Category: Truck Insurance Coverage

What You Need to Know About DOT Audits

Western Truck Insurance

The Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA), an agency of the Department of Transportation (DOT), oversees nearly 600,000 motor carriers and millions of commercial drivers across the U.S. The agency is responsible for ensuring carriers comply with regulations. DOT regulations cover driver qualifications, hours of service (HOS), vehicle maintenance requirements, drug and alcohol testing, cargo … Continue reading “What You Need to Know About DOT Audits”

The Garden State Increases Minimum Trucking Liability Insurance Limits to $1.5 Million

Western Truck Insurance

Two years ago, New Jersey introduced legislation to raise its minimum Trucking Liability insurance limits to $1.5 million, double the current FMCSA requirement of $750,000. The state law was approved and signed by Governor Phil Murphy in January 2024. The increased minimum trucking liability insurance requirements will take effect July 1, 2024, and apply to … Continue reading “The Garden State Increases Minimum Trucking Liability Insurance Limits to $1.5 Million”

FMCSA Alerts Motor Carriers to Fake Safety Audit Scam by Cybercriminals

Western Truck Insurance

The Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA) recently issued an alert for motor carriers where cybercriminals are posing as agency auditors via email to obtain information and gain unauthorized access to their FMCSA accounts. Once the bad actors gain access, they can change the information and impersonate carriers and other entities to engage in fraudulent … Continue reading “FMCSA Alerts Motor Carriers to Fake Safety Audit Scam by Cybercriminals”

On the Road After Dark: Safe-Driving Tips for Truckers

Western Truck Insurance

With the sun setting comes additional risks for truckers driving at night. Visibility is reduced, making it more challenging to see the road, other vehicles, and obstacles. Depth perception, color recognition, and peripheral vision can all be compromised in the dark. The glare of headlights from an oncoming vehicle can also temporarily blind a driver. … Continue reading “On the Road After Dark: Safe-Driving Tips for Truckers”

On the Road with Workers’ Compensation and Occupational Accident Injury Insurance

Western Truck Insurance

Workers’ Compensation and Occupational Accident Injury Insurance are two distinct types of coverage designed to address different aspects of workplace injuries in the trucking industry. Workers’ Compensation Insurance A statutory form of insurance, Workers’ Compensation insurance provides benefits to employees who suffer work-related injuries or illnesses. It is designed to protect both employees and employers … Continue reading “On the Road with Workers’ Compensation and Occupational Accident Injury Insurance”

Behind the Wheel of Truck Liability Insurance

Western Truck Insurance

Truck Liability insurance is the backbone coverage for commercial trucks and their operators. The policy protects truck operators who become legally liable for bodily injury and/or property damage to others related to operating the truck. All truck owners or lessees are required to purchase this coverage and meet state and federal agencies’ regulatory guidelines. The … Continue reading “Behind the Wheel of Truck Liability Insurance”

Comprehensive vs. Specified Perils Coverage in Physical Damage Truck Insurance

Western Truck Insurance

Physical Damage Truck insurance is designed to protect commercial trucks and other vehicles used in transporting goods. The Collision portion of the policy provides coverage for damage to the insured truck that occurs as a result of a collision with another vehicle or object. This includes accidents where the insured truck is at fault. The … Continue reading “Comprehensive vs. Specified Perils Coverage in Physical Damage Truck Insurance”

Inside an Auditable Insurance Policy

Western Truck Insurance

An auditable insurance policy is one in which the premiums the insured pays are based on payroll and/or sales projections at the start of the policy term and then adjusted based on actual figures at the end of the term. Auditable policies are typically used with Workers’ Compensation and Commercial General Liability insurance, but can apply … Continue reading “Inside an Auditable Insurance Policy”

The Importance of On-Time Insurance Payments

Western Truck Insurance

Late insurance payments occur for a number of reasons, including accounting oversights or cashflow issues. However, it’s important to be aware of how late insurance payments can affect your trucking business. Coverage Gaps If insurance payments are not made on time, the trucking company’s policy may cancel and lead to a loss of coverage. For … Continue reading “The Importance of On-Time Insurance Payments”

Lawmakers Looking to Get the Younger Generation Behind the Wheel

Western Truck Insurance

As part of a requirement under the bipartisan Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act (IIJA), in 2022, the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA) established the Safe Driver Apprenticeship Pilot Program (SDAP). The goal of the three-year program is to help individuals ages 18, 19, and 20 explore interstate trucking careers and help trucking companies hire … Continue reading “Lawmakers Looking to Get the Younger Generation Behind the Wheel”