Truck Insurance Coverage in New Jersey

The core policies

• Commercial auto liability for injuries and damage you cause on the road
• Motor truck cargo for the freight in your care
• Physical damage for your tractors and trailers
• Trailer interchange or non-owned trailer coverage for equipment you pull but do not own
• General liability for exposures off the road such as yard operations
• Workers compensation for employees

Interstate versus intrastate

Carriers that cross state lines for hire need USDOT registration and FMCSA operating authority, and their insurer must file proof of liability coverage with FMCSA before that authority becomes active. Federal minimum liability limits depend on what you haul and the size of the vehicle. Carriers that stay inside New Jersey still need a USDOT number in many cases and must meet state insurance rules.

Customers often require limits above the federal or state minimum, so read your contracts before choosing a liability limit.

What underwriters look at

Expect questions about driver experience and motor vehicle records, the radius you operate in, the commodities you haul, your safety scores and inspection history, and where trucks are parked at night. New ventures are quoted, but options can be narrower until the company builds a record.

Coverage by operation

Frequently asked questions