Just like passing an examination and an interview, every trucker knows that applying for Truckers Insurance is tricky — it’s more complicated than getting a regular insurance. Since it does not involve only human beings but also the HGV (Heavy Goods Vehicle) or hauler the trucker is handling. And it sure isn’t easy to pass a Risk Assessment test once the trucker gets the Insurance Policy he needs. The Legal requirements asked by most insurance companies are almost the same; however, some Insurance Companies ask for additional requirements since driving Heavy Goods Vehicles are hazardous. Drivers must meet the following requirements on Speed Limits, Safety Equipments and Registration:

Speed Limits – Speed limit depends on the maximum gross weight of any HGV or Heavy Goods Vehicle, e.g. an HGV with a maximum gross weight of 7.5 tons is allowed to run on 30 miles per hour in built-up areas (narrow strips and roads) but is allowed to run up to 70 miles per hour in a motorway.  This is also true for HGV’s exceeding 7.5-ton weight.

Safety Equipment Requirements — insurance companies are well aware that truck drivers, even professionals and seasoned drivers, are not completely protected from the hazards of the open road. That’s why to ensure safety on the road, insurance companies check safety equipment available inside an HGV prior to approval of the Truckers Insurance. Seatbelts and seats are often checked during Risk Assessment. Both the driver’s and the passenger’s seats must be equipped with a functional seatbelt for protection. Another is the structure of the driver’s cabin. Front, rear and side underruns of an HGV must be energy-absorbing in order to lower the possibility of death during collision.  Other things considered are first aid kits, fire extinguishers, traffic signaling devices, Back-up and Proximity sensors, wheel chocks, tire inflation safety cages, and even reflector tape.

Registration Requirements – Registration depends on two things, federal law and local or state law. These laws affect the different rules and regulations on which the insurance company will base the limitations of your HGV. At any rate, the Registration of the HGV is also protected by the Truckers Insurance.