Dump Truck Insurance

Most drivers take to online in search of cheap auto insurance, but what if you need different types of insurance?

For example, if you run a truck for a living, more specifically a dump truck, then you would be looking for low cost dump truck insurance in California, instead.

Regardless if you live in Los Angeles CA, or San Bernardino CA commercial insurance is a necessity if you are using it to make a living.

It’s a part of your resume, without it, you can’t go to work.

Without work, your truck is just sitting. This is every truckers worst fear.

The whole reason for buying a truck for yourself is to make sure it’s burning gas.

This is true regardless if you are driving it yourself or have a crew for that part.

Commercial Truck Insurance – Special Regulations

Many regulations and guidelines apply to your industry if you drive dump trucks, or any type of commercial vehicles for that matter.

However, since dump vehicles are in a league of their own, we will start the discussion here.

Understanding these regulations can save you money on your dump truck insurance policy. It’s important you are not just cutting coverage for cost either.

Special Regulations apply to a dump truck insurance policy.

These regulations apply to all commercial policies depending on your job description and driving radius.

Truck Classification

Dump trucks are classified under the heavy commercial vehicle category.

This type of category requires special considerations compare to its light and medium commercial auto vehicle counterparts.

Dump truck coverage and other large commercial policies are regulated under the Commercial Carrier Regulations.

We will examine in the below paragraphs to make sure you are being covered properly for your specific niche before comparing online quotes.

Truck Insurance – Business Carrier Regulations

The Commercial Carrier Regulations apply to commercial carriers of both passengers and cargo.

This is because of the risk of common carrier accidents.

In order to protect the interest of the general public, the state and federal government created laws.

These laws require a trucker to have a minimum financial responsibility.

This requirement is for all commercial carriers.

Requirements

These requirements may be met either by purchasing insurance.

Also, it can be obtained through a surety bond.

A guaranteeing payment in the amount that is at least equal to the minimum limits.

In some cases, full or partial self coverage may be accepted.

Normally this can occur if the carrier proves the necessary financial date to support the ability to fully or partially self insure.

Federal Rules

Federal rules for common carriers were established by the Motor Carrier Act of 1980.

This took effect in 1981 and has since been amended to increase the financial responsibility limits required in the United States.

The Department of Transportation is responsible for the enforcement of these requirements since it falls under their jurisdiction.

The actual act requires minimum liability coverage for carriers of certain hazardous substances.

In addition to the direct injury and damage that can be caused by a collision.

This would  involve a commercial carrier, hazardous substances pose a special threat unlike any other material or substance.

Other Substances

Some substances can carry a special risk of fire and explosion, while others may release poisonous gases. This may endanger people and pollute the environment as an effect.

Many of the substance which pose no immediate short-term risk to humans might still carry a long-term risk to the environment.

Liability regulations serve two purposes: first, they provide some degree of protection to the public by providing funds for the actual damage claims.

Second, the existence of the requirements create financial incentives and serves as a reminder to common carriers to follow safety standards.

Single Limit

The federal law requires a single limit of liability that will apply to all payments for bodily injuries, property damage and environmental restoration.

This  was resulting from negligence in the maintenance, operation or use of motor vehicles subject to the act.

It is not necessary for the type of motor vehicle “accident” we normally think of to occur for liability to be imposed.

“Negligence” could result from failure to close a valve, resulting in leakage of fluids or gases.

Required Coverage

The required coverage is designed to pay for “public liability” — it does not apply to injuries to the carrier’s employees or loss of the cargo being carried.

Coverage is usually obtained by attaching an endorsement to a policy providing commercial auto or truckers coverage.

The endorsement has been developed by the Department of Transportation, and not all insurance carriers are willing to provide it.

Coverage Commercial Forms

You want to make sure the commercial dump truck insurance companies you contact, offer these forms.

Commercial coverage forms exclude nearly all forms of pollution.

Also, when insurers are unwilling to write the “environment restoration” coverage the commercial carrier will have to look to other markets.

Other States

Some states have a commercial automobile assigned risk pool, which may provide the coverage.

Residual market mechanisms and the surplus lines market may have to be explored in order to obtain coverage.

The required limits vary by size of the vehicle and the type of commodity being carried.

Material that are classified by listings under

Title 49 of the Code of Federal Regulations.

 Commercial Auto Insurance Coverage – minimum requirements?

• $750,000 for the transportation of non hazardous property
• $1 million for the transportation of listed in 49 CFR 172.101
• $5 million for the transportation of hazardous substances as defined in 49 CFR

Commercial Fleet Coverage

If you have a dump truck business and have a “Fleet,”then you have many vehicles.

This means that there are multiple dump trucks and all listed on one commercial insurance package.

This is used instead of buying separate individual polices for each dump truck.

This can mean huge savings, especially if you package it all in with General Liability,

Workers Compensation and so forth.

Types of Commercial Insurance – Not all the Same

Remember that not all providers have access to a market that can package everything into a single policy.

This is why it is imperative when shopping for coverage in California, is to always ask if direct access to the commercial carrier is available.

Also check to see if they can package everything onto one policy.

If not, ask if an option to add multiple vehicles to one policy without any caps or restrictions can apply to your policy.

Commercial Coverage – Underwriting Concerns

Remember, firms can be exposed to a wide variety of hazards such as:

• depending on the nature of their hauling operations,
• radius of travel,
• type of commodities hauled,
• and extent of warehousing or other incidental operations

The following exposures to loss are of particular concern to underwriters when evaluating accounts.

Transportation Regulations – Motor Carrier Act

The motor Carrier Act of 1980 has had a proud effect on the competitive situation for most regulated carriers.

There is now a more aggressive environment which makes it more difficult for motor carriers to maintain profit margins.

Additionally, companies that insure regulated carriers must file MCS-90 forms.

This holds them to absolute liability regardless of whether the trucker has the ability to reimburse them in case of an uninsured loss.

Consequently, most underwriters will want to closely review the past record of the trucks financial statements when submitting to ensure coverage.

The account has to look financially sound to the underwriter.

Conduct of Business Insurance

Usually a firm conducts business can be another major consideration for carriers.

Underwriters will want to know the extent that a company uses leased, rented or borrowed vehicles.

They will also want to review the relationships drivers have to the trucking company.

As an example, may companies will lease out some or all of their driving duties to independent owner operators on either a per trip on a long-term basis.

In these cases, procedures requiring proof of insurance form owner operators should be in place.

This is because such drivers are responsible for their own coverage.

Policy High Hazard

Some operations can be labeled as high hazard operations.

These operations may disqualify them from many insurance programs.

Most underwriters will want a detailed description of the types of hauling done as well as all incidental operations they may engage in.

Commonly excluded activities include long haul trucking exposures.

The extensive back hauling:

• of unknown commodities,
• transportation of garbage,
• waster materials or build commodities,
• such as sand, gravel, etc.

Reason for Most Common Loss

Probably the number one cause of trucking losses results from driver error.

Consequently, most underwriters will require that an established driver qualification program be in place for all drivers who operate company vehicles.

Such a program may vary depending on the scope of operations.

But it will generally involve a number of steps designed to ensure careful driver selection, trailing, and on going supervision.

Policy Insurance Requirements

For instance, requirements might include:

• license checks along with written and road tests from all new drivers,
• motor vehicle record checks on an annual basis for current drivers,
• and compliance with all applicable DOT., ICC and state agency regulations.

Compliance may necessitate:

• physical exams,
• accident reporting,
• during testing of drivers,
• or other government mandated actions.

Liability Insurance – Major Cause of Claims

Another major cause of claims results from improperly maintained vehicles.

All companies require that firms establish a vehicle maintenance program that includes:

• written service and repair records,
• out of service standards,
• regular vehicle inspections including driver checks prior to and after each trip.

Also mandatory replacement schedules for both equipment and vehicles.

Nature of Commodities

The nature of the commodities hauled by drivers are another factor that will be reviewed by an insurance underwriter.

Cargo often targets as high hazard includes, designated hazardous cargo or explosive, flammable cargo.

In addition, high valued, fragile, or perishable cargo as well as gaseous or explosive cargo would fall under this tier.

Theft Coverage

Theft is the major cause of loss to cargo.

The two major factors that determine the severity of this exposure are the type of commodity and the area of operations.

Since insurance companies cannot change these variables.

Most will take a close look at specific theft prevention methods used by an insured to protect shipments.

Types of Business Insurance

This might include:

• use of truck or warehouse alarms,
• hiring of guard services,
• use of convoys or accompany vehicles for high target cargo,
• use of loose pick up tucks for local deliveries,
• and the use of fencing and lighting at terminal areas

All firms maintain and use a variety of flammable substances including:

• gasoline,
• solvents,
• paints,
• and thinners.

Underwriters will closely review the usage and storage procedures used in conjunction with these items.

High Hazard

High hazard repair operations:

• such as welding,
• battery storage and or recharge,
• parts cleaning,
• and spray painting

The above, require that trucking firms follow all National Fire Protection Association guidelines for such activities.

Public Access

Public access to shipping and receiving areas can lead to slip and fall related claims.

This can be especially relevant for truckers who maintain warehousing operations.

Underwriters will want to review those procedures that are used to keep all public access areas free of:

• oils,
• snow,
• ice
• and debris

Transit Companies

Transit Companies that store gasoline or other petroleum produces in underground tanks are subject:

• to a number of additional federal
• state,
• and local regulations

Truckers who engage in vehicle repair work resulting in the disposal of hazardous waste materials.

They are subject to the Toxic Substance Control Act.

Underwriters will closely review all pollution related exposures even when the garage or liability policy contains an absolute pollution exclusion.

Terminal Operations

Terminal operations where large numbers of vehicles are parked can present a catastrophic loss potential.

Vehicle thefts and vandalism can be common in high crime urban areas.

Severe wind damage, flood or fire loss can occur whenever large numbers of vehicles are present.

Underwriters will review closely all procedures and methods used to reduce these loss exposures.

Warehouse Operations

Warehouse operation require the same fire protection considerations as any large property structure.

Underwriters will closely review the age, construction and updating of all building.

This is along with the extent of private and public fire protection available.

Housekeeping in storage areas and merchandise stacking procedures will also be a primary concern for warehouse operations.

Moving and Storing Operations

Moving and storage operations will be closely reviewed as to the quality control program utilized for packing, delivery and installation work.

Most underwriters will want to make sure that such work is checked.

Also that it is approved by knowledgeable supervisory or to the experience personnel.

Maintain records of such work including any customer complaints and actions taken are a plus.

Freight Forward

Freight forwarders or specialized haulers may engage in consulting services and could be prone to confessional liability exposures.

Most underwriters will take a very close look at these operations.

Cash Handling Process

Cash handling procedures may also be reviewed. Such controls can vary but could include the following:

• the use of pre number purchase orders,
• invoices,
• warehouse receipts,
• and bills of lading.

Compare and Save

If you should need help comparing cheap dump truck insurance in California.

This is true regardless if you live in Orange County CA, or Long Beach CA.

We are here to help, contact a license commercial coverage specialist or find commercial dump truck insurance in California at 877-539-2533!

Service Areas: Los Angeles, Orange, Huntington Beach, Riverside, Torrance, Ontario, Los Angeles,