Truck Insurance FAQ
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What is the difference between primary liability and secondary liability?
The difference is that primary liability is protection for the public and is also required by the FMCSA to obtain your own authority. While secondary liability coverage is required by your motor carrier and only covers you under a permanent signed lease with the motor carrier.
What is the minimum coverage needed to get my authority?
The FMCSA requires $750,000 primary liability coverage, however most shippers require $1,000,000 in order for a trucker to load. The most common request for cargo is $100k; however this depends on what you will be hauling and who you will be hauling for.
What coverage is needed to get my truck tags?
In order to get your truck tags, you must have primary liability coverage. Furthermore, if you are running under your own authority, you may want to have this coverage under your name. If you have leased from a motor carrier, you may then have this coverage through your carrier.
What is the purpose of obtaining Physical Damage if my truck is parked and there is no lien holder?
Physical damage will cover the investment you have made in your own truck. This covers a variety of perils other than the accident including; fires, theft, wind, hail, and vandalism.
Can I get my own cargo and primary liability when I have leased to a motor carrier?
The FMCSA requires the motor carriers whose authority you may be running under to obtain both Primary Liability and Cargo coverage. Of course, the motor carrier may charge you for this coverage option. It is advised to review any lease agreements carefully before signing then in order to determine the fees you will be charged for.
Can I use bobtail liability to get my truck tags?
In most stages, you will be required to prove financial responsibility, which is the Primary Auto Liability Insurance, rather than Bobtail Liability. Of course, you may be able to get by using proof of Bobtail liability depending on who is working at your DMV.
What is my truck valued at and what is the difference between actual cash value and stated limit?
A Stated Limit Policy is when the insured individual or entity places a value on their equipment. During the event of a loss, this policy will pay for either the actual cash value or the stated limit, typically whichever is the lesser amount. This stated limit policy runs the risk of over or under-insuring equipment.
What type of insurance do I need to run under my own authority?
Typically, Auto Liability and Cargo insurance are the two most important types of coverages required to run your own authority. Other types of coverages may be required in contracts with brokers and shippers.
What type of insurance do I need if I lease from a motor carrier?
Yes, the FMCSCA requires all automobile hauling operations to carry a minimum of $1,000,000.00 in Liability. Cargo limits are usually higher than the typical $100k and would need to be determined based upon several different factors including your shipper and broker requirements, the type of automobiles that will be hauled, and how many vehicles will be hauled.
Do I need to have bobtail liability if I haul under my own authority?
No, as long as the Primary Auto Liability is in your own name, or your corporation and you are the owner of the truck you will not be required to carry bobtail liability.
Contact an Experienced Phoenix Truck Accident Attorney Today
At Phillips Law Group, our attorneys believe that if you or a family member has been injured in a truck accident, the victim may be entitled to compensation for their losses and damages. Our attorneys will work relentlessly to recover the maximum compensation benefits allowed, while seeking the justice you deserve for your losses and damages.
Based in Phoenix, Arizona, our attorneys are able to serve throughout the entire state and elsewhere. Some of the local Phoenix areas our attorneys serve include:
- Beardsley
- Circle City
- Cotton Center
- Glendale
- Maricopa
- Mesa
- Sun City
- Tempe
- Wittmann
If you have more questions about truck insurance, or have been injured in a truck accident, our attorneys welcome you to contact our firm with any questions by calling 1-800-706-3000 today. Alternatively, if you would rather have our law firm contact you, simply complete the Free Case Review form located on this page. This form is completely free to submit and all information entered will remain completely confidential between you and our law firm.
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Liz Gonzales was great!!!!
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I have been with Phillips Law Group for a little over a year and I have learned what teamwork and family in a workplace looks like. There is always someone around to lend a helping hand, which is something I appreciate and cherish. I feel a sense of joy coming to work every day because of my co-workers as well as being able to help people in what can be a scary and stressful situation. I currently work as a Litigation Legal Assistant with an amazing team. When I started here, I was not very knowledgeable in personal injury. I was lucky to have been placed with an amazing team who was willing to take time to teach and pass on some great skills that have been a huge aid in helping me be successful in my position. I would recommend working here at Phillips Law Group, because they care about their employees and there is so much room for growth.
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Phillips Law Group has a proven track record of success. Juan Roque, in particular, is integral to that. He works with integrity, compassion, and an undefeated optimism that makes him a valuable asset.
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It’s an Honor and a Privilege to work for a company that cares about its employees and clients for 12 years. I’ve seen Management go out of their way to help someone whether it’s a personal matter or work related. I am also reminded of many occasions where a Client needed urgent help and we as a Team were able to get the person immediate assistance. At Phillips Law we make that happen through Teamwork and a dedication to our profession. I’ve had numerous jobs in several other fields, those were just jobs. This is a home. Many of us have been here for quite a few years, it feels like one large extended family.
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Jasmine Delgado is an amazing paralegal. She was patient, kind and extremely knowledgeable. Highly recommend Phillips law group
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I would like to send special thanks to Phillips Law Group for giving me the opportunity to be a part of the Best Law Firm here in the Valley. During these troubling times with the epidemic, Phillips Law Group has masterfully created this family-like environment while still maintaining a professional and business-like approach for all their clients. Thru impeccable leadership that is unmatched by other law firms to the Multi-diverse employment opportunities that many employees advance within the firm; Phillips Law Group has not only distanced themselves from all other competition in the Personal Injury field but also has innovatively changed the narrative of being a great law institution. From providing Employee Appreciation Day to celebrating all major Holiday including great competitive contests; Phillips Law Group has the total participation of all employees to help contribute to the continued success of this firm. So in closing I would like to thank Senior Administration (Jeffery Phillips, Eva Chiaramonte, and Tim Tonkin) along with all of my colleagues and many friends for help making Phillips Law Group a unique and wonderful place to call my place of employment for 6+ years.
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Although my accident was fortunately not a major one, The Phillips Law Group AZ treated it as such. Their staff, specifically Mr Juan Roque was very professional, courteous and most importantly very informative. Mr Roque's attentive service was phenomenal and I highly recommend this firm!
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Jasmine helped me so so much I want to thank her ! And also Aaron , i was always scared after an accident , knowing I would have to deal with lawyers but not here . Luckily I’ve only been in 3 accidents but this time it was fast and easy . And i received all the treatments I needed to help me recover ! Thank you Jasmine and Aaron!
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Positive: Professionalism, Quality, Responsiveness, Value As someone who is familiar with the inner workings of the auto insurance industry I can whole heartedly endorse Steven J. Jones and Phillips law group as someone I would want on my side should litigation take place. They handled my case professionally, honestly, and with satisfactory results which I would not have expected without enlisting their help.
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Two family members were in a bad wreck a couple of years ago, and as a result called Phillips Law to represent them. Montana Thompson was the attorney assigned to the case with the help of Nemo Farr as legal assistant. Mr. Thompson litigated a very generous settlement for both my stepdaughter and her son. Because my grandson is a minor, I decided to act as conservator for him to ensure the settlement was safe and secure. Montana helped with that process, but it was Nemo who went way above and beyond the call in finding a financial institution to use for the restricted account. There were some glitches in that process but Nemo helped navigate them with a calm expertise which belies his age. I would consider them both great representatives of the level of commitment to their clients and assets to their firm.