Private Carrier Insurance

Drive with Confidence Knowing Our Private Carrier Insurance Has You Covered

If you operate as a private carrier, you know that you're responsible for hauling goods in your own truck for your own company or employer.

You also know that your business comes with unique risks.

Our private carrier insurance provides the specialized protection you need to cover your drivers, vehicles and the fruits of your labor.

Florida private carrier insurance includes vital coverages for your business. A wide range of options is available, but standard plans will include:

Liability Insurance

Liability insurance is the foundation of your policy. It offers key coverage if your driver is at fault for an accident, including:

• Property damage to third parties
• Bodily injury to third parties

Our experienced insurance agents ensure that your liability insurance meets Florida's minimum requirements.

Physical Damage Coverage

Physical damage protects your capital investment. It covers the cost of replacing or repairing your trucks and trailers if they're damaged in:

• A collision
• A fire
• Theft
• Natural disaster (like a hurricane)

Motor Truck Cargo Insurance

Unlike standard auto insurance, this coverage specifically protects the inventory you're hauling. If your cargo is damaged in an accident or winds up stolen while you're pumping gas on I-95, the loss will be covered.

Specialized Endorsements

To truly protect your private carrier business, consider specialized endorsements that bridge gaps in your standard coverage.

A variety of specialized coverages are available, including:

• Pollution Liability: Do you haul fuels, chemicals or fertilizers? This coverage is vital. It covers the astronomical cost of environmental cleanup and emergency response if a spill occurs on a Florida roadway.
• Hired and Non-Owned Auto: Protects your business if an employee uses their personal vehicle for a company errand or you occasionally rent trucks to handle spikes in demand.
• Trailer Interchange: Do you pull trailers you don't own? If so, you need this coverage. It protects against physical damage to any non-owned trailers in your possession.

While these coverages are not mandatory, they're worth considering if any of these scenarios apply to your business.

Private carrier insurance isn't optional – it's essential.

Here's why you need it:

Protect Your Business Assets

Operating as a private carrier comes with significant risks. Your primary business (whether it's retail, manufacturing or distribution) has significant assets.

• If a driver is in a major accident, plaintiffs can target the parent company. Private carrier insurance provides an extra layer of protection that prevents an accident from bankrupting your business.
• Your trucks and trailers are a massive capital investment. Without physical damage coverage, a single collision could lead to a total loss of vital equipment you need to power your daily supply chain.

Safeguard Your Cargo

Standard commercial auto policies typically exclude any cargo or goods being hauled. That puts your inventory at risk.

If your truck flips and $100,000 worth of your products are destroyed, general liability likely won't cover it.

Private carrier provides the protection you need to drive with confidence and peace of mind.

Bridge the "Commercial Auto" Gap

It's easy to assume that a standard commercial auto policy is enough. But if you're operating a fleet for distribution, your profile risk changes.

Private carrier insurance is designed to cover your unique situation.

For example, motor carrier insurance (included with most packages) covers property damage or injuries that occur while inventory is being moved off the truck.

Meet Legal and Contractual Requirements

Operating commercial motor vehicles across state lines requires specific levels of financial responsibility as mandated by the FMCSA.

If you fail to have the appropriate private carrier filings, you could face fines.

Plus, private carrier insurance is often required by big-box retailers or construction sites. They want reassurance that you're covered and take your business seriously.

Even as a private carrier, you must answer to the Department of Transportation and the FMCSA.

To stay legal, your private carrier insurance must include:

• MCS-90 endorsement: This is a public liability endorsement that guarantees the government you have the minimum funds required to pay for damages to the public.
• BOC-3 filings: If you operate in multiple states, you'll be required to have a process agent in every state you pass through. The agent is the person authorized to receive legal documents on your behalf.

When shopping for private carrier insurance, it's crucial to look at more than just the premium. Consider:

• The insurer's financial strength. Ideally, you want a company with an "A" rating or better. Should a catastrophic accident occur, you want the peace of mind that your insurer will have you covered.
• Claims response time. In Florida's humid and stormy climate, a cargo loss can become a total loss very quickly. You want an insurer that offers 24/7 claims reporting and local adjusters who understand the state's unique terrain.
• Industry specialization: Look for insurers that specialize in transportation and logistics. They understand your unique risks.

We make it easy to find the right policy for your needs based on these factors. Our experienced agents get to know you and your business to build policies that cover your risks and protect the future of your business.

Contact us to learn more about private carrier insurance in Florida and get a free quote.