Semi Truck Insurancee in Massachusetts | Paul T. Murphy Insurance

WHAT IS IT? WHO NEEDS IT? COVERAGES OFFERED

Businesses that operate big rigs need big insurance. Semi truck insurance gives them access to the coverages and limits tractor-trailers require.

Massachusetts state law generally requires insurance for trucks that are driven on the state’s roadways. Any business operating semis in the state usually needs tractor-trailer insurance.

Physical Damage Coverage
Medical Payments Coverage
Equipment Coverage

What is semi truck insurance?

Tractor-trailers are some of the heaviest and longest trucks on roadways, and Massachusetts businesses must consider the corresponding risks that come with this equipment. To help mitigate potential risks, businesses can get semi truck insurance.

Businesses that operate big rigs need big insurance. Semi truck insurance gives them access to the coverages and limits tractor-trailers require.

What businesses in Massachusetts need to have tractor-trailer insurance?

Massachusetts state law generally requires insurance for trucks that are driven on the state’s roadways. Any business operating semis in the state usually needs tractor-trailer insurance.

In addition to state minimum requirements, federal law typically requires motor truck cargo coverage of at least $5,000 or $10,000 if trucks are driven across state lines. Lenders may have their own physical damage coverage requirements if trucks are financed or leased.

Since semis are used by businesses in many industries, these policies are purchased by a variety of businesses. Some examples include:

Independent long-haul drivers
National and regional freight transporters
Some local freight delivery services
Wholesalers and distributors
Long-distance movers

There are still many other examples of businesses that may need this type of truck insurance.

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What coverages should businesses look for when insuring tractor-trailers?

Tractor-trailers generally need multiple insurance coverages, which may be standard or optional features in semi policies. Some important coverages to consider are:

Physical Damage Coverage: Usually covers damage to a tractor-trailer caused by accidents or other incidents.
Medical Payments Coverage: Usually covers medical costs stemming from injuries to drivers and/or passengers.
Equipment Coverage: Usually covers driver-owned belongings and accessories (e.g. chains, tarps, cones, GPS devices) stored on a truck.
Motor Truck Cargo Coverage: Usually covers cargo damage or loss while it’s loaded onto a trailer.
Bobtail Insurance: Usually covers tractors when there isn’t any trailer attached, whether the truck is being used for work or personal reasons.
Non-Trucking Liability Coverage: Usually covers owner-operators when driving a truck for non-business purposes.
Occupational Accident Coverage: Usually covers job-related injuries that owner-operators sustain.
Non-Owned Trailer Coverage: Usually covers damage to third-party trailers when hitched to a tractor.

Do semi policies cover hazardous materials?

Semi policies can cover hazardous materials that are being transported, but not all policies will offer protection for this cargo. Those that do may require specific endorsements.

Businesses that need coverage for hazmat cargo should work with an insurance agent specializing in semi policies, who can assist with finding the right protection.

What limits should businesses choose when insuring tractor-trailers?

The size and weight of tractor-trailers can make any accident their in especially severe, and that risk only increases when on highways where pile-ups can occur.

Because of the value of these trucks, value of their cargo, and damages and injuries they can cause, businesses often get fairly high limits when selecting a semi policy. A knowledgeable insurance agent can advise businesses on what limits might make sense for their particular tractor-trailers.

How much does insuring a tractor-trailer cost?

The cost of insuring a tractor-trailer varies substantially. Some details that can impact cost are:

Number of trucks being insured
Year, make and models of trucks
Annual mileage and region driven
Whether trucks are taken off roads
Amount and types of cargo transported
Driver experience and endorsements

To find out how much insuring a truck or fleet will cost, businesses can compare custom quotes with an independent insurance agent. Independent agents are able to obtain quotes from several insurance companies.

Where can Massachusetts businesses find semi truck insurance?

If you need help insuring a tractor-trailer that’s registered in Massachusetts, reach out to the independent insurance agents at Paul T. Murphy Insurance. We’ve helped many businesses find the commercial vehicle insurance, including semi truck insurance, they need. We’ll make sure your equipment is protected well.

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This material is for informational purposes only. All statements herein are subject to the provisions, exclusions and conditions of the applicable policy, state and federal laws. For an actual description of coverage, terms and conditions, please refer to the applicable insurance policy or check with your insurance professional. The illustrations, instructions and principles contained in the material are general in scope and, to the best of our knowledge, current at the time of publication.

Semi Truck Insurance in Massachusetts