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How New Jersey’s New Insurance Requirement Affects Your Trucking Business


New Jersey has increased the minimum liability insurance coverage for all commercial vehicles operating within its borders to $1.5 million.

Each insurance company is handling this new mandate differently. Some may require policy changes to comply, others may not offer coverage if your trucks travel through New Jersey, and some may not require any changes at all.

Immediate Action Required

For those of you with vehicles traveling into or through New Jersey, it is essential to review your policy with us to ensure you have the necessary coverage. Please get in touch with us as soon as possible to discuss your options.

Understanding the New Requirement

The variations in how insurance companies are addressing this issue stem from the wording of the New Jersey law and the states’ rights to set their own minimum coverage levels. While states often set their own minimum auto insurance requirements, this is the first instance we know of where a state mandates higher commercial auto coverage than the federal minimum. This situation is similar to California’s stricter emissions standards compared to federal requirements.

The New Law

New Jersey’s new law raises the minimum liability coverage for commercial motor vehicles to $1.5 million. This applies to all vehicles registered or primarily garaged in New Jersey, including those registered under the International Registration Plan (IRP).

Potential Impact on Your Business

Without clear enforcement guidelines from New Jersey, insurance companies are adopting different approaches. Some expect strict enforcement based on the law’s literal wording, while others anticipate leniency for non-New Jersey-domiciled vehicles. There’s also a possibility that the courts will ultimately decide how this law is enforced.

Why This Matters

The uncertainty leaves room for legal challenges that could require an insurance carrier to pay out the $1.5 million minimum instead of the federal $750,000 minimum for accidents occurring in New Jersey. This could significantly impact your business if your insurance policy is not updated to meet the new requirements.

Our Recommendation

At Cook Insurance Group, we recommend that you treat New Jersey’s new insurance requirements seriously. Just as some have opted to avoid California due to its stringent emissions regulations, it may be wise to consider the implications of this new insurance mandate on your operations.

If your trucks travel into or through New Jersey, please contact us immediately to review and adjust your insurance coverage as necessary.


Are you a truck driver looking for safe and secure parking solutions for your valuable cargo?

Cook Insurance offers comprehensive insurance coverage tailored to protect your parked vehicles wherever you travel. With our nationwide network and expertise in trucking insurance, we understand the challenges you face on the road and while parked.

Finding reliable parking is crucial to safeguarding your assets and ensuring peace of mind. Cook Insurance provides insurance solutions that cover your parked vehicles against theft, damage, and other unforeseen risks. Whether you need short-term parking for a quick rest or extended parking during layovers, our policies are designed to support your operational needs.

Partner with Cook Insurance today to benefit from our commitment to exceptional service and comprehensive coverage. Explore how our insurance solutions can mitigate risks and protect your fleet, allowing you to focus on delivering goods safely and on schedule. Visit our website to learn more about our trucking insurance offerings and how we can support your business.



We Know The Industry

With over 20+ years in the trucking insurance industry Cook Insurance Group combines national reach with local service to address the needs of large fleet, small fleet, single owner and tow trucking operations, and to charter bus lines. We ONLY serve the Trucking industry, providing the best trucking insurance. Let our friendly, bi-lingual staff help you find the right insurance protection at the right cost.

Cook Insurance Group is dedicated to meeting the needs of both small and large fleet trucking companies. Our reps handle every aspect of your program, ensuring you have the best trucking insurance plan for your specific needs. We work closely with you to manage your plan on an ongoing basis.

At Cook Insurance Group, we provide immediate certificate and ID card insurance, including 24/7 certificate availability. We leverage our client portal which allows you to access and issue certificates, check claim status and view policies. Cook Insurance Group is prompt and reliable, including 24-hr claims reporting. (Physical Damage and Motor Truck Cargo). We also provide educational seminars for management and drivers of companies.

At Cook Insurance Group we have licensed risk managers available to assist you with CSA scores and driver training. We provide border risk coverage (NAFTA) and mid-year loss run reviews.

Choose Cook Insurance Group for all of your trucking insurance needs whether you are located in Texas, Arizona or Arkansas.


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