All commercial trucking companies operating within Utah and crossing surrounding state lines must carry minimum commercial truck insurance. This insurance protects their trucks, drivers, and other motorists in the case of collisions or other accidents. Without this coverage, you risk fines, jail time, and lawsuits. Here is what you need to stay legal and safeguard your commercial trucking company from liability.
Minimum Commercial Truck Insurance Requirements in Utah
Utah and federal insurance laws exist to protect citizens from injury and property damage in case of a collision with a commercial truck. They also benefit truck owners in Utah and surrounding states by ensuring they can pay for accidents their drivers might cause. The main types of coverage are liability and bodily injury insurance.
Liability
Utah requires the following minimum liability coverage amounts based on the size of the truck and the cargo it is hauling:
- $300,000 for trucks up to 10,000 pounds hauling general freight
- $750,000 for trucks over 10,000 pounds carrying general freight
- $1 million to $5 million for trucks transporting oil or hazardous freight, depending on the materials
These amounts reflect the cost of damages after an accident. They are higher for commercial vehicles than personal vehicles because of the increased damage and environmental impacts that bulky commercial trucks can cause.
Personal Injury
If your vehicles carry passengers, then additional commercial truck insurance is necessary. The following amounts depend on the seating capacity of the vehicles:
- $1.5 million for a driver and 15 or fewer passengers
- $5 million for a driver and 16 or more passengers
This coverage protects from medical bills and legal costs if injured people sue your commercial trucking company for the bodily harm they experience in an accident. This level of protection also helps you recruit and retain drivers because most professionals are leery of working for an underinsured company.
Insurance Needs and Rates
Maintaining the minimum amount of coverage that the law requires keeps a commercial trucking company legal, but sometimes the threat of liability prompts owners to opt for additional protection. Insurance needs vary based not just on a truck’s size, weight, and cargo but also on unique risks such as environmental impacts or dangerous routes.
The amount of your premium will reflect the type of commercial truck insurance you select, but it also depends on other factors. For example, the more vehicles you have in your fleet, the higher your premium will be. The following additional factors also impact your insurance costs:
- Operator driving history
- Operator years of experience
- Number of miles traveled per year
- Routes traveled
- Type of cargo
Commercial Truck Insurance for Your Utah Business
It is essential to consult with an insurance professional who can provide guidance on the proper coverage levels and help find cost-effective solutions. Regulations and requirements are always changing, but you can trust the insurance experts at BTC to keep you informed of the most up-to-date insurance information you need.
Contact BTC Insurance for your commercial truck insurance needs in Utah, Colorado, Nevada, Arizona, and New Mexico. Get a quote today.
About BTC Insurance Services
Founded in 2011, BTC Insurance Services has proudly served Utah businesses with comprehensive and custom-tailored insurance coverages for a decade. We pride ourselves on fostering long-term client relationships with a personalized and hands-on approach, and have established a reputation built on quality and transparency. For more information about our products and services, we invite you to contact one of our reputable agents today at (855) 944-3457, or send us a message here.
