If you use your vehicle for business purposes in Missouri, you must carry commercial auto insurance. This is true even if you are just using your personal vehicle for commercial activities such as deliveries. Failure to comply with Missouri commercial auto insurance requirements can result in costly fines and other penalties, so it's important to be aware of the rules that apply to commercial vehicles.
In Missouri, commercial truck operating under DOT needs between $750,000 and $5M in coverage depending on commodities hauled. This policy must also include uninsured motorist motorist coverage in the amounts of at least $25,000 per person and $50,000 per accident for bodily injury or death.
What does a Missouri commercial auto insurance cover?
Your commercial auto insurance provides coverage for any bodily injury and property damage you may cause while operating a commercial vehicle. It also covers your commercial vehicle against physical damages, theft, fire, or other losses that could occur while in use. Missouri commercial auto insurance policies typically include coverage for comprehensive, collision, liability and uninsured/underinsured motorist protection.
Do I need a million dollar policy for my commercial vehicle in MO?
If you're in Missouri and driving a car, the minimum requirement for coverage is $25,000 for each person's medical expenses and $50,000 per accident. Property damage must also be covered to the tune of at least $25,000. However if your vehicle is commercial-sized or above then that amount should be increased accordingly - The Department Of Transportation (DOT) even require a minimum $750,000 liability policy if you are operating under their authority!
If you are the owner of a van or pickup truck used for local business operations, it is wise to choose limits of coverage that exceed 25/50/25—the lowest legal minimum. Carrying higher limits can protect your company from any potential financial exposures due to commercial activities.
What's the cost of a Missouri commercial auto policy?
Here are the few factors that affect the cost of your commercial policy:
Location:
The place of your business is one of the factors determining the cost of commercial auto insurance in Missouri. Highly populated areas will typically have higher rates than rural towns.
Vehicle use:
Different commercial vehicles are used for different purposes, and the cost of commercial auto insurance may vary depending on how you use your vehicle. For instance, commercial truck insurance is more expensive than commercial van insurance since trucks can carry heavier loads and tend to travel more.
Coverage Needs:
Your need for which coverage can make a big difference in cost of commercial auto insurance in Missouri. Liability coverage is typically required by law, while other coverages such as physical damage and uninsured motorist are optional but provide important protection for commercial vehicles.
Driving Record:
Your driving record can also affect the cost of your commercial policy. Drivers with a good driving record may be able to get lower rates than someone with an accident and some tickets on their record.
Radius of Operations:
If you a driving nationwide for your business versus someone who operates locally, you may need commercial auto insurance with a larger radius of operations. This will increase the cost of your commercial policy.
Overall, commercial auto policies can be tailored to meet your specific needs and budget. To get an accurate estimate for commercial auto insurance in Missouri, contact a local independent insurance agent who understands your business needs and can tailor a policy to your exact needs.
Typical business that needs commercial auto insurance in Missouri:
- Truckers
- Plumbers
- Electricians
- Painters
- Delivery drivers
- HVAC technicians
- Landscaping/Mowing
- Contractors
Do I need a commercial policy in Missouri if I use my truck for personal use only?
In certain cases, trucks and other commercial-sized vehicles are utilized exclusively for personal purposes, such as a farm truck. In these situations, you will still need to obtain a commercial policy in Missouri; however the coverage can be obtained in the form of a non-business policy which carries lower premiums than policies tailored for business use. Keep in mind that under this type of policy your vehicle can only be used for private affairs - it cannot be operated commercially or offered up to clients/customers.
Does a commercial truck policy cover cargo?
Adding motor truck cargo coverage to your commercial auto policy is highly recommended. With this optional protection, you are granted up to $250,000 in security against accidental damage while the cargo is in transport or under your control. Plus, with its own deductible included into the package deal, you can rest easy knowing that every possible scenario has been considered and covered.
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