About Us:

SOUTHERN TRUCK INSURANCE was started in 1990 in Monroe, NC by Jim Parker. After running a small trucking company for 21 years the time had come to try something different. Having knowledge of the trucking industry from the inside out made the decision to go into truck insurance a logical choice The business grew quickly with all of the contacts made over the years. Today in 2005 we are one of the largest producers of Truck Insurance in the Carolinas specializing in the smaller accounts of 1 to 10 units. This way we can work more directly with the owner of the company.

At Southern Truck Insurance our approach is to match a trucking companies special risk with insurance carriers that understand their operations and can change as their needs change.

We are constantly adding new companies to our list to quote with. Our markets for dump trucks in North & South Carolina is strong and our logging market in North Carolina is growing. These two types of trucking seem to be harder for some agents to quote. We can handle them, even with a driver with a new CDL or bad driving record.

There are several types of trucking related insurance coverage's that you need to be aware of:

Physical Damage insurance is coverage for your truck and trailer. Your premium is based on the value of your equipment. Usually a percentage of the value. This coverage is not required by law but if you finance your vehicle the lien holder will require it. It is important to insure your vehicle for the real value. Not over or under value the vehicle as the insurance company will only pay market value at the time of loss.

Primary Auto Liability insurance is required by federal regulations. Every carrier must carry liability insurance on every rig even on leased units. Liability insurance protects you when a third party is injured in an accident. Owner-operations should ask when leasing onto a company who will pay for their insurance- the company or from driver weekly settlements.

General Liability insurance protects the business for any property damage or bodily injury that might occur which does not involve a truck. Typical examples of this would include the slip and fall exposure at your place of business, advertising related exposures, and/or contractual exposures you may get involved in.

Non- Trucking Liability insurance pays for an accident when the driver/truck is not under dispatch. The coverage is sometimes referred to as deadhead coverage or bobtail liability.

Non- Owned Trailer Liability coverage protects the trailer you are pulling for someone else.

Non- Owned Trailer Physical Damage coverage insures the trailer you are pulling for someone else in the event of loss. $20,000 is somewhat standard for trailers.

Trailer- Interchange Liability coverage protects a trailer you are pulling when there is an interchange agreement in force. For example with a steamship line.

Cargo Insurance covers damage/loss to freight in transit. This coverage can have many exclusions such as unattended vehicle, maximum theft limitations on target commodities such as garments, liquor, electronics and a whole host of others. It is very important to read this policy closely in the event you think you may be covered for something you are not.

Terminal Coverage protects freight located at specified terminals in the event of loss. Usually there are time limitations related to this coverage. For example: 72 hours maximum per specified load. If the goods are stored longer than the terminal time you would most likely want to purchase Warehouse legal coverage. Again very important to read your policy. This amount of coverage is dependent on the total amount of goods stored/docked/off-loaded at any one time.

Warehouse Legal coverage protects goods stored at specified locations in the event of loss. For example as relates to theft, fire, sprinkler damage. This amount of coverage is dependent on the total amount of goods stored at the location at any one time.

Once you have determined what insurance coverage you desire or need then you can rate shop. It is essential to work with an agency, like Southern Truck Insurance Services, who understands the trucking industry so that you purchase the right insurance with the best company at the lowest price.

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Truck Insurance Frequently Asked Questions

Question: I'm a new owner-operator and recently leased to a motor carrier. They told me they supply the Primary Liability and Cargo insurance whenever I'm hauling a load for them. My lease agreement says I need Bobtail. What's the purpose of this coverage and do I really need it?

Answer: Bobtail Liability is protection for leased owner-operators that provides coverage while your truck is being operated without a trailer attached, whether dispatched or not. This coverage is not required by law since your motor carrier is legally responsible for maintaining liability protection for the public for all oft their owned and/or operated equipment. Leasing regulations require the motor carrier to specify within the contract who is responsible for providing any other insurance coverage ( such as Bobtail, Non-trucking, or Unladen Liability) for the operation of the leased equipment. Because the lease that you signed stipulates that you agree to cary Bobtail Liability, you'll need this coverage in order to fulfill your contractual obligation to the motor carrier.

Question: I've been ill, so my truck is currently parked. I have a physical damage policy on the truck, but money is tight since i've been unable to work Do I have to keep this coverage, or can I cancel it since the truck is not moving?

Answer: Physical Damage coverage is not legally required, and you may cancel it at any time by notifying an agent. However, if you have a lien holder on your truck, they'll probably require you to continue the coverage in order to protect their financial interests. Although the truck is currently parked, the possibility of theft, vandalism, or exposure to other damage, such as fire, wind, or hail, still exists, so you may want to keep the coverage in order to protect your own interests as well. If you are having trouble paying the premium on time, call our billing department.. they may be able to assist you with special payment arrangements while you're ill.

Question: I have a Non-trucking Liability policy through truck insurance department where I am leased. Recently I've had a few situations where I'm not sure I've got the right coverage. If I deliver a load to a terminal in a small town near Chicago, and then drive on into Chicago to pick up a load there, will my NTL cover me for the distance between those two loads?

Answer: The answer to your question is NO! Non- trucking Liability is a limited coverage that provides protection for leased owner-operators only while the truck is being operated for personal convenience, and only after you have reached your principle place of garaging before leaving again. NTL does not protect you in situations such as the one you've described, or while driving to and from work, or to the repair ship. If your motor carrier dispatched you to Chicago to pick up a load, their liability should cover you. However, it would be to your advantage to make sure they are actually "dispatching" you to Chicago, and not just advising you that there's a load there if you choose to take it. Some motor carriers have attempted to deny responsibility for claims that occur during these situations. If you're pulling your own trailer, either make sure your carrier is actually dispatching you for the load, or talk to your truck insurance agent about an Uladen Liability policy.

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