Intrastate Truck Insurance

Intrastate trucking involves traveling within a single state in which the truck is registered. Due to the restricted travel boundaries, intrastate truck insurance is typically less complex than insurance for interstate trucking. Interstate trucking is defined as cargo transportation that requires driving through two or more states. Intrastate truck insurance laws are based on both federal and state requirements. Truckers and trucking companies must submit certain types of commercial insurance forms or intrastate truck filings in order to comply with federal insurance requirements.

Intrastate Truck Insurance by State

The majority of states have separate laws dictating activity of intrastate trucks. These laws may apply to companies transporting goods within the state, as well as when trucks cross state lines both with and without cargo. Typically, intrastate truck insurance requirements are based on the weight of the truck. It is advised that truck owners, operators, and drivers consider supplemental intrastate truck insurance coverage plans that exceed the state’s minimum requirements.

Florida Intrastate Truck Insurance

Florida’s intrastate truck insurance laws are deemed stricter than in some states. Trucks that weigh between 26,000 and 35,000 must carry a minimum coverage of $50,000 for combined property damage liability and bodily liability insurance. Trucks that weigh 44,000 or more pounds must carry a minimum of $300,000 in coverage. As indicated by the terminology, property damage liability insurance is designed to cover damage to property, such as the truck itself. Bodily liability insurance is designed to cover injury that individuals may sustain in the event of an accident.

Intrastate and State Truck Filings

A filing is a document showing proof of financial responsibility. It provides legal certification of liability insurance that meets federal or state requirements. Intrastate trucks are not required to file federal truck filings. However, drivers and companies responsible for these vehicles may be required to file intrastate or state truck filings. Certain states may require specific types of truck filings.

State truck filings are exempted in the following states:

  • Alaska
  • Arizona
  • Delaware
  • Florida
  • Hawaii
  • Maryland
  • Nevada
  • New Jersey
  • Oregon
  • Pennsylvania
  • Vermont
  • Wyoming

Non-filing Trucking Sectors

Private carriers transporting their own goods are not required to submit intrastate or interstate truck filings. Private carriers include manufacturers, as well as retail and farming operations. Additionally, owner-operations are exempt from intrastate and state filings. Owner-operators transport goods under the authority of others, such as a truck owner who is leased onto a motor carrier.

 

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Sources:

Casale, Jeff. “Self-insurance helps trucking firms lower costs; Advantages include reduced collateral, control over claims.” Business Insurance 15 Sept. 2008: 14. Academic OneFile. Web. 24 Oct. 2013.

Clark, Frederick C., and Kate McGinn. “Developing standards for transportation risk.” Risk Management June 1997: 50+. Academic OneFile. Web. 24 Oct. 2013.

“Intrastate Truck Filings.” DMV.org. Department of Motor Vehicles. Web. 24 Oct 2013. <http://www.dmv.org/insurance/intrastate-truck-filings.php>.