Choosing the right True North Commercial Truck Insurance can feel confusing—especially with rising premiums and strict FMCSA requirements. Trucking businesses and owner-operators often struggle to find insurance that’s affordable, reliable, and tailored to their specific risks. This guide breaks it all down in simple terms so you can confidently protect your truck, freight, and business.
What Is True North Commercial Truck Insurance?
True North Commercial Truck Insurance refers to a specialized set of insurance solutions designed for trucking businesses, fleets, and owner-operators. It includes liability, physical damage, cargo protection, and additional coverages that help trucking companies stay compliant and financially protected.
Read too: Top Trucking Companies That Still Have Manual Transmissions
Trucking insurance is more complex than regular auto insurance because commercial trucking is governed by strict federal safety rules. According to FMCSA data, over 500,000 crashes involving large trucks occur annually—making proper insurance essential for financial stability and legal compliance.
For general background about the trucking industry, you may reference the Trucking section on Wikipedia.org.
Why Trucking Companies Rely on True North Insurance Solutions
True North is known for designing customized insurance programs for fleets and individual drivers. Their coverage is built around real-world trucking risks such as cargo theft, equipment breakdowns, and liability claims.
Key strengths often highlighted by clients:
- Tailored plans for fleets, independent contractors, and leased-on drivers
- Flexible monthly or annual premium options
- Claims assistance familiar with trucking regulations
- Coverage aligned with DOT and FMCSA compliance needs
This combination makes True North a preferred insurance provider for many trucking businesses.
Main Insurance Coverages Included in True North Commercial Truck Insurance
1. Primary Liability Insurance
This is required by federal law for motor carriers. It covers bodily injury and property damage caused by your truck.
Common limits:
- $750,000 (minimum FMCSA requirement)
- $1 million (industry standard)
- Higher limits for hazmat carriers
People Also Ask:
“Is primary liability the same as commercial auto liability?”
Yes, but trucking liability must meet federal standards and usually carries higher minimum limits.
2. Physical Damage Coverage
Covers your truck and trailer in situations such as:
- Collision
- Fire
- Vandalism
- Weather damage
- Theft
Typical deductible: $1,000–$2,500 depending on truck value.
3. Motor Truck Cargo Insurance
Protects the freight you haul.
Covers:
- Theft
- Spoilage (reefer failure)
- Damage during transit
- Load overturn
- Equipment failure
Cargo coverage limits vary based on the commodity—typically $50,000 to $250,000.
4. Non-Trucking Liability (NTL)
Protects leased-on owner-operators when using the truck for personal use.
NTL does not cover dispatch-related driving.
5. Bobtail Insurance
Covers your truck when operated without a trailer, regardless of whether you are under dispatch.
6. General Liability Insurance
Required for companies with multiple trucks or terminals.
Covers:
- Customer injuries at your facility
- Damage to customer property
- Legal defense costs
7. Occupational Accident Insurance (OccAcc)
A popular alternative to workers’ compensation for independent contractors.
Covers:
- Medical bills
- Lost wages
- Accidental death
- Disability
Premiums are usually cheaper than traditional workers’ comp.
8. Workers’ Compensation (WC)
Required for companies with full-time employees.
Covers:
- Workplace injuries
- Medical treatment
- Lost income
- Rehabilitation
Coverage Comparison Table
| Coverage Type | Required? | Best For | Typical Limit |
|---|---|---|---|
| Primary Liability | Yes | All carriers | $750K–$1M |
| Physical Damage | No | Truck owners | Based on truck value |
| Cargo Insurance | Often | Freight carriers | $50K–$250K |
| Bobtail | Sometimes | Leased O/O | $1M |
| General Liability | Sometimes | Large fleets | $1M–$2M |
| OccAcc | Optional | Owner-operators | Custom |
| Workers’ Comp | Yes (employees) | Fleets | State-based |
How Much Does True North Commercial Truck Insurance Cost?
Premiums vary depending on:
- Driving record
- Years of CDL experience
- Truck value
- What you haul
- Radius of operation
- DOT safety score
- Company size
Average Annual Cost Estimates:
- Owner-Operators: $8,000–$14,000 per year
- Small Fleets (2–10 trucks): $22,000–$70,000 per year
- Medium Fleets: Customized rating models
- New Authorities: Premiums up to 30–40% higher
Insurance experts note that new entrants pay the highest premiums due to limited safety history and higher perceived risk.
Pros & Cons of True North Commercial Truck Insurance
Pros
- ✔ Tailored trucking-only insurance solutions
- ✔ Strong industry reputation
- ✔ Competitive plans for leased-on drivers
- ✔ Helpful claims assistance team
- ✔ Offers risk-management training for fleets
Cons
- ✘ Pricing may be higher for new authorities
- ✘ Limited awareness among newer carriers
- ✘ Not all programs available in all states
How to Choose the Best True North Commercial Truck Insurance Plan
Use this simple 7-step guide:
Step 1: Identify Your Coverage Needs
Ask yourself:
- Do I haul high-value cargo?
- Do I cross state lines?
- Am I leased-on or operating under my own authority?
Step 2: Gather Required Documents
You’ll need:
- CDL
- DOT & MC numbers
- VIN numbers
- Truck value documentation
- Loss history reports
- Driver list
Step 3: Compare Liability Limits
The industry standard is $1 million, but you may need more if you haul hazmat or expensive commodities.
Step 4: Evaluate Deductible Options
Higher deductibles = lower monthly premiums.
Step 5: Review Cargo Exclusions
Some policies exclude:
- Electronics
- Pharmaceuticals
- Alcohol
- Jewelry
Step 6: Ask About Discounts
You may qualify for discounts if you:
- Install dashcams
- Join safety programs
- Maintain clean inspection history
- Use telematics
Step 7: Request a Customized Quote
True North creates quotes specific to your fleet size, truck type, and operational needs.
People Also Ask – Answered
Is True North a good insurance provider for truckers?
Yes. True North is highly regarded for its specialized trucking coverage, strong support services, and knowledge of FMCSA requirements.
Does True North offer insurance for owner-operators?
Absolutely. They offer non-trucking liability, bobtail, physical damage, occupational accident, and more.
What types of trucks does True North cover?
Coverage applies to:
- Semi-trucks
- Reefers
- Box trucks
- Flatbeds
- Tankers
- Hotshot trucks
Does True North help with claims?
Yes. Their claims department is trained in trucking-specific risks to ensure faster settlement.
Is True North insurance expensive?
Pricing varies, but it’s generally competitive—especially for experienced drivers and established fleets.
Can new authorities get coverage?
Yes, though rates may be significantly higher until you build safety history.
FAQ Section (H2)
Q1: What is included in a True North Commercial Truck Insurance policy?
A: Most policies include liability, cargo insurance, physical damage, and optional coverage like bobtail, general liability, and occupational accident.
Q2: How can I lower my True North truck insurance premiums?
A: Improve your safety score, maintain clean inspections, add dashcams, choose higher deductibles, and avoid high-risk cargo.
Q3: Does True North insure hotshot trucking?
A: Yes, they provide insurance solutions for pickup-and-gooseneck operations, including cargo and liability coverage.
Q4: Does True North offer fleet insurance?
A: Yes, they offer flexible fleet programs with customized risk management, loss control, and driver training options.
Q5: Is cargo insurance required by law?
A: No, but brokers and shippers almost always require it to protect freight.
Q6: Does True North provide fast quotes?
A: Most drivers receive a quote within 24–48 hours after submitting required documents.
Conclusion
Choosing True North Commercial Truck Insurance helps ensure your business stays protected from accidents, lawsuits, cargo losses, and equipment damage. With flexible plans, strong industry reputation, and trucking-specific expertise, True North is a solid choice for both fleets and owner-operators.
If this article helped you, feel free to share it on your social media so other truckers can find the coverage they need!
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