November 21, 2025 | Truck Accidents
Most drivers in Florida know that the state requires them to carry certain minimum levels of insurance. However, did you know that the insurance requirements for commercial trucks are different from those for regular vehicles?
Understanding these requirements can be especially important if you find yourself the victim of a truck accident. Keep reading below to learn all the details about commercial truck insurance requirements in Florida.
Minimum Liability Insurance Requirements for Commercial Trucks in Florida
Commercial trucks operating in Florida are required to carry certain minimum levels of liability insurance. If the truck travels outside the state, it must also meet the requirements of the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA).
For trucks operating solely within the state of Florida, the minimum coverage limits vary by type of cargo. Those requirements are:
- Household goods: Minimum $300,000 liability coverage
- General freight: Minimum $750,000 liability coverage
- Oil transport: Minimum $1,000,000 liability coverage
- Hazardous materials: Minimum $5,000,000 liability coverage
Remember that some trucks operate across state lines. These trucks must also comply with the FMCSA insurance requirements. Those requirements also vary slightly by cargo type, and the minimum amounts of coverage range from $750,000 to $5 million.
The Basics of Florida Commercial Truck Insurance
There are a few types of coverage that are required for commercial trucks in Florida. It helps to have an understanding of the different types of coverage and what each of them will pay for.
Personal Injury Protection (PIP)
PIP coverage is required for commercial trucks in Florida, just like it is for all registered vehicles. PIP coverage pays for your medical bills and lost wages after an accident, no matter who was at fault. Even if the truck driver caused the accident, their PIP coverage would pay for some of their losses.
Property Damage Liability
Property damage liability insurance pays for the damage to your vehicle caused by the truck driver. If you are involved in a truck accident and the truck driver was at fault, their property damage liability insurance would pay for the repairs to your car.
Bodily Injury Liability
This type of coverage pays for your injury-related expenses after an accident. This includes both economic damages and non-economic damages, such as:
- Medical bills
- Lost wages
- Pain and suffering
- Emotional distress
- Diminished quality of life
If you have to file a lawsuit against the truck driver, this type of coverage will usually pay for the driver’s legal representation as well.
Other Types of Commercial Truck Coverage
Commercial trucks must meet the minimum insurance requirements in Florida. However, they can also choose to purchase additional coverage. Some other types of coverage that may apply to commercial trucks include:
- Collision coverage: Pays for damages to the truck if the truck driver causes an accident.
- Comprehensive coverage: Covers damage to the truck resulting from situations other than accidents, such as weather-related damage.
- Medical payments: Pays for medical expenses resulting from a covered accident.
- Towing coverage: Provides coverage for towing expenses if the truck breaks down.
- Uninsured motorist coverage: Helps pay for property and injury-related damages if another driver who is uninsured causes an accident.
Each type of coverage is a way for the truck driver or owner to reduce their financial risk associated with certain types of covered events.
Filing a Commercial Truck Insurance Claim
After a truck accident, you’ll typically file a claim with the truck driver’s insurer and provide basic accident details. An adjuster will investigate and assess your damages. Never give a statement before speaking with a personal injury lawyer, as insurers may use your words to reduce your claim’s value.
If the insurer won’t offer a fair settlement, your attorney can pursue a personal injury lawsuit and take the case to trial. The team at Graves Thomas Injury Law Group can help you seek maximum compensation.
If you’ve been injured in an accident, please contact our experienced truck accident lawyers at Graves Thomas Injury Law Group to schedule a free consultation today. We have three convenient locations in Florida, including Vero Beach, St. Petersburg, and Port St. Lucie.
Graves Thomas Injury Law Group – Vero Beach
2651 20th St
Vero Beach, FL 32960
(772) 758-5735
Graves Thomas Injury Law Group – Port St. Lucie
10805 SW Tradition Square Unit 024A
Port St. Lucie, FL 34987
(772) 617-8814
Graves Thomas Injury Law Group – St. Petersburg
200 Central Ave Suite 304
St. Petersburg, FL 33701
(772) 569-8155
