If you have reached this page, you are looking for Tow Truck Insurance in Pennsylvania.
You can relax because you’ve come to the right place!
Feel free to contact us today toll-free by dialing 800-998-0662. Our dedicated and licensed agents are ready to provide you with the insurance you need for your business, whether you are a new business venture or have been in business for many years.
You can also contact our licensed agent through our online chat system, available until 8 PM EST Monday through Friday.
For your convenience, we’ve provided links below, tailored to your specific operation area, where you can request Tow Truck Insurance Quotes in Pennsylvania around the clock:
- Philadelphia Pennsylvania Tow Truck Insurance
- Tow Truck Insurance Pittsburgh Pennsylvania
- Allentown Pennsylvania Tow Truck Insurance
- Tow Truck Insurance Erie Pa
- Scranton Pennsylvania Tow Truck Insurance
At Pathway Insurance, we understand the importance of peace of mind, especially when safeguarding your towing operations. Your journey toward securing Commercial Insurance starts here, with us as your guide.
Navigating Tow Truck Insurance Pa — Regulations and Coverage Requirements
With its bustling highways and busy streets, Pennsylvania relies heavily on the towing industry to keep its roads safe and clear. Tow truck operators are vital in ensuring smooth traffic flow, assisting stranded motorists, and removing vehicles from accident scenes. However, to operate legally in the state, tow truck drivers and towing companies must adhere to specific regulations and carry the appropriate insurance coverage.
This guide will delve into some Pennsylvania Tow Truck Insurance requirements, discussing requirements, regulations, and minimum coverage amounts necessary to stay compliant.
Tow Truck Insurance Pa — A Necessity
Tow truck operators in Pennsylvania, like those in most states, are required to carry insurance coverage that not only protects their business but also safeguards the interests of the public. The Pennsylvania Department of Transportation (PennDOT) sets out specific regulations to ensure that tow truck drivers and companies are adequately insured and prepared to handle the risks associated with their line of work.
Besides the legal requirements, you need to take steps to protect your financial interest in the event of a catastrophic claim situation.
Tow Truck Insurance Pa — Minimum Insurance Coverage Requirements
To operate legally as a tow truck driver or towing company in Pennsylvania, you must know the minimum insurance coverage requirements. These requirements protect against accidents, damage, or injury during towing operations. The critical components of Rollback and Wrecker Insurance in Pennsylvania include:
Liability Insurance: Tow truck operators must carry a minimum liability insurance policy. This coverage is essential to protect against claims resulting from property damage or bodily injury caused by the insured tow truck while in operation. The minimum liability coverage is a minimum of $300,000.
Cargo Insurance or Onhook Insurance: If a tow truck operator is transporting cargo (such as a disabled vehicle), cargo insurance is also a requirement. The minimum cargo insurance coverage in Pennsylvania is $5,000 per occurrence.
Garage Liability Insurance: Tow truck companies that store or repair vehicles and towing services should carry garage liability insurance.
Depending on the specific circumstances and business operations, tow truck operators may opt for higher coverage to protect their assets better and mitigate potential liabilities.
Cheap Tow Truck Insurance Pennsylvania Claims Example
Simon Simple doing business as You Go or We Tow. Simon is not incorporated but works as a sole proprietor.
Simon hates insurance companies and is determined to purchase only the minimum required by law because he feels insurance is a big rip-off. His wrecker is under 10,000 pounds gross vehicle weight, and he bought the state minimum liability limit of $25,000 per person, $50,000 per occurrence, with $25,000 in property damage because he wants Cheap Tow Truck Insurance in Pennsylvania.
He does not purchase cargo or on-the-hook coverage to protect his customer vehicle, figuring he’s a safe driver who has never had an accident.
On a Tuesday afternoon in late October, Simon gets a call to pick up a wrecked vehicle on the main street. He makes his way to the scene, hooks up the wrecked Honda Civic to his truck, and heads to the impound lot.
As he begins to pull away, Simon fails to look in his mirrors as he is distracted by his ringing cell phone, and he side-swipes a minivan, causing it to roll three times.
Unfortunately, the minivan was occupied by a family of six as they were headed to a soccer game. All six of the family sustained some injuries. The husband, a local engineer, was the worst off.
He suffered a spinal fracture that led to his permanent disability and inability to work again.
Lawsuits were soon filed against Simon, and his insurance company immediately offered to pay the entire sum of $50,000 to the family who was injured. At that point, they stopped providing legal representation to Simon.
Simon was forced to hire an attorney, and ultimately, a legal judgment of $1 million was rendered against Simon and his company, You Go or We Tow.
Because Simon was not incorporated and did not have the funds to pay the entire $1 million out of pocket, he decided to file a Chapter 7 bankruptcy.
The bankruptcy court ordered Simon to forfeit $77,000 from his bank account plus $175,000 in his stock market account.
In addition, his condo in Florida with equity of $325,000 was likewise sold to satisfy his bankruptcy filing.
Simon learned that purchasing Cheap Tow Truck Insurance in Pennsylvania at the state minimum liability limit wasn’t a great idea in the long run.
Savings a few bucks cost him hundreds of thousands of dollars.
It is best to avoid Cheap Tow Truck Insurance in Pennsylvania to save a few dollars.
Regulations for Tow Truck Drivers in Pennsylvania
Apart from insurance requirements, tow truck drivers in Pennsylvania must comply with various regulations set by the Pennsylvania Department of Transportation (PennDOT).
These regulations are in place to ensure the safety of both tow truck operators and the general public. Some of the key rules include:
Driver Qualifications: Tow truck drivers in Pennsylvania are required to hold a valid commercial driver’s license (CDL) if they operate vehicles with a Gross Vehicle Weight Rating (GVWR) of 26,001 pounds or more. Additionally, drivers must pass a physical examination to ensure they are physically fit to perform their duties.
Tow Truck Equipment Standards: Tow trucks must meet specific equipment standards outlined by PennDOT. This includes proper lighting, safety equipment, and secure storage for towed vehicles. Ensuring the equipment is in good working order is essential to maintain the safety of all parties involved.
Tow Truck Inspections: Tow trucks are subject to regular inspections to ensure they comply with safety regulations. PennDOT or other authorized agencies may conduct these inspections. Operators must keep their vehicles in good condition to pass these inspections.
Towing Rates: Pennsylvania law regulates towing rates to protect consumers from exorbitant fees. Tow truck operators must prominently display their rates and are not allowed to charge fees beyond those specified by law.
Towing Authorization: Tow truck operators must obtain authorization before towing a vehicle, except in emergencies. Proper documentation and records of authorization must be maintained to demonstrate compliance.
Pennsylvania Tow Truck Insurance — Additional Rules
In addition to the regulations set by the Pennsylvania Department of Transportation, tow truck operators must also be aware of other rules and requirements that may vary by location within the state.
Municipalities and counties in Pennsylvania may have their ordinances and regulations regarding towing operations. Tow truck companies must research and comply with these local regulations to operate legally within specific jurisdictions.
Operating a tow truck in Pennsylvania is a crucial service and a responsibility with specific legal and insurance obligations. To ensure the public’s safety, protect their business, and remain compliant with state and local regulations, tow truck operators must be well-informed about Rollback or Wrecker Insurance in Pennsylvania.
Meeting the minimum insurance coverage requirements, adhering to PennDOT regulations, and staying up-to-date with local ordinances are all essential steps in operating a successful and legal towing business in the Keystone State.
By understanding the regulations and insurance requirements for tow truck operations in Pennsylvania, you can confidently navigate the towing industry’s complexities, ensuring the safety of both your team and the motoring public. If you want to learn more about Pennsylvania Tow Truck Insurance or the specific regulations set by PennDOT, visit the official Pennsylvania Department of Transportation website for the latest information and guidance.
Pennsylvania Tow Truck Insurance — How To Get Quotes?
Don’t hesitate to contact us toll-free at 800-998-0662, text us at 513-662-7000, use our convenient online chat system available until 8 PM Monday through Friday, or send us a quote request using our online system.
Choose a link below that best correspondence to your operating area: