Texas Commercial Auto Insurance Mistakes That Trigger $15,000 DOT Violations

Texas Commercial Auto Insurance Mistakes That Trigger $15,000 DOT Violations

A Houston plumbing contractor thought he was saving money by using personal auto insurance on his F-350 work truck. That decision cost him $47,000 in one afternoon—$15,000 in DOT fines, $20,000 in impound fees, and $12,000 in lost contracts while his truck sat in the impound lot for two weeks. His mistake? Not understanding Texas commercial auto insurance requirements and the aggressive enforcement that's ramped up 300% since 2023.

The Texas Commercial Auto Crisis: Why Contractors Are Getting Crushed

The Perfect Storm of Enforcement

Texas has become ground zero for commercial vehicle enforcement, driven by three converging factors that every contractor must understand:

1. Highway Fatality Crisis Texas leads the nation in commercial vehicle fatalities with 687 deaths in 2023 alone. The state's response? Unprecedented enforcement targeting any vehicle used for business purposes—especially construction and trade vehicles.

2. Revenue Generation Mandate With state budget shortfalls, commercial vehicle violations have become a significant revenue source. The Texas DPS collected $847 million in commercial vehicle fines in 2023, a 400% increase from 2020.

3. Technology-Driven Enforcement New automated license plate readers can instantly identify commercial vehicles and cross-reference insurance databases. If your coverage doesn't match your vehicle's commercial use, you're flagged for immediate inspection.

The Hidden Commercial Use Triggers

Most contractors don't realize these activities automatically classify their vehicle as commercial under Texas law:

Instant Commercial Classification:

• Hauling any tools or equipment for business
• Displaying company name, logo, or phone number
• Towing any trailer over 3,000 lbs
• Carrying materials to job sites
• Having a DOT number (required for many contracts)
• Crossing state lines for any business purpose
• Transporting employees to work sites
• Making deliveries to customers

The Lettering Trap: Simply having your company name on your truck triggers commercial vehicle requirements, even if you're driving to get lunch. Texas law considers any vehicle with commercial lettering as "in commerce" 24/7.

Texas-Specific Requirements That Catch Contractors Off Guard

The MCS-90 Endorsement Requirement

The MCS-90 endorsement is federal requirement that Texas enforces aggressively. Here's what triggers the requirement:

You Need MCS-90 If You:

• Cross any state line for business (even 1 mile into Oklahoma)
• Haul materials from out-of-state suppliers
• Service equipment in neighboring states
• Transport hazardous materials (includes many common construction materials)
• Operate vehicles over 10,001 lbs GVWR in interstate commerce

The MCS-90 Gotcha: The endorsement costs $200-500 annually but missing it triggers catastrophic fines. Worse, if you're in an accident without MCS-90 while in interstate commerce, your insurance company can deny the entire claim, leaving you personally liable for damages.

Texas Intrastate vs Interstate Requirements

Understanding the distinction between intrastate and interstate commerce in Texas is critical:

Intrastate Commerce (Texas Only):

• Minimum $500,000 combined single limit
• $1 million for vehicles over 26,001 lbs GVWR
• $5 million for hazmat transport
• Texas-specific filing forms (Form C, Form E)
• Annual TxDMV registration requirements

Interstate Commerce (Crossing State Lines):

• Minimum $750,000 combined single limit
• $1 million for vehicles 10,001-26,000 lbs carrying non-hazmat
• $5 million for hazmat transport
• Federal MC number required
• UCR registration mandatory
• MCS-90 endorsement required

The Weight Classification System

Texas uses Gross Vehicle Weight Rating (GVWR) to determine requirements, not actual weight:

Class 1-2 (Up to 10,000 lbs GVWR):

• F-150, Silverado 1500, Ram 1500
• May qualify for personal use exemption
• No DOT number required for intrastate
• Still need commercial insurance if used for business

Class 3-4 (10,001-16,000 lbs GVWR):

• F-250, Silverado 2500, Ram 2500
• DOT number required
• Medical card required for drivers
• Subject to all commercial vehicle regulations

Class 5-6 (16,001-26,000 lbs GVWR):

• F-350/450/550, larger commercial trucks
• Full DOT compliance required
• Driver qualification files mandatory
• Hours of service regulations apply

Class 7-8 (Over 26,001 lbs GVWR):

• CDL required
• Full FMCSA compliance
• ELD (Electronic Logging Device) mandatory
• Highest insurance minimums apply

The Real Cost of Texas Commercial Auto Insurance

Average Premium Ranges by Trade

Based on 2024 Texas market data for $1 million coverage:

Low Risk Trades:

• Residential Electricians: $2,400-$3,600/year per vehicle
• Plumbers (residential only): $2,800-$4,200/year per vehicle
• HVAC Technicians: $2,600-$3,900/year per vehicle
• Home Inspectors: $1,800-$2,700/year per vehicle

Medium Risk Trades:

• General Contractors: $3,600-$5,400/year per vehicle
• Concrete Contractors: $4,200-$6,300/year per vehicle
• Framers: $3,900-$5,850/year per vehicle
• Painters: $3,300-$4,950/year per vehicle

High Risk Trades:

• Roofers: $5,400-$8,100/year per vehicle
• Tree Services: $6,000-$9,000/year per vehicle
• Excavation: $5,700-$8,550/year per vehicle
• Towing/Recovery: $7,200-$10,800/year per vehicle

Factors That Spike Premiums:

• Vehicles over 10,000 lbs GVWR: +40% premium
• Towing trailers regularly: +25% premium
• Interstate commerce: +30% premium
• Poor CSA scores: +50-100% premium
• New ventures (under 3 years): +35% premium
• Claims history: +20-60% per claim

Hidden Costs Beyond Premiums

The true cost of commercial auto compliance includes:

Mandatory Compliance Costs:

• DOT number registration: $300 initial, $100/year
• UCR registration: $76-$7,329 based on fleet size
• Medical examinations: $150 every 2 years per driver
• Drug/alcohol testing program: $600-$2,000/year
• Driver qualification files: $500 setup per driver
• Annual inspections: $150-$300 per vehicle
• ELD devices (if required): $600-$1,200 per vehicle

Indirect Costs:

• Downtime for inspections: $500-$1,000 per vehicle
• Administrative burden: 10-15 hours/month
• Training requirements: $300-$600 per driver
• Record keeping systems: $1,200-$3,600/year
• CSA score management: $2,400-$6,000/year

Texas DOT Enforcement: What Triggers Inspections

Roadside Inspection Triggers

Texas DPS Commercial Vehicle Enforcement uses specific criteria to select vehicles for inspection:

Automatic Inspection Triggers:

• Missing or expired registration
• Damaged or missing DOT numbers
• Obvious equipment violations (bald tires, broken lights)
• Overweight appearance
• Unsecured loads
• Following too closely or speeding
• Database flags from previous violations

The ISS Score System: Your Inspection Selection System (ISS) score determines inspection probability:

• Score 1-49: Pass (low inspection priority)
• Score 50-74: Optional (medium priority)
• Score 75-100: Inspect (mandatory inspection)

How to Check Your Score: Visit the FMCSA's Safety Measurement System (SMS) website. If your score is above 50, you're getting pulled over regularly.

Common Violations and Fine Structure

Top 10 Texas Commercial Vehicle Violations (2024):

1. No commercial insurance or inadequate coverage

   • First offense: $2,750
   • Second offense: $8,500
   • Third offense: $15,000 + license suspension

2. Operating without DOT number

   • Fine: $1,100-$11,000
   • Out-of-service until corrected

3. No driver medical certificate

   • Fine: $2,750
   • Driver disqualified from operating

4. Hours of service violations

   • Fine: $1,100-$16,000
   • Depends on severity and frequency

5. Unsecured load

   • Fine: $1,500-$10,000
   • Criminal charges possible if accident occurs

6. Overweight violations

   • Fine: $150-$10,000
   • Calculated per pound over limit

7. Equipment violations (brakes, tires, lights)

   • Fine: $500-$5,000 per violation
   • Vehicle placed out-of-service

8. No driver qualification file

   • Fine: $1,100-$5,500
   • Per driver violation

9. Hazmat violations

   • Fine: $500-$50,000
   • Criminal prosecution possible

10. False logbooks or records

    • Fine: $1,000-$12,700
    • Criminal fraud charges possible

The Death Penalty: Out-of-Service Orders

An out-of-service (OOS) order is the nuclear option that can destroy your business:

What Triggers OOS:

• No insurance or inadequate coverage
• Unsafe vehicle condition
• Unqualified driver
• Hours of service violations
• Hazmat violations

The OOS Cascade:

1. Vehicle immobilized immediately
2. Towing costs: $500-$2,000
3. Daily storage: $100-$300
4. Cannot operate until all violations corrected
5. Insurance often cancelled after OOS
6. DOT number suspended after multiple OOS
7. Contracts cancelled due to non-performance

Real Impact: A San Antonio HVAC contractor received an OOS for inadequate insurance. Result:

• 3 trucks impounded for 12 days
• $18,000 in towing and storage
• $45,000 in lost contracts
• Insurance cancelled, new policy cost 3x more
• Business closed within 6 months

Critical Coverage Components You Can't Afford to Skip

Primary Liability Coverage

This is your foundation, but Texas minimums aren't enough for contractor reality:

State Minimums vs Real-World Needs:

• State minimum: $500,000 (intrastate)
• Typical general contractor requirement: $1 million
• Government contracts: $2-5 million
• Oil/gas industry contracts: $5-10 million

What It Actually Covers:

• Bodily injury to others
• Property damage to others
• Legal defense costs
• Medical payments
• Environmental cleanup (limited)

What It Doesn't Cover:

• Your vehicle damage
• Your cargo/tools
• Your injuries
• Punitive damages (in most cases)
• Intentional acts
• Employee injuries (need workers comp)

Physical Damage Coverage

Comprehensive Coverage:

• Theft (huge issue in Texas metros)
• Vandalism
• Weather damage (hail, flooding, wind)
• Fire
• Animal collisions

Collision Coverage:

• Accidents regardless of fault
• Single-vehicle accidents
• Hit and run damage

The Actual Cash Value Trap: Insurance pays actual cash value (ACV), not replacement cost. Your 3-year-old $65,000 F-350 might only be worth $35,000 ACV. Gap insurance covers the difference.

Uninsured/Underinsured Motorist Coverage

Texas has the highest rate of uninsured drivers in the nation at 20.3%. In Houston, it's estimated at 33%.

Why You Need Maximum UM/UIM:

• 1 in 3 Houston drivers has no insurance
• 1 in 5 statewide has no insurance
• Minimum liability policies don't cover commercial vehicle damage
• Hit-and-run accidents increasing 40% annually

Real Scenario: An uninsured driver totals your $80,000 work truck. Without UM coverage:

• You're out $80,000
• Lost income while replacing vehicle
• Still owe loan payments
• No recourse against broke uninsured driver

Hired and Non-Owned Auto Coverage

This critical coverage is missed by 60% of contractors:

Hired Auto Coverage:

• Rental vehicles for business use
• Leased vehicles
• Borrowed vehicles

Non-Owned Auto Coverage:

• Employee vehicles used for business
• Subcontractor vehicles on your jobs
• Personal vehicles used occasionally for work

The Subcontractor Trap: Your subcontractor causes an accident while working on your job. Their insurance is inadequate. The injured party sues you as the general contractor. Without hired/non-owned coverage, you're personally exposed.

Cargo Coverage

Standard commercial auto excludes your tools and materials:

What Needs Cargo Coverage:

• Tools and equipment
• Building materials
• Customer property
• Specialized equipment
• Inventory in transit

Coverage Limits Reality:

• Basic: $10,000 (barely covers basic tools)
• Standard: $25,000 (adequate for most trades)
• Enhanced: $50,000+ (specialized equipment)

The Theft Epidemic: Tool theft from contractor vehicles in Texas exceeded $147 million in 2023. Average theft: $8,500. Without cargo coverage, that's your loss.

Texas-Specific Exclusions That Destroy Contractors

The Residential vs Commercial Territory Trap

Many policies restrict coverage territory:

Common Restrictions:

• Residential areas only
• Excluding job sites
• Excluding oil/gas facilities
• Excluding military bases
• Excluding airports

Real Impact: A Corpus Christi plumber had "residential only" coverage. One service call to a refinery resulted in an accident. Claim denied. Personal liability: $2.3 million.

The Employee Exclusion Nightmare

Standard policies often exclude:

• Employees driving your vehicles
• Family members under 25
• Drivers without 3 years experience
• Drivers with any violations

The Family Business Killer: Your 22-year-old son helps during summer break. He rear-ends someone in the company truck. If under-25 drivers are excluded, claim denied. You're personally liable.

The Pollution Exclusion

Standard commercial auto excludes pollution liability:

What's Considered Pollution:

• Fuel spills
• Hydraulic fluid leaks
• Paint spills
• Chemical transport
• Concrete washout
• Any hazardous materials

The Million-Dollar Spill: An Austin contractor's truck leaked hydraulic fluid into Barton Springs aquifer zone. Cleanup cost: $1.4 million. Insurance denied: pollution exclusion. Business destroyed, personal bankruptcy.

Navigating Texas Multi-Jurisdiction Challenges

The Border Zone Complexity

Operating near Texas borders creates unique challenges:

The 100-Mile Rule: If you operate within 100 miles of any border, you're subject to:

• Enhanced inspection frequency
• Both state's requirements
• Federal interstate rules
• Border patrol commercial vehicle checks

Border State Requirements:

• Oklahoma: Requires Oklahoma-specific filing
• Louisiana: Demands certificate of insurance filed with state
• New Mexico: Mandates separate state registration
• Arkansas: Requires proof of workers comp

The Permitting Maze: Each neighboring state requires:

• Separate permits: $100-$500 per state
• Additional insurance filings: $50-$200 per state
• Annual renewals with different dates
• State-specific minimum coverages

Metropolitan Statistical Area (MSA) Rules

Texas MSAs have special requirements:

Houston-Woodlands-Sugar Land MSA:

• Enhanced emissions testing
• Harris County specific permits
• METRO district assessments
• Port authority requirements

Dallas-Fort Worth-Arlington MSA:

• TxDOT corridor restrictions
• NTTA toll requirements
• Airport authority permits
• Enhanced weight restrictions

San Antonio-New Braunfels MSA:

• Military base access requirements
• Edwards Aquifer protection rules
• Alamo Area MPO regulations

Austin-Round Rock MSA:

• Environmental protection zones
• CAMPO transportation requirements
• Special event restrictions
• Tech corridor access rules

The Insurance Audit Survival Guide

Preparing for the Inevitable Audit

Commercial auto audits are mandatory and can result in massive additional premiums:

What Triggers Expanded Audits:

• Adding vehicles mid-term
• Claims activity
• DOT violations
• Change in operations
• Radius expansion
• New drivers added

Documents They'll Demand:

• Driver's licenses for all operators
• MVRs (Motor Vehicle Records)
• Vehicle titles and registrations
• Maintenance records
• DOT inspection reports
• Driver logs
• Payroll records
• Subcontractor agreements
• Customer contracts showing territory

Common Audit Traps:

The Unreported Driver Trap: That helper you hired for two weeks? If they drove a company vehicle even once and aren't reported, expect:

• Additional premium for entire policy period
• Potential coverage void for any claims
• Non-renewal notice

The Vehicle Classification Trap: You reported your F-350 as "service use" but haul materials daily. Reclassification to "commercial" doubles your premium retroactively.

The Territory Expansion Trap: You reported 50-mile radius but took one job 75 miles away. Premium recalculated for unlimited radius, increasing cost 40%.

Audit Premium Bombs and How to Defuse Them

Scenario 1: The Subcontractor Surprise You use subcontractors with their own vehicles. Audit determines you should have hired/non-owned coverage.

• Additional premium: $5,000-$15,000
• Applied retroactively
• Due immediately or policy cancels

Defense Strategy:

• Require certificates of insurance
• Written subcontractor agreements
• Clear independent contractor status
• Document their insurance coverage

Scenario 2: The Family Driver Disaster Your spouse occasionally drives the company vehicle. Not listed on policy.

• Additional premium for highest-risk classification
• Possible claim denial
• Fraud investigation potential

Defense Strategy:

• List all possible drivers upfront
• Exclude drivers formally if necessary
• Document who drives what vehicle
• Maintain driver logs

Scenario 3: The Growth Penalty Your business grew from 3 to 6 vehicles during the policy period.

• Retroactive premium for unreported vehicles
• Penalty charges for late reporting
• Potential coverage gaps

Defense Strategy:

• Report changes within 30 days
• Maintain addition/deletion records
• Photo document vehicle changes
• Update coverage immediately

Choosing the Right Texas Commercial Auto Insurer

The Big National Carriers

Progressive Commercial

• Pros: Competitive rates, easy online management, fast claims
• Cons: Quick to non-renew after claims, limited high-risk appetite
• Best for: Established contractors with clean records
• Typical premium: Mid-range

State Farm

• Pros: Local agents, stable rates, good claims service
• Cons: Limited commercial appetite, strict underwriting
• Best for: Small contractors with excellent credit
• Typical premium: Higher but stable

GEICO Commercial

• Pros: Competitive pricing, online tools
• Cons: Limited agent support, rigid underwriting
• Best for: Tech-savvy contractors with simple needs
• Typical premium: Lower range

Texas-Based Specialists

Texas Mutual Insurance Company

• Pros: Understands Texas contractors, bundling options
• Cons: Primarily workers comp, limited auto markets
• Best for: Bundling with workers comp
• Typical premium: Competitive when bundled

Germania Insurance

• Pros: Texas-focused, understands local needs
• Cons: Limited to certain areas, selective underwriting
• Best for: Rural and small-town contractors
• Typical premium: Fair for the coverage

Austin Mutual Insurance Company

• Pros: Regional expertise, personalized service
• Cons: Geographic limitations, smaller company
• Best for: Central Texas contractors
• Typical premium: Competitive regionally

High-Risk Specialists

When standard markets reject you:

National Indemnity Company (Berkshire Hathaway)

• Will insure almost anyone
• Premiums 2-3x standard market
• Payment plans available
• Path to standard market

Sentry Insurance

• Construction specialist
• Higher premiums but broader coverage
• Will work with violations
• Strong safety programs

The Excess and Surplus Market

• Last resort option
• Premiums 3-5x standard
• Limited coverage options
• But keeps you legal and working

Red Flags to Avoid

Insurance Company Warning Signs:

• Not admitted in Texas (no state guarantee fund protection)
• A.M. Best rating below B+
• Excessive complaints with Texas Department of Insurance
• Requiring full payment upfront
• No Texas-based claims adjusters
• Excluding common contractor operations

Smart Strategies to Reduce Premiums

The Safety Score Advantage

Implementing formal safety programs can reduce premiums 15-30%:

MVR Monitoring Program:

• Pull driver records quarterly: $12/driver
• Remove high-risk drivers immediately
• Document corrective actions
• Premium savings: 10-15%

Dash Cam Implementation:

• Front and driver-facing cameras
• Cost: $300-$600 per vehicle
• Proves fault in accidents
• Premium savings: 5-10%
• Claim defense: Invaluable

GPS Tracking Systems:

• Monitor speed and location
• Reduce unauthorized use
• Improve routing efficiency
• Premium savings: 8-12%
• ROI: 6-8 months

Strategic Policy Structuring

The Deductible Strategy:

• Raising deductible from $500 to $2,500: Save 20-30%
• Self-insure small claims
• Maintain claims-free discount
• Build deductible fund separately

The Named Driver Approach:

• List specific drivers only
• Exclude high-risk operators
• Premium savings: 15-25%
• Requires strict enforcement

The Limited Radius Option:

• Define actual operation area
• Avoid "unlimited" radius
• Premium savings: 10-20%
• Get permits for occasional long trips

Bundle and Save Reality

Effective Bundles:

• Commercial auto + General liability: 10% discount
• Add umbrella policy: 15% total discount
• Include property coverage: 20% total discount
• Full program with one carrier: 25% possible

Bundle Traps to Avoid:

• Don't sacrifice coverage for discounts
• Ensure each coverage is adequate
• Compare unbundled alternatives
• Watch for hidden exclusions

Frequently Asked Questions

Q: Can I use personal auto insurance if I remove all business signs from my truck? A: No. The moment you use a vehicle for ANY business purpose—hauling tools, materials, or driving to job sites—it requires commercial coverage. Texas law looks at vehicle USE, not appearance. Personal insurers investigate claims thoroughly and will deny coverage if they discover business use. One photo on social media of your unmarked truck at a job site can void your claim.

Q: What happens if I get caught without commercial insurance in Texas? A: Immediate consequences include: Vehicle impoundment ($500-$2,000 towing plus $100-$300 daily storage), fines starting at $2,750 for first offense, out-of-service order preventing all business operations, and DOT number suspension. Long-term impacts: Insurance costs triple when you do get coverage, potential criminal charges if accident occurs, personal liability for all damages, and possible business license revocation.

Q: Do I need commercial auto for a personal vehicle if I only occasionally use it for work? A: Yes, if you use it for business even once per month. Personal policies specifically exclude ANY business use. Options include: Adding commercial use endorsement to personal policy, getting a business auto policy, or adding hired/non-owned coverage to your commercial policy. The "occasional use" excuse won't hold up in court or with insurance companies.

Q: How much commercial auto insurance do I actually need in Texas? A: Legal minimums are insufficient. Realistic requirements: $1 million minimum for general contractors, $2-5 million for government contracts, $5-10 million for oil/gas work. Consider that average commercial vehicle accident settlements in Texas exceed $750,000. One catastrophic accident with minimum coverage means personal bankruptcy.

Q: Can I drive my commercial vehicle for personal use? A: Yes, but with restrictions. Most commercial policies allow "incidental personal use" meaning: Driving home from last job, stopping for personal errands between jobs, and weekend personal use. Not covered: Vacation trips, regular commuting without business purpose, letting non-listed family members drive. Document business vs personal mileage for tax and insurance purposes.

Q: What's the difference between MCS-90 and regular commercial auto insurance? A: MCS-90 is a federal endorsement required for interstate commerce. It's NOT insurance but a guarantee of payment. Key differences: MCS-90 pays when regular insurance denies, insurance company can seek reimbursement from you after MCS-90 pays, required for ANY interstate commerce, and costs $200-$500 annually but missing it triggers $11,500+ fines.

Q: My employee got in an accident in their personal vehicle while running a work errand. Am I covered? A: Only if you have hired/non-owned auto coverage. Without it, you face: Direct liability for damages, employee's personal insurance may deny claim, injured parties can sue your business, and workers comp may not cover employee injuries in personal vehicle. This coverage costs $300-$800 annually—cheap compared to potential liability.

Q: Do I need a DOT number for my pickup truck in Texas? A: Depends on use and weight. DOT number required if: Vehicle over 10,001 lbs GVWR, hauling hazardous materials, interstate commerce (any weight), or for-hire transportation. Even if not required, having one shows professionalism and may reduce insurance costs. Registration is free but compliance requirements are significant.

Q: What triggers a post-accident DOT investigation? A: Automatic triggers include: Fatality, injury requiring immediate medical treatment away from scene, vehicle towed due to disabling damage, or hazmat spill requiring cleanup. Investigation examines: Previous 12 months of records, all driver files, vehicle maintenance, hours of service, insurance adequacy. Violations found during post-accident investigation carry maximum fines.

Q: Can I exclude my teenage son from my commercial auto policy to save money? A: Yes, but it's risky. Exclusion means: They can NEVER drive the vehicle, even in emergency. If they do drive and have accident: Claim denied completely, you're personally liable for all damages, insurance company may cancel policy, and potential insurance fraud charges. Better option: Add them with restrictions and use monitoring devices.

Q: How do I know if my commercial auto insurance covers rental trucks? A: Check for "hired auto" coverage on your policy. Without it: Rental truck accidents aren't covered, credit card coverage won't apply to commercial use, rental company insurance is expensive and limited. Cost to add hired auto: $200-$500 annually. Cheaper than one day of rental company commercial insurance.

Q: What's the penalty for lying about vehicle use to get cheaper insurance? A: It's insurance fraud with severe consequences: Immediate policy cancellation, claim denial leaving you personally liable, criminal fraud charges (state jail felony in Texas), permanent record affecting future insurance, and potential professional license revocation. Insurance companies use sophisticated investigation techniques including social media monitoring and surveillance.

Take Action: Protect Your Business Today

Texas commercial auto compliance isn't optional—it's survival. Every day you operate without proper coverage is a day closer to catastrophic loss. Here's your action plan:

Immediate Steps (Today):

1. Verify your current coverage meets Texas requirements
2. Check if you need MCS-90 endorsement
3. Confirm all drivers are properly listed
4. Document your actual radius of operations
5. Review excluded drivers list

This Week:

1. Get quotes for adequate coverage limits
2. Implement driver MVR monitoring
3. Install dash cams in all vehicles
4. Create vehicle use policies
5. Document safety procedures

This Month:

1. Complete DOT registration if required
2. Schedule driver medical exams
3. Implement hours of service tracking
4. Review subcontractor insurance requirements
5. Prepare for insurance audit

Ongoing Protection:

1. Report vehicle changes within 30 days
2. Monitor CSA scores monthly
3. Update driver rosters immediately
4. Maintain compliance documentation
5. Build relationship with knowledgeable agent

The difference between contractors who survive and those who fail in Texas increasingly comes down to commercial auto compliance. Don't become another cautionary tale of a successful business destroyed by preventable violations.

Your vehicles are the lifeblood of your contracting business. Protect them—and your future—with proper commercial auto insurance. The cost of compliance is nothing compared to the cost of getting it wrong in Texas.

Remember: That DPS officer pulling you over isn't interested in excuses. They're looking for violations, and the fines fund their department. Make sure you're prepared with proper coverage, complete documentation, and full compliance. Your business depends on it.