What Liability Insurance is Required for Commercial Vehicles in Florida?

Florida state law requires a different level of liability insurance for commercial vehicles than for private vehicles. While automobile drivers are required to carry at least $10,000 in a personal injury policy, commercial vehicle owners’ liability coverage minimums are determined by what freight you haul and where. Commercial vehicle owners should carry public liability insurance to protect them and the public from accidents where the truck driver is at fault. Bodily injury liability insurance pays for medical bills for others involved in the accident. Property damage pays for repairs to others’ property damaged by the accident caused by the truck driver.

Commercial Insurance Coverage Requirements Within Florida

If you only deliver within Florida’s boundaries and your truck is over 26,000 GVW, you’re only required to get an intrastate only USDOT number. Your insurance minimums are:

• • Liability Insurance for Oil Transport: $1,000,000
• • Liability Insurance for Hazmat $5,000,000
• • Liability Insurance for Household Goods $300,000
• • Liability Insurance for General Freight $750,000

Out of State Commercial Insurance Coverage Requirements

Commercial vehicles traveling out of state must comply with all DOT truck insurance requirements outlined by the FMCSA. Minimum commercial insurance requirements depend on the type of freight carried:

• • Non-hazardous freight in vehicles under 10,001 pounds $300,000
• • Non-hazardous freight in vehicles over 10,0001 pounds $750,000
• • Oil carried by for-hire and private carriers $1,000,000
• • Other hazardous material carried by for-hire and private carriers $5,000,000

Keep in mind, these are minimums. If you’re a driver of a commercial vehicle and you’re involved in an accident in which damages total more than you’re coverage, you or your company is still responsible for what’s not covered. If you are involved in an accident with a tractor-trailer or a semi truck, we encourage you to talk to an attorney before talking with their insurance company.

Dan Newlin and his team are here to answer any questions you may have about your coverage and liability. Call Dan Newlin Injury Attorneys at 800-257-1822.

Don’t hesitate to reach out and inquire about how we can help you, whether you need free advice or an attorney to help you navigate the complexities of commercial insurance policies.