Texas Truck Insurance

TX License #: 2023175

Texas Commercial Truck Insurance

Understanding Texas Trucking Insurance Coverages

• Auto Liability

  When you’re operating a big rig in Texas, liability coverage is the core of your Texas commercial truck insurance. It’s what keeps you from paying out of pocket for injuries or property damage you cause in an accident. If your rig is over 10,001 pounds and you’re crossing state lines, the FMCSA says you need at least $750,000 in liability coverage to stay legal. But big rigs can cause major damage, and things like medical bills, vehicle repairs, or lawsuits can add up fast, sometimes hitting millions. That’s why we at TIS often recommend $1 million or more to make sure your savings and business stay safe. In Texas, if you’re only driving in-state, the state doesn’t require liability insurance, but going without it is a bad move. A single accident could leave you stuck with someone’s hospital bills, the cost of fixing a smashed car, or a lawsuit that drains everything you’ve worked for. For example, if you bump a car in Austin and the driver needs medical care, your liability coverage handles those expenses up to your policy’s limit. Or if you crash into a shop in Lubbock, it covers the repairs. Without coverage, you’re on the hook for it all, and legal fights can pile on fees and headaches, especially if the other side gets a lawyer. Even a minor scrape can blow up into a big problem. We make it straightforward to get liability coverage that fits your big rig, whether you’re rolling through Houston or hitting the interstate. Our team at The Insurance Store ensures you’re set up to stay legal and protected, so you can focus on driving without sweating the what-ifs.

• Physical Damage

  Your truck is your lifeline on Texas roads, and physical damage coverage is a key piece of your Texas commercial truck insurance to keep it protected. This coverage pays to fix or replace your truck if it’s damaged by things like crashes, theft, vandalism, or storms, saving you from massive repair bills. Say you smash into a guardrail on an Austin interstate—physical damage coverage handles the cost to repair your rig’s crumpled front end, whether you caused the wreck or not. Or if a flood in Houston swamps your truck or vandals smash your windows in Amarillo, it covers those losses too. Unlike liability coverage, which takes care of damage you do to others, this is about your rig, whether it’s worth $60,000 or $200,000. In Texas, physical damage coverage isn’t required by law, even for interstate hauls, but if your rig is financed or leased, your lender will likely demand it to protect their stake. We know how much your truck means to your business, so we at TIS strongly suggest this coverage to avoid getting stuck with repair costs that could run tens of thousands. For instance, a totaled rig without coverage could mean shelling out for a new one, sidelining you for months. Or a busted axle from a collision could keep you off the road if you’re paying for repairs yourself. We make it simple to get physical damage coverage that matches your big rig’s value, whether you’re hauling through Lubbock or crossing state lines. Our team at TIS ensures your policy is tailored to keep your truck in action, so you can drive without worrying about what happens if disaster strikes.

• Motor Truck Cargo

  If you’re a Texas trucker hauling freight, the cargo you carry is your livelihood, and motor truck cargo coverage is essential to your Texas big rig insurance to keep it safe. This coverage pays for damage to or loss of the goods you’re transporting when things go south, like a wreck, theft, or bad weather, so you don’t have to pay for someone else’s ruined load. For example, if you’re hauling electronics from Dallas and a crash destroys the shipment, this coverage takes care of replacing those goods. Or if a storm drenches a load of furniture in El Paso or thieves make off with auto parts in Fort Worth, it’s got your back. In Texas, motor truck cargo coverage isn’t mandated by law, but most shippers or brokers won’t let you near their freight without it, and for good reason. A single damaged or lost load can cost thousands, and without coverage, you’re stuck footing the bill for the shipper, which can cripple your business. We at TIS know how critical it is to protect your clients’ cargo, so we recommend this coverage to steer clear of financial trouble. A $100,000 coverage limit is solid for general freight, but for higher-value loads like electronics or pharmaceuticals, we suggest $250,000 to make sure you’re fully covered. We make it simple to get motor truck cargo coverage that suits your big rig’s hauls, whether you’re running routes in Houston or crossing state lines. Our team at TIS ensures your policy fits the value and type of cargo you carry, so you can haul with confidence.

• Reefer Breakdown

  Texas truckers hauling refrigerated freight rely on their reefer units to keep loads fresh, and reefer breakdown coverage is a vital piece of your Texas big rig insurance to protect those goods when the system fails. This coverage kicks in to cover the cost of perishable cargo that’s damaged or lost due to a mechanical breakdown of your refrigeration unit, so you don’t have to pay for a spoiled shipment yourself. For example, if your reefer conks out on a run through Houston and a load of frozen seafood thaws, this coverage pays to replace the ruined goods. Or if a faulty thermostat in Dallas lets a shipment of vegetables rot or a cooling system failure in Lubbock spoils a load of cheese, you’re covered. Unlike motor truck cargo coverage, which deals with losses from accidents, theft, or storms, reefer breakdown coverage focuses on mechanical issues specific to your reefer unit, like a broken compressor or electrical glitch. Texas doesn’t require this coverage by law, but if you haul perishables, most shippers won’t work with you unless you have it. A single spoiled load can cost thousands—think a trailer full of meat or medicine—and without coverage, you’re on the hook for the shipper’s losses, which can hurt your business bad. We at TIS understand how critical your reefer is to your livelihood, so we push for this coverage to save you from those financial hits. We make it easy to get reefer breakdown coverage that matches your big rig’s refrigerated hauls, whether you’re driving through Fort Worth or out of state. Our team at TIS sets you up with a policy that fits your cargo’s needs, so you can keep your loads fresh and your mind at ease.

• Trailer Interchange

  Texas truckers hauling trailers under interchange agreements know those trailers are critical to the job, and trailer interchange coverage is an essential part of your Texas big rig insurance to protect them. This coverage pays for damage to or loss of a non-owned trailer you’re hauling under a written agreement, so you’re not stuck covering repair or replacement costs if something goes wrong. For instance, if you’re pulling a borrowed trailer loaded with goods through Plano and a collision dents it badly, this coverage handles the repair costs. Or if a fire in Arlington destroys the trailer or it’s stolen while parked in Frisco, you’re covered for the loss. In Texas, trailer interchange coverage isn’t required by law, but if you’re working under contracts with shippers, brokers, or terminals, they often demand it to ensure their trailers are protected while in your care. Without this coverage, you could be on the hook for thousands to fix or replace a damaged trailer—say, $20,000 for a standard dry van or more for a specialized one—which can hit your business hard. We at TIS know how much you rely on these agreements to keep freight moving, so we recommend this coverage to avoid unexpected expenses. The amount of coverage you need depends on the trailer’s value, but it’s got to be enough to cover repairs or replacement if things go south. We make it straightforward to get trailer interchange coverage that fits your big rig’s hauling contracts, whether you’re running routes in Corpus Christi or crossing state lines. Our team at TIS ensures your policy is tailored to the trailers you pull, so you can focus on the road without worrying about what happens to someone else’s equipment.

• Non-Trucking Liability

  Texas truckers using their big rigs for non-business purposes need non-trucking liability coverage as a key part of their Texas big rig insurance to stay protected. This coverage, often called bobtail or deadhead insurance, pays for injuries or property damage you cause in an accident when you’re driving your rig without a trailer or not under dispatch—like heading home or running personal errands. For instance, if you’re driving your rig through Round Rock after dropping a load and you rear-end a car, this coverage handles the other driver’s medical bills or vehicle repairs. Or if you sideswipe a fence in Irving while heading to a repair shop without a trailer, it covers the damage. In Texas, non-trucking liability coverage isn’t required by law, but if you’re leased to a motor carrier, they typically demand it to cover gaps when you’re not hauling for them. Most motor carriers require a minimum of $1 million in coverage to ensure adequate protection, and without it, you could be personally responsible for thousands in costs—think $10,000 for a wrecked car or far more if someone’s seriously hurt—which can wipe out your savings. We at TIS understand how truckers use their rigs off the clock, so we recommend this coverage to avoid financial trouble during personal use. We suggest confirming your lease agreement’s requirements, but $1 million is the standard to meet most carrier expectations. We make it simple to get non-trucking liability coverage that fits your big rig’s off-duty use, whether you’re cruising through Sugar Land or driving out of state. Our team at TIS ensures your policy is set up to keep you covered, so you can use your rig worry-free when you’re not on the job.

• Excess Liability

  Accidents involving big rigs in Texas can lead to enormous costs, and excess liability coverage is a vital addition to your Texas big rig insurance to keep you financially secure. Often called umbrella liability, this coverage steps in to cover expenses for injuries or property damage you cause in an accident when your primary liability policy’s limits are maxed out, protecting you from devastating out-of-pocket payments. Say you’re hauling through Frisco and trigger a chain-reaction crash with $2 million in damages, but your primary liability only covers $1 million—excess liability picks up the remaining $1 million. Or if you smash into a warehouse in Laredo and the repair costs soar past your primary policy, this coverage takes over. While Texas doesn’t mandate excess liability coverage by law, the potential for massive damages with big rigs makes it a wise choice to safeguard your business and personal finances. A single lawsuit or high-cost claim could otherwise cost you hundreds of thousands, or even millions, putting your livelihood at risk. We at TIS see how critical extra protection is for truckers, so we strongly suggest this coverage for added security. You can get limits starting at $1 million, going up to $5 million or higher, based on your contracts and freight type. Check with your brokers or shippers, as some insist on higher limits for valuable loads. We simplify the process of adding excess liability coverage to suit your big rig’s needs, whether you’re navigating routes in Garland or driving out of state. Our team at TIS makes sure your policy provides the extra safety net you need, letting you focus on the road without fearing catastrophic costs.

• Personal Injury Protection

  For Texas truckers driving an 18-wheeler, personal injury protection (PIP) coverage is a valuable part of your Texas commercial trucking insurance to cover medical expenses and more after an accident, regardless of who’s at fault. PIP helps pay for medical bills, lost wages, and sometimes even household assistance for you and your passengers if you’re injured in a crash, easing the financial burden while you recover. For instance, if you’re hauling through McKinney and a collision leaves you with a sprained back, PIP covers your doctor visits and a portion of your income while you’re sidelined. Or if you and a co-driver are hurt in a wreck in Carrollton, it takes care of hospital costs and therapy sessions. In Texas, PIP isn’t mandatory for commercial vehicles like semi-trucks, but it’s automatically included in most insurance policies unless you reject it in writing. Without PIP, you could face thousands in medical bills or struggle without pay, especially if injuries keep you off the road for weeks or months. We at TIS understand the challenges of recovering from an injury while keeping your trucking business afloat, so we suggest considering this coverage for added security. Coverage limits typically start at $2,500 per person but can be adjusted higher based on your needs, so it’s smart to review what your policy offers. We make it easy to include PIP coverage that suits your commercial trucking operations, whether you’re running routes in Richardson or crossing state lines. Our team at TIS ensures your policy is customized to protect you and your passengers, so you can focus on healing without the stress of mounting expenses.

• Workers Compensation

  Texas truckers operating a commercial truck need workers compensation coverage as a vital part of their Texas trucking insurance to protect themselves or their employees if injured on the job. This coverage pays for medical expenses, lost wages, and sometimes rehabilitation costs for work-related injuries or illnesses, ensuring you or your drivers aren’t left struggling financially after an accident. For example, if you’re loading freight in Cedar Park and strain your back, workers compensation covers your medical bills and a portion of your income while you recover. Or if a driver slips off the cab in Mesquite and breaks a leg, it handles hospital costs and time off work. In Texas, workers compensation isn’t required by law for most private employers, including independent truckers or small trucking companies, but opting out can leave you vulnerable to lawsuits or hefty medical costs. If you have employees, many shippers or brokers require it to work with you, and as a sole owner-operator, you can still get it to protect yourself. Without this coverage, a single injury could mean thousands in doctor bills or lost pay, especially if you’re sidelined for months. We at TIS know how physically demanding trucking can be, so we recommend this coverage to keep you or your drivers secure. Benefits typically include full medical coverage and wage replacement (often 66-75% of your income), tailored to the injury’s severity and your policy. We make it simple to set up workers compensation coverage that fits your commercial trucking needs, whether you’re hauling through Lewisville or crossing state lines. Our team at TIS ensures your policy is designed to support you or your employees, so you can keep your operation running without worrying about the cost of workplace injuries.

• Occupational Accident

  As a Texas trucker hauling with a semi-truck, your ability to work is your livelihood, and occupational accident coverage—commonly known as Occ Acc—is a crucial piece of your Texas trucking insurance to protect you if you get injured on the job. Occ Acc helps cover medical bills, lost wages, and sometimes disability or death benefits for work-related injuries, giving independent owner-operators a financial safety net without traditional workers compensation. Say you’re tying down a load in Houston and a loose strap snaps, injuring your arm—Occ Acc pays for your doctor visits and a portion of your income while you’re off the road. Or if you slip while inspecting your rig in Dallas, it takes care of hospital costs and missed work time. Texas doesn’t require this coverage by law, and it’s often used by truckers who own their rigs and lack an employer’s policy. Without it, you could face thousands in medical expenses or lost pay, especially if you’re sidelined for weeks. We at TIS know the physical demands of trucking, so we push for Occ Acc to keep you secure. You’ll typically get medical coverage, wage replacement (around 60-70% of your earnings), and payments for permanent injuries, with limits based on your policy. We simplify getting occupational accident coverage that matches your semi-truck hauls, whether you’re running through San Antonio or out of state. Our team at TIS makes sure your policy fits your needs as an owner-operator, letting you drive without stressing over the cost of a work injury.

• General Liability

  Running a commercial trucking business in Texas comes with risks off the road, and general liability coverage is a key piece of your Texas trucking insurance to keep your operation safe from unexpected claims. It covers costs for injuries or property damage your business causes to others during non-driving activities—like at your yard, office, or while loading freight—so you’re not hit with hefty bills or lawsuits. Say a client trips over a pallet at your terminal in Lubbock and needs stitches; general liability takes care of their medical expenses. Or if you accidentally damage a customer’s loading dock in Corpus Christi while maneuvering your rig, it pays for the repairs. Texas doesn’t legally require general liability coverage for trucking companies, but lots of shippers, warehouses, or clients won’t sign contracts without it, wanting assurance their property and people are covered. Going without this coverage could mean shelling out thousands for legal fights, medical bills, or fixes—$10,000 for a busted gate or way more if someone’s badly injured—which can sink your business fast. We at TIS get how these risks can sneak up, so we strongly suggest this coverage to keep your company secure. You’ll usually start with a $1 million limit per incident, though some contracts might call for more, depending on your work. We simplify getting general liability coverage that matches your commercial trucking setup, whether you’re based in McAllen or hauling out of state. Our team at TIS makes sure your policy fits the specific risks your business faces, letting you focus on moving freight without sweating potential claims.

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