If you drive a commercial vehicle (big rig, delivery truck, bus, etc.) in California you should be aware there are certain legal requirements for vehicle insurance that you must maintain. Because commercial vehicles can often carry hazardous materials or precious cargo (such as our children) the insurance requirements for them are much higher than traditional automobile coverage.

Not all insurance companies offer commercial vehicle insurance. Some companies that specialize in auto coverage have a separate division that handles heavy vehicle insurance underwriting. Many times you can consult with your agent who can inform you of their coverage availability or refer you to another insurer who may be able to handle your commercial needs.

Some of the requirements for getting coverage of these larger vehicles can include specialized driver training requirements as defined by the state of CA. Often drivers must have a special endorsement or license to drive such vehicles. Regular inspections are usually mandatory for such vehicles as well to help maintain safety on the road. It is not uncommon to see random inspection points setup across the state to do spot checks of commercial trucks and other vehicles.

If you have any questions about the availability of coverage or the minimum requirements necessary you should contact the state department of motor vehicles who will explain detailed coverage requirements based on the type of vehicle and for what purpose it will be used for.