Trucking and Commercial Auto Insurance in Knoxville, TN
If your business puts a truck on the road, a personal auto policy won't cover it. We insure East Tennessee dump trucks, box trucks, hot shot and flatbed rigs, service vans, pickups and owner-operators, from one vehicle to a small fleet. We work with standard commercial carriers and specialty trucking markets, and we send certificates quickly when a contractor, shipper or broker asks for one.
Who we insure
- Dump trucks and haulers for gravel, dirt, construction debris and site work
- Contractors' trucks and trailers for builders, landscapers, HVAC, electrical and plumbing businesses
- Box trucks and delivery vehicles
- Hot shot and flatbed operators
- Owner-operators leased to a motor carrier or running under their own authority
- Business vehicles of every kind: vans, pickups and company cars
Coverage options
- Auto liability for injuries and damage you cause, the coverage your filings and contracts are built on
- Physical damage (comprehensive and collision) for your trucks and trailers
- Motor truck cargo for the freight you haul
- Non-trucking liability (bobtail) for owner-operators driving off dispatch
- Trailer interchange for trailers you pull under an agreement
- Hired and non-owned auto for employees driving their own or rented vehicles for your business
- General liability, workers' comp and umbrella to round out the business. See our workers' comp page.
Federal minimums for interstate haulers
Under FMCSA rules (49 CFR 387.9), for-hire carriers hauling non-hazardous freight across state lines in vehicles of 10,001 pounds or more must carry at least $750,000 in liability. Certain hazardous materials require $1 million or $5 million. Many shippers, brokers and general contractors require $1 million regardless. Interstate operations also need a USDOT number and, for for-hire carriers, operating authority. Local and in-state haulers have different requirements, so tell us how and where you run and we'll match the coverage to your contracts.
What affects your premium
- Vehicle type, weight and what you haul
- Radius of operation: local, regional or long haul
- Driver records and experience, including CDL history
- Years in business and prior insurance
- Loss history and safety scores
New ventures can be harder to place. If you're just getting your authority, call us early so we can line up a market before your first load.
Why East Tennessee clients choose Elite Insurance Group
- The right market: we work with more than 30 insurance companies across personal, business, bonds and excess and surplus lines, so we can place hard-to-fit risks, not only the easy ones.
- A second look: a licensed agent checks your coverage for gaps before you buy: limits, deductibles, roof and water coverage, and easy-to-miss add-ons.
- Rate checkups: when your life changes, we look for every discount you qualify for and update what matters, like a new roof year, a driver added or removed, or a move. No agency fees on top of your premium.
- Claim-day help: we walk you through what to do next, help you report the claim and follow up if it stalls.
- Local people: a family-owned Knoxville agency serving clients for more than 25 years. Requests sent through our Client Service page reach our team even on nights and weekends.
Frequently asked questions
How much insurance does a dump truck need in Tennessee?
It depends on how the truck is used and what your contracts require. Many general contractors and quarries require $1 million in auto liability, plus physical damage on the truck. Tell us who you haul for and we'll match their requirements.
What is the federal minimum liability for a semi truck?
For-hire interstate carriers hauling non-hazardous freight in vehicles of 10,001 pounds or more must carry at least $750,000 under FMCSA rules. Some hazardous materials require $1 million or $5 million.
Do I need commercial auto insurance for my work pickup?
If the truck is owned by the business, used mainly for work, carries tools or equipment for jobs, or is driven by employees, you likely need a commercial auto policy. A personal policy may deny a claim that happens during business use.
What is non-trucking liability?
Also called bobtail coverage, it protects an owner-operator leased to a motor carrier while driving the truck for personal use, off dispatch. The motor carrier's policy usually covers you only while you're under dispatch.
Can you send a certificate of insurance the same day?
In most cases, yes. Email or call us with the certificate holder's name and address and any required wording.
Related coverage
Contractor insurance · Workers' comp · Business insurance by industry · Auto insurance
Get a quote
Tell us what you need and a licensed local agent will follow up. Start your commercial auto quote or call (865) 687-5140, Monday to Friday, 9 to 5.