Minimum insurance requirements for commercial vehicles in Texas

Under Texas state statutes, a vehicle is considered a commercial motor vehicle if it falls under one or more of the following categories:

• It’s a truck or combination of truck and trailer used on public highways to transport goods or passengers

• The vehicle or combination of vehicles (truck and trailer) has a gross weight, registered weight, or gross weight rating of 26,001 pounds or more

• It’s designed to carry hazardous materials that require placarding

• It’s designed to carry more than 15 passengers, including the driver

Review the statute for additional information and requirements for the Commercial Motor Vehicle Inspection Program.

When registering an intrastate general commercial vehicle, you need to prove you’ve met the minimum insurance requirements in Texas. Larger commercial vehicles must meet higher requirements.

If you’re an interstate driver, you must adhere to financial responsibility requirements set by the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration.

Insurance requirements can be complex, which is why it’s important for you to work with your insurance provider—they’ll understand the needs of your business.

At Sentry, we offer motor carrier insurance coverages, including:

• Commercial auto liability

• Physical damage insurance

• Non-trucking liability insurance

If you were in a commercial vehicle accident, here are some recommended steps to take in the aftermath of the accident:

• Make sure your vehicle is parked a safe location, if possible

• Check on the other parties involved if it’s safe to do so

• Help the injured to the best of your abilities

• Call 911 to report the crash and any injuries

• Exchange insurance information with other parties involved

• Take pictures of the crash from multiple perspectives, and get contact information from other parties and witnesses

• If possible, get the police report number and contact information for tow companies and others responsible for clean-up

If you drive a commercial vehicle—like a semi—or you employ commercial drivers, explore these recommended safety policies and accident procedures.

No—Texas is an at-fault state. That means the insurance company of the driver who’s deemed responsible for the accident is responsible for the costs of property damage and medical expenses.