Semi trucks and 18-wheelers operating in Florida face some of the highest insurance requirements in the country. Florida's dense highway network — I-95, I-75, I-4, and the Florida Turnpike — carries enormous freight volume, and the liability exposure on a loaded 80,000-lb tractor-trailer is substantial. Bright Coast Insurance works with carriers that specialize in Florida tractor-trailer coverage for owner-operators and small fleets.
Semi truck insurance in Florida costs $12,000–$22,000 per year for owner-operators running their own authority with a clean record. New authorities pay the most — often $18,000–$25,000 per year for the first two years. Leased owner-operators operating under a carrier's authority typically pay $3,000–$8,000 per year for bobtail and occupational accident coverage. Factors that affect your rate include your driving record, years in business, commodity hauled, operating radius, and whether you have a new or established authority.
FMCSA requires $750,000 primary liability for non-hazardous dry freight. Hazardous materials require $1,000,000–$5,000,000 depending on the commodity. Florida also requires a BMC-91X filing (MCS-90 endorsement) for all interstate carriers. The MCS-90 endorsement guarantees that the insurer will pay claims up to the minimum federal liability limits even if the carrier would otherwise be excluded from coverage.
Bobtail insurance (also called non-trucking liability) covers your tractor when driving without a trailer — after dropping a load and before picking up the next one. Your primary trucking policy only covers you when under dispatch. Bobtail coverage fills the gap when operating the truck for personal use or between loads. Most leased owner-operators are required by their motor carrier to carry bobtail coverage.