For a Motor Carrier to legally move goods across state lines it’s key to meet FMCSA’s minimum Commercial Auto Liability Requirements. A new insurance company has stepped into the arena to make that a whole lot easier.
Florida Commercial Truck Insurance Requirements for Motor Carriers are first based on Federal Requirements set by FMCSA.
FMCSA is the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration which oversees the Department of Transportation.
In order to drive legally, commercial trucks hauling freight for hire across state lines must first register with FMCSA.
FMCSA then assigns you a DOT number.
Proof of Commercial Auto Liability Insurance limits are then required.
Your insurance provider supplies that proof directly to FMCSA with a BMC-91X Filing.
An MCS-90 is the endorsement to your policy which guarantees the insurance.
Once that’s completed you are granted an MC, Motor Carrier Operating Authority and are legal to haul freight for hire across state lines.
Why is Commercial Truck Insurance so expensive in Florida?
Commercial Truck Insurance can be a significant expense for new startup motor carriers in any state, not just Florida.
The high costs are a combination of historically poor underwriting results and high litigation costs which lead to lack of insurance providers.
Before obtaining your DOT registration, be sure to get estimates for insurance premiums from a professional truck insurance broker because insurance expenses are likely to be a substantial part of your overall costs.
On the brighter side, the trucking insurance industry does have some positive news for new startup owner-operators and motor carriers.
Is there a new Commercial Vehicle Insurance provider for Expediters in Florida?
Yes, a new commercial vehicle insurance option has rolled out for new Expediting Ventures in Ohio, Indiana, Illinois, Florida, South Carolina, Texas, Arizona and Colorado. This program is through hand selected independent agents.
They offer new competitive premiums for both new startup truckers as well as established entities.
CIS is excited to partner with this new trucking insurance contender with some refreshingly great rates for our Owner Ops and small Motor Carriers!
CIS: 330-864-1511
15 minutes really could save you BIG $$$ on your Expediting Insurance!
FMCSA Commercial Auto Liability Requirements for Motor Carriers
$750,000 minimum for Commercial Trucks hauling general freight
$300,000 minimum for Commercial Trucks hauling household goods
$300,000 minimum for Commercial Van and Sprinter Insurance
Florida Commercial Truck Insurance Requirements include two other types of insurance:
This is because Florida is a no-fault state where every driver is responsible for their own Medical or Property Damage expenses up to $10,000 each.
All vehicles tagged in Florida are required to carry both Personal Injury Protection (PIP) and Property Damage Liability (PDL) insurance.
So if you get hurt in a car accident you file the claim with your own insurance company first, regardless of who was at fault.
- Minimum Florida Personal Injury Protection (PIP) covers medical expenses up to $10,000.
- Minimum Florida Property Damage Liability (PDL) covers damage to property up to $10,000.
PIP covers 80% of all necessary and reasonable medical expenses up to $10,000 resulting from a covered injury, no matter who caused the crash.
PDL pays for damage to another person’s property caused by you or someone else driving your vehicle.
When you purchase your Commercial Truck Insurance, your insurer will file proof of this coverage with the Florida Department of Highway Safety and Motor Vehicles. (DHSMV)
They also notify Florida DHSMV when you no longer have this required insurance coverage on your truck.
Regardless of whether you’re actually using your truck, it’s important to keep your Florida commercial truck insurance in force for the entire time you own your truck.
If it should lapse, Florida DHSMV then has the authority to suspend your driving privileges, license plate and registration for up to 3 years for an uninsured vehicle.
Be sure to surrender your license plate/tag BEFORE cancelling your insurance.
This rule applies whether or not you are a Motor Carrier hauling freight for hire across state lines, this is a Florida statute for everyone.
States can also have different rules for their own tags, licensing and taxes on commercial vehicles.
What makes a truck a commercial vehicle in Florida?
Florida Statute 320.01(26) includes commercial vehicle designation to vehicles or combination of vehicle and trailer at GVW 26,001 lbs or more.
That includes 1 ton Duallys with Trailers commonly used for HotShot trucking when the combination of both exceeds 26,001 lbs.
HotShot Truck insurance usually falls under the $750,000 limit requirement.
Trucks with three or more axles regardless of weight are also required to register as commercial vehicles.
Trucks used for personal use and not for hire are not required to register as a commercial vehicle in Florida.
[Related Story – What is the Definition of a Commercial Vehicle]
Florida motor vehicles registration fees are based on the Gross Vehicle Weight of the truck.
Here’s what you need to register a commercial truck in Florida:
- Vehicle ID number (VIN #) of the truck
- Proof of your Florida insurance including PIP & PDL
- Proof of Florida residence
Florida requires that you display either your Florida Registration Number or U.S. DOT Number on the side of your truck.
If you are over 26,000 GVW and haul freight for hire across state lines you will need a Florida IRP and IFTA.
International Registration Plan (IRP) is a reciprocal agreement that allows you to purchase one license plate which registers you with all other states and Canada.
Here is a sample of your IRP form.
Once completed, you are required to display apportioned license plates on your truck.
International Fuel Tax Agreement (IFTA) is an agreement between states to pay taxes based on the amount of miles traveled in the state instead of where the fuel was purchased.
You will also need to display your IFTA decal on your truck.
Here’s how you get your Florida Commercial Truck IFTA decal:
- Click, complete then print your Application for International Fuel Tax Agreement and accompanying decal order forms.
- Make a copy then snail mail to:
There is no charge for the IFTA license, but Florida IFTA decals are $4.00 per pair.
For more help with your new Florida Commercial Trucking Insurance, just give us a call at CIS 330-864-1511
We’d love to help get you on the road, and start earning money!
