Are Your Work Trucks Properly Protected?
Every morning at 5:30 AM, dozens of work trucks roll out of Roanoke driveways, heading to construction sites, service calls, and delivery routes across North Texas. By 6:00 AM, they’re navigating I-35W traffic, rural Denton County roads, and the congested Dallas-Fort Worth commercial corridors. But here’s the question: what would happen to your business if one of those trucks was involved in a major accident tomorrow?
Most owners assume their coverage is sufficient, until an uncovered claim wipes out more than a year’s profit in a single day. Rising construction activity, heavier delivery demands, and aggressive litigation trends mean commercial auto insurance is no longer optional; it’s essential for business survival.
Here’s what every contractor, service company, and delivery business needs to know to keep employees, vehicles, and profits protected.
The North Texas Reality: Three Business Scenarios That Could Happen Tomorrow
The Contractor’s Truck Disaster
A Roanoke-based general contractor’s truck was rear-ended on I-35W, injuring the employee driving and destroying $45,000 worth of tools. The project delay cost another $30,000. The auto policy covered the vehicle and medical costs, but not the lost productivity that pushed the company to the brink of collapse. It’s a clear reminder that standard coverage often falls short when it comes to business interruption losses, making enhanced policies essential for contractors.
The Service Company’s Liability Nightmare
When a Flower Mound HVAC technician caused a multi-car accident, the business faced a $2.3 million lawsuit. Their insurance settled for $1.8 million, but the fallout didn’t stop there: lost contracts, higher premiums, and regulatory scrutiny followed. The case shows how much liability exposure is tied to employee driving records, making ongoing monitoring a critical safeguard for service businesses.
The Delivery Company’s Costly Coverage Gap
A delivery driver was injured in a rollover on Highway 121, and the company assumed workers’ comp would cover it. But in Texas, commercial auto must include medical payments coverage, and without it, the $85,000 bill slipped into a gray area between policies. The financial strain nearly cost the employee his home, underscoring how uncoordinated policies create dangerous coverage gaps that can harm both businesses and their people.
Understanding North Texas Commercial Auto Requirements
Texas minimums aren’t enough to protect your business. The state requires $30,000 per person and $60,000 per accident for bodily injury, plus $25,000 for property damage. But with average DFW-area claims topping $75,000, relying on minimums is a financial disaster waiting to happen.
Key Coverage Types That Matter
- Liability Coverage: Protects against lawsuits; most North Texas businesses need $500,000–$1 million.
- Physical Damage: Covers collision, theft, vandalism, and weather, vital in a region with severe hail and high theft rates.
- Medical Payments: Ensures employees are covered, especially where workers’ comp overlaps fall short.
- Uninsured/Underinsured Motorist: Essential in Texas, where 14% of drivers remain uninsured.
5 Steps Every North Texas Business Should Take
1. Conduct a Vehicle and Driver Audit
Create a detailed inventory of all vehicles, drivers, and tools. Seasonal employees and contractors are often overlooked, voiding coverage if they’re involved in an accident.
2. Analyze Business Interruption Exposure
Ask yourself: What would it cost if my trucks were sidelined for 30–60 days? Factor in lost revenue, rental costs, and customer relationships. Most businesses only realize this need after it’s too late.
3. Verify Coverage Coordination
Ensure your commercial auto integrates properly with workers’ comp, general liability, and property insurance. Texas-specific regulations make this step essential for avoiding costly gaps.
4. Assess Geographic Risk
North Texas brings unique hazards: construction zones on I-35W and Highway 114, severe weather, urban congestion, and rural backroads. Your policy should reflect the true risks of your routes.
5. Review Claims and Loss Trends
Look at your last three years of claims. Patterns often reveal whether you need higher coverage, more driver training, or different limits. Past losses are your best predictor of future risk.
Protect Your People, Trucks, and Liability
For North Texas businesses, commercial auto insurance is more than paperwork. It’s the safety net that keeps your people, vehicles, and profits secure when the unexpected happens. The scenarios above happen every week in our region. The companies that survive are the ones that prepare.
As Roanoke neighbors, we know the challenges of running trucks on North Texas roads. With $6 million in managed premium and a 91% retention rate, we’ve built a reputation for protecting local businesses where it matters most.
We don’t just sell policies, we help you close coverage gaps before they cost you everything. Call us today at (682) 237-7975 or click below to schedule your complimentary review.
