Coverage trucking operations commonly need
- Auto liability: often $2 million or more, depending on contracts and where you operate
- Physical damage: collision and comprehensive for tractors and trailers
- Motor truck cargo: for the freight you haul, subject to commodity restrictions
- Non-owned trailer coverage for trailers you pull but don’t own
- Commercial general liability for your business operations beyond driving
- Accident benefits as required in Ontario
Regulatory and contract requirements
- CVOR: Ontario requires a Commercial Vehicle Operator’s Registration for most trucks over 4,500 kg registered gross weight. Your safety record affects insurability.
- Cross-border work: U.S. operations involve additional filings and insurer requirements.
- Shipper and broker contracts often set minimum limits for liability and cargo. Send me the requirements and I’ll check your quote against them.
What insurers look at
- Driver experience and abstracts
- CVOR safety record and inspection history
- Commodities hauled, radius and lanes
- Equipment year and value, plus any telematics or dash cameras
- Loss history over the last several years
What to have ready
- Unit list with year, make, value and VIN
- Driver list (licence details collected by phone)
- Commodities, radius and cross-border percentage
- Current policy, loss runs and any contract insurance requirements
Coverage descriptions are general. Your policy wording, limits and exclusions determine what is covered. Availability and premiums vary by insurer and by your circumstances.