped and fell at their loading dock; their General Liability policy covered the medical bills and legal defense, totaling $85,000, outside of auto-related coverage.

Takeaway: Secure comprehensive liability coverage, including auto and general liability, to protect against both road-related incidents and broader business operational risks.

FAQ: Is cargo insurance always necessary, and what does it cover?

Yes, motor truck cargo insurance is almost always necessary for any commercial trucking operation hauling goods for others, as it covers loss or damage to the freight being transported. This policy protects the value of the cargo from perils like collision, fire, theft, or even 'wetness' from unforeseen leaks. Many shippers and brokers require cargo insurance as a condition of doing business, often specifying minimum limits. Without it, you, as the carrier, would be solely responsible for replacing damaged or lost goods, which could easily amount to tens of thousands of dollars or more per incident. This coverage safeguards your reputation and financial stability against unforeseen events impacting the very goods you're paid to move.

Real Results: After a truck carrying electronics was involved in a rollover, the cargo insurance covered the $150,000 loss, allowing the trucking company to avoid bearing the financial burden and maintain their client relationship.

Takeaway: Prioritize motor truck cargo insurance to protect both your financial interests and client relationships by covering potential loss or damage to freight.

FAQ: What is "bobtail" or "non-trucking liability" insurance?

"Bobtail" or "non-trucking liability" insurance provides coverage for owner-operators when they are operating their truck without a trailer, or for personal use, and not under dispatch for a motor carrier. This specialized coverage steps in when your primary auto liability policy, typically provided by the motor carrier, does not apply because you are off-duty. For example, if you're driving to get your truck serviced, picking up groceries, or heading home after dropping a load, bobtail insurance protects you if you cause an accident. It's a critical safety net for leased owner-operators, filling the gap in coverage that exists when they're not actively hauling for their primary carrier. It ensures continuous liability protection regardless of dispatch status.

Real Results: An owner-operator, driving their truck bobtail to a repair shop, had an accident; their non-trucking liability policy covered $300,000 in damages, which their motor carrier's policy would not have.

Takeaway: Owner-operators should secure bobtail or non-trucking liability insurance to cover incidents when their truck is not under dispatch, preventing dangerous coverage gaps.