If you own and/or operate a commercial vehicle for business (i.e. hauling for compensation), you probably know that you need some type of commercial truck insurance policy. This policy can scale up from the bare minimum consisting of primary liability coverage to being as customized as including additional coverages such as pet coverage. 

Some truckers think securing a commercial truck insurance policy is difficult and time-consuming, but it doesn’t have to be. We understand that time is money and spending countless hours going back and forth with an insurance agent trying to get document A today and needing information B tomorrow is not the best use of your time. We’ve put together this list of things you can prepare prior to reaching out about a policy so that you can quickly get your trucks on the road and start bringing in income. 

1. USDOT Number (if you have one)
2. MC Number (if you have one)
3. Legal Business Name and DBA
4. Legal Business Address
5. Required Limits and Coverages
6. Type of Operation (What are you hauling and how are you hauling it? What type of trailer?)
7. Radius of operations & if you are crossing state lines
8. All vehicles’ information (including trailers)
   • Year
   • Make
   • Model
   • VIN
9. All drivers’ information (including owner or owners)
   • Full Name
   • Date of Birth
   • License Number & License State
   • How many years’ experience driving similar equipment/vehicles?
   • Do they have a CDL?
     • CDL Number and State
     • CDL first issue date

In addition to coming in to this process with the above information readily accessible, we also suggest trying to ensure that you are a preferred motor carrier. Many motor carriers that are considered preferred risks, which can sometimes lead to discounts and credits toward your premium, can easily prove the following:

• How long they’ve had insurance for – ideally if you’ve had insurance for over 1 year with no lapse you may receive a discount
• Having a clean driving record
• How much experience a driver has with a CDL – this shows insurance companies how likely it is that your drivers may drive recklessly or become involved in an accident

Our agents are skilled in assisting your trucking company in the above areas along with filing the proper information to your state and/or FMCSA. For more information about types of commercial trucking policies or other must-know aspects, visit our website or ask Bill!