Who Needs Fleet Insurance?

Whether you have one vehicle or many, if you use your vehicles for any commercial purpose at all, you need commercial or fleet insurance for your rolling stock. This is very important because if you do not specifically cover your vehicles for the purposes for which they are used, you may find a claim being denied you by your insurance company at some future date. Even if you just drive your car to work and use it for business appointments, you should have business, commercial or fleet coverage – even a fleet of one.

Fleet insurance has pretty much the same legal requirements as personal auto insurance. However there are exceptions because states do have different rules. Statewide can help you with this.  It is especially important  if your vehicles operate across state lines.

If you have trailers, liability insurance isn’t needed for them because they are not vehicles. Generally, the liability insurance of the vehicle towing also covers the trailer. It is important to note that comprehensive and collision coverage for the trailers generally need to be written separately though.

Here are some other important points:

  • make sure all drivers are listed under the fleet policy. If a driver is not listed, there is no coverage if they get into an accident;
  • most fleet policies will not cover drivers under the age of 25;
  • the drivers must be properly trained and licensed on the vehicle they are driving; and,
  • the drivers must have good driving records.
  • that your equipment and goods inside the vehicles must have separate coverage for theft and vandalism and this is usually covered by “inland marine” coverage which is a separate policy.

Statewide Insurance will help you find the right insurance coverage for you and your vehicles. Whether you have a large fleet or a small one, we have the experience and knowledge to help you get the coverage you need at the price you can afford.

Call Statewide Insurance Brokers at (888) 258-0272 today for fast, free quotes on your insurance needs.

Commercial Truck Insurance for Texas

Texas commercial truck insurance statewide insurance brokers

Driving in Texas? Get the lowdown on commercial truck requirements and insurance

Motor carriers traveling in Texas must comply with federal and state operating requirements. The Texas Department of Transportation (TxDOT) provides a brochure as a guide. Some helpful facts from this guide are listed below.

For more information, you can call the TxDOT at 1-800-299-1700 to assist you in connecting with agencies for specific operating requirements.

Some facts regarding Texas Commercial Vehicle Insurance and Operation:

  • Operators of commercial vehicles and those transporting household goods for-hire must register with the Texas Department of Motor Vehicles (TxDMV) for operating authority. Vehicles exceeding 26,000 pounds and all household goods carriers/movers must file proof of insurance when registering. To register online or for additional information on Motor Carrier Registration, visit www.txdmv.gov or call 1-888-368-4689.
  • Most commercial vehicle operators are required to have a Commercial Driver License (CDL). To determine if a driver is required to have a CDL, contact DPS, Commercial Vehicle Enforcement Service, at 1-800-299-1700 (option 6) or visit the DPS website where you can access a quick flow chart to help determine your situation.
  • All commercial vehicles must be registered. When registering for intrastate movement (traveling only in Texas), visit your county tax office to obtain Combination license plates.
  • Vehicles not authorized to operate on Texas highways due to lack of registration or registration reciprocity [privileges granted by one state or area to another], may be issued 72-hour or 144-hour temporary registrations. Contact your county tax assessor/collector or call the TxDOT Motor Carrier Division at 1-800-299-1700 (option 1).
  • Texas Commercial Motor Vehicle Drivers Handbook
  • For help in obtaining Texas Commercial Truck Insurance, contact Statewide Insurance Brokers at 888-258-0272.