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The
Importance of
Commercial Truck Insurance in Knoxville, TN
- Let's face it - truckers in America have always been the backbone of our great country. They still are in modern times. On any given day, thousands of trucks traverse our highways and local roads, delivering goods and products on time so that businesses and consumers have what they need to live life. And while commercial trucking can be an incredibly lucrative way to make a living and put food on the table, it can also be risky and expensive.
- Whether you're the owner of a fleet, an independent trucker, or have a business that uses big rigs to transport goods, you need commercial trucking insurance to protect you and your client's investments, shield you from liability, and more.
- That's where working with a reliable truck insurance agency comes into play. Unfortunately, for many commercial truck insurance providers, serving the needs of truckers is low on the proverbial totem pole. At Independence Insurance Agency, nothing could be further from the truth.
Service Areas
The Commercial Truck
Insurance Agency in Knoxville, TN You Can Trust
Much like you pride yourself on running a successful trucking business, Independence Insurance Agency prides itself on its years of experience providing truck insurance for hardworking men and women across the country. And in our experience, insurance rates for truckers are just too high - so high, in fact, that they eat away at their bottom line, making it more difficult to run a business and make a profit. Fortunately, at Independence Insurance Agency, we provide truckers the freedom they need from astronomically high insurance rates so they can stay on the road and keep driving America forward.
As one of the most trusted commercial trucking insurance agencies in the U.S., we understand the challenges that you face daily as a trucker. We also know how important it is to protect your business. That's why we go above and beyond to find you the best-priced coverage available, whether you're an operator, own a small fleet, a large fleet, or something in between.
We Put Truckers First Because Others Don't
Truckers across the country choose to work with Independence Insurance Agency because we put their needs first before anything else. As experts in transportation insurance, we proudly offer a range of quality insurance products that are both practical and affordable for them. Our industry-leading carriers provide coverage that caters to the unique challenges faced by the trucking industry, ensuring that your business is protected at all times.
At our core, we are committed to finding the best possible price for your coverage without compromising the quality of service you deserve. The truth is, we understand how essential truckers are to the United States and take pride in making their insurance experience more streamlined and affordable.
One way we do so is by simplifying the insurance process. Our transportation specialists take the time to understand your specific needs and budget to tailor a comprehensive plan that works for you. You won't ever have to worry about cookie-cutter plans or uninterested agents when you work with our commercial trucking insurance agency. We take an educational approach to ensure that the entire big rig insurance process is quick, painless, and easy to understand. If there's something you don't understand, we're happy to take the time to explain. After all, the success and safety of your business are on the line.
Looking to the future, we are committed to providing innovative new products that cater to the ever-changing needs of truck drivers. As your one-stop shop for commercial trucking insurance, we are dedicated to your success, one policy at a time.
If you're a commercial trucker looking to ensure your rig, you can rest easy knowing that Independence Insurance Agency provides:
- Affordable Trucking Insurance Plans for Any Budget
- Exemplary Customer Service
- Seasoned Transportation Specialists Who Customize Plans to Your Needs
- A+ Carriers Across the Country
- Simple, Easy Quote and Bind Process
- Multiple Insurance Carriers Quoted to Find You the Best Rates
- Truck Insurance for New Ventures
Call us or send us a message today to learn more about the best 18-wheeler insurance options for your trucking business.
The Commercial Truck
Common Types of Big Rig Truck Insurance in Knoxville, TN
At Independence Insurance Agency, we offer several types of insurance coverage for local, intermediate, and long-haul trucking needs. Here are just a few categories of trucking insurance coverage that our agency offers.
As the foundation of your insurance policy, liability coverage is required by law in most states in the U.S. It provides coverage for damage or injuries caused to properties or other people if your 18-wheeler is responsible for the crash. Without liability coverage, it's almost impossible to drive a truck or run a trucking business without major legal consequences.
Having physical damage coverage is an essential component that shouldn't be overlooked. This insurance is responsible for covering the expenses related to repairing or replacing your truck in situations such as accidents, theft, vandalism, and other damaging events. By having this coverage, you can rest assured that your business won't be affected significantly by unexpected incidents, and you can continue running your operations smoothly even in challenging times.
For trucking companies, the goods they transport are crucial to their operations. To protect these goods from damage, loss, or theft while in transit, cargo insurance is essential. This coverage provides much-needed peace of mind for both you and your clients, allowing you to reimburse clients for any losses sustained while protecting your reputation and brand identity.
Non-Trucking Liability Insurance is designed to cover property damage or bodily injury that may occur during personal time when the driver/truck is not under dispatch. This coverage can be applied with or without a trailer and is added to a commercial policy as an endorsement.
While Independence Insurance Agency has built a reputation of excellence in serving the needs of truckers, we also offer general liability. Also known as Truckers General Liability, this coverage insures for bodily injuries or property damage that happen due to business activities that are NOT the cause of operating a truck. It covers accidents that occur in parking lots, rest stops, also while loading or unloading. General liability can also cover losses related to theft and vandalism. Most brokers and shippers will require this coverage to work with you.
Bobtail insurance is a type of coverage that is comparable to non-trucking liability, which is designed to offer protection when driving a truck without a trailer attached. This is commonly referred to as "bobtailing." With bobtail insurance, the tractor is covered at all times, even when it is not attached to a trailer, regardless of whether or not the truck is under dispatch.
Trailer interchange insurance is a must-have if you're involved in a trailer interchange agreement. This essential coverage offers protection for trailers owned by other parties that you're using under a contractual agreement. It covers damages caused by collisions, fire, theft, and vandalism, providing assurance to all parties involved.
Curious whether our commercial truck insurance agency in cityname, state offers additional coverage? The following options can be bound in your insurance policy:
- Business Interruption Insurance
- Reefer Breakdown Insurance
- Occupational Accident with Contract Liability Insurance
- Rental Reimbursement Insurance
- Underinsured or Uninsured Motorist Insurance
- Towing Insurance
- Electronics Insurance
- Much More
3 Safe Driving Tips to
Lower the Cost of Truck Insurance in Knoxville, TN
Keeping your drivers safe on the road is crucial not only for their own well-being but also for the safety of other motorists and the financial stability of your business. The Department of Labor has identified the trucking industry as one of the most hazardous sectors in the U.S. In fact, trucking and logistics fleets are known for their high injury and fatality rates. By improving how safely your truckers drive, you can help reduce expenses related to claim payouts, accidents, and insurance premium hikes.
Whether you own a large fleet or you're the owner and operator of a single rig, keep these safe driving tips in mind to help lower your insurance costs.
Implement Preventative Maintenance Plans
Ensuring the safety of your drivers begins with the safety of their vehicles. Trucks and tractor-trailers that do not receive regular maintenance, such as oil and brake pad changes, are more likely to experience breakdowns while on the road. Telematics devices provide real-time insight into engine and odometer data, including fault codes.
This information enables your mechanics to create comprehensive preventative maintenance schedules based on mileage, history of previous breakdowns, days, and more. Additionally, they can receive immediate notifications for critical fault codes. By implementing routine maintenance and proactive repair schedules, you can ensure that your vehicles are in top condition, minimizing the likelihood of breakdowns, which can help reduce the cost of trucker insurance.
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Practice Defensive Driving
This approach aims to mitigate the risk of fatal crashes and injuries by proactively identifying and responding to potentially dangerous situations and making informed decisions while driving. By adopting defensive driving techniques, drivers can reduce their likelihood of accidents, thereby minimizing the need for expensive repairs, claim payouts, and increased insurance premiums.
Some of the easiest ways for you or your drivers to practice safe driving include:
- Be Wary of Blind Spots: Operating a reefer or tractor-trailer means driving high off of the ground, which can make visibility limited, especially in blind spots. To check your blind spot, look over your shoulder and out of your windows while changing lanes.
- Be Ready for Emergencies on the Road: It's important for drivers to be ready for unexpected situations when driving, especially during long trips. They should be equipped to handle emergencies such as poor driving conditions or big rig breakdowns.
- Use the Three-Second Rule: Truck drivers should try to maintain a three-second gap between their vehicle and the car in front of them. This means that the truck driver should reach a certain point on the road three seconds after the car in front of them has passed that same point.
- Always Use Right and Left Turn Indicators: It's important for drivers to always use their turn signals when changing lanes or exiting highways, even if they don't see any other cars around. This is not only required by law, but it also reduces the chances of accidents occurring on the road.
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Find Ways to Prevent Distracted Driving
According to the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA), distracted driving is the primary reason behind truck driver accidents. Any activity that takes a driver's attention away from the road or the steering wheel is considered distracted driving. Distractions can come in various forms, such as eating while driving or gazing at a billboard outside the window. However, the most frequent form of distracted driving is the use of cellphones, specifically texting while driving.
Assuming you or your driver's rigs are equipped with dual-facing cameras, try reviewing footage of an unsafe driving incident. Coach your drivers on ways to correct their unsafe behaviors or look up ways to do so yourself if you're the one operating the big rig. The bottom line is that when your drivers aren't distracted, they drive safer. And when they drive safer, the cost of 18-wheeler insurance in cityname, state can be reduced.
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Ensuring the safety of your drivers begins with the safety of their vehicles. Trucks and tractor-trailers that do not receive regular maintenance, such as oil and brake pad changes, are more likely to experience breakdowns while on the road. Telematics devices provide real-time insight into engine and odometer data, including fault codes.
This information enables your mechanics to create comprehensive preventative maintenance schedules based on mileage, history of previous breakdowns, days, and more. Additionally, they can receive immediate notifications for critical fault codes. By implementing routine maintenance and proactive repair schedules, you can ensure that your vehicles are in top condition, minimizing the likelihood of breakdowns, which can help reduce the cost of trucker insurance.
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This approach aims to mitigate the risk of fatal crashes and injuries by proactively identifying and responding to potentially dangerous situations and making informed decisions while driving. By adopting defensive driving techniques, drivers can reduce their likelihood of accidents, thereby minimizing the need for expensive repairs, claim payouts, and increased insurance premiums.
Some of the easiest ways for you or your drivers to practice safe driving include:
- Be Wary of Blind Spots: Operating a reefer or tractor-trailer means driving high off of the ground, which can make visibility limited, especially in blind spots. To check your blind spot, look over your shoulder and out of your windows while changing lanes.
- Be Ready for Emergencies on the Road: It's important for drivers to be ready for unexpected situations when driving, especially during long trips. They should be equipped to handle emergencies such as poor driving conditions or big rig breakdowns.
- Use the Three-Second Rule: Truck drivers should try to maintain a three-second gap between their vehicle and the car in front of them. This means that the truck driver should reach a certain point on the road three seconds after the car in front of them has passed that same point.
- Always Use Right and Left Turn Indicators: It's important for drivers to always use their turn signals when changing lanes or exiting highways, even if they don't see any other cars around. This is not only required by law, but it also reduces the chances of accidents occurring on the road.
Call Now
According to the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA), distracted driving is the primary reason behind truck driver accidents. Any activity that takes a driver's attention away from the road or the steering wheel is considered distracted driving. Distractions can come in various forms, such as eating while driving or gazing at a billboard outside the window. However, the most frequent form of distracted driving is the use of cellphones, specifically texting while driving.
Assuming you or your driver's rigs are equipped with dual-facing cameras, try reviewing footage of an unsafe driving incident. Coach your drivers on ways to correct their unsafe behaviors or look up ways to do so yourself if you're the one operating the big rig. The bottom line is that when your drivers aren't distracted, they drive safer. And when they drive safer, the cost of 18-wheeler insurance in cityname, state can be reduced.
Call Now
FAQs About
Independence Insurance Agency
If you're looking for a commercial trucking insurance agency for your business, chances are you have some questions - and we've got answers. Keep reading to learn more about some of the most commonly asked questions we hear from truckers like you.
Why go with a "jack of all trades" when you can work with specialists who focus exclusively on transportation insurance? We have excellent relationships with major trucking insurance carriers and, as such, can provide the best assistance and reasonable rates.
Typically, companies will look at claims that date back three years or less.
We proudly work with more than 20 carriers to provide our clients with the most advantageous options at competitive prices, catering to the needs of owner-operators and big fleets alike.
Permit filings are typically done by insurance companies on the next business day. Federal (FMCSA) filings are completed online and updated immediately, while some states may take up to three weeks to process.
Independence Insurance Agency: Committed to the Trucking Industry
There's no question about it - you've got to protect your staff, your rig, and your trucking business with insurance. But choosing the right insurance partner isn't always easy. Thankfully, with Independence Insurance Agency by your side, you can rest easy knowing you're covered no matter where the road takes you. If you're in need of a commercial truck insurance agency in Knoxville, TN that caters to truckers like you, pick up the phone and contact one of our transportation specialists today. That way, you can get back on the road with confidence tomorrow.
Latest News in Knoxville, TN
Indiana Exhibition Game Information
University of Tennessee Athleticshttps://utsports.com/news/2024/10/24/mens-basketball-indiana-exhibition-game-information.aspx
KNOXVILLE, Tenn. – The University of Tennessee men's basketball team will host Indiana in a preseason exhibition game Sunday at 3 p.m. to tip off its 2024-25 campaign.This contest is not a part of the official season ticket package. NCAA rules mandate that for an exhibition game between two Division I teams, the host school must sell tickets and dona...
KNOXVILLE, Tenn. – The University of Tennessee men's basketball team will host Indiana in a preseason exhibition game Sunday at 3 p.m. to tip off its 2024-25 campaign.
This contest is not a part of the official season ticket package. NCAA rules mandate that for an exhibition game between two Division I teams, the host school must sell tickets and donate the proceeds to a designated charity. Tennessee and Indiana have jointly agreed to support the John McLendon Foundation.
Fans looking to purchase tickets can do so HERE. Seats in the 100 and 200 levels are $30 each, while those in the 300 level are $15, plus taxes and fees. The ticket office will open Sunday at 1 p.m., so fans can also purchase in-person the day of the game, but doing so online is recommended to avoid lines. All persons regardless of age must have a ticket and gates open at 1:30 p.m.
Tennessee students can still request tickets through the Tennessee Athletics App and arena entry upon arrival will be at Gate A. In addition, students will have more available seats closer to the floor at men's basketball games this year, as media seating has shifted to the top of Section 113, giving students access to up-front seating in Section 114. The lower-level student seating will be Section 113 up to row 20, as well as Sections 114, 128 and 129. Upper-level sections will also be available after the lower level is full.
Tennessee Fund donors and new customers who did not receive a pre-assigned parking pass or a new customer, may purchase parking the day of game for only $5 (card only). Parking options will be in G10, 30A, Circle Park, Lot 9 and G16. Additional lots may be added.
Garage Lot access and availability are subject to change, pending gameday demand and sales. There will be no shuttles from AG Campus.
For news and information about the University of Tennessee men's basketball team on social media, follow @Vol_Hoops on Instagram and X/Twitter, as well as /tennesseebasketball on Facebook.
When is the last day for early voting in Tennessee? What are the totals so far?
Allie Feinberghttps://www.knoxnews.com/story/news/politics/elections/2024/10/31/when-is-the-last-day-for-early-voting-in-tennessee-knox-county-totals/75902848007/
Today is the last day of early voting. Those who don't cast a ballot today must wait until Election Day, Nov. 5.Early and absentee voting numbers are robust this year.In the first 12 days of voting in 2020, 140,685 early and absentee votes were cast in Knox County. In 12 days in 2024, there were 142,356.The divide looks like this: 135,971...
Today is the last day of early voting. Those who don't cast a ballot today must wait until Election Day, Nov. 5.
Early and absentee voting numbers are robust this year.
In the first 12 days of voting in 2020, 140,685 early and absentee votes were cast in Knox County. In 12 days in 2024, there were 142,356.
The divide looks like this: 135,971 early voters and 6,385 absentee ballots as of Oct. 29.
Knox County early voting totals by party
We don't know and we never will.
In Tennessee, voters don't have to declare a party when they register, which means officials can't track votes by party.
Some states, including Florida, require voters to choose a political party when they register. They can only vote in that party's primary elections, and that party affiliation follows them to the general election. That's how we know for sure there are more Republicans voting early in some other states.
Where can I learn about the candidates?
Before you cast your ballot, whether early or on Election Day, the Knox News Voter's Guide at knoxnews.com lets you check out who the local candidates are and what they say about the issues.
Can I still register to vote in the 2024 election?
No, the voter registration deadline has passed.
How to check if you're registered to vote in Tennessee
Check tnmap.tn.gov/voterlookup to determine whether you are already registered.
How do I register for an absentee ballot in Tennessee?
That deadlines has passed as well.
Where is early voting in Knox County?
The early voting ends today. During that time, registered voters can go to any early voting location on any day or time it is open.
Here are Knox County early voting locations:
What are early voting hours?
Hours vary depending on the day and place you vote.
Early voting hours for Carter Senior Center, City-County Building, Downtown West, Eternal Life Harvest Center at Five Points, Gibbs Ruritan Club, Halls Recreation Center, Knoxville Expo Center, New Harvest Park and Village Green Shopping Center:
Early voting hours for Meridian Baptist:
Early voting hours for Karns Senior Center:
Early voting hours for the University of Tennessee at Knoxville:
When is Election Day?
Election Day is Nov. 5.
Polls will be open 8 a.m.-8 p.m. If you arrive at your polling site before 8 p.m. and have to wait in line past that time, you may still vote if you stay in line.
Where do I vote on Election Day?
On Nov. 5, you must vote at your registered polling place. Check your address at the Voting location search button at kgis.org.
Some polling locations may have changed since the 2022 election due to redistricting, so voters are advised to double check if they decide to wait to vote on Election Day.
Do I have to show an ID to vote?
Yes, you do.
These forms of identification are acceptable, even if they are expired:
Allie Feinberg reports on politics for Knox News. Email her: allie.feinberg@knoxnews.com and follow her on X, formerly known as Twitter, @alliefeinberg
A look at Knoxville Charter Amendment No. 2
William Pucketthttps://www.wvlt.tv/2024/10/23/look-knoxville-charter-amendment-no-2/
Voters in the city will choose to amend the city charter when it comes to electing city council members.KNOXVILLE, Tenn. (WVLT) - As early voting continued in Tennessee, voters in the city limits of Knoxville are faced with making changes to the city charter.In six races, voters currently elect two people from the district in which they live to represent them in the general election, where then, everyone in the city elects six people to serve on city council in district seats, while three more are elected across the entire ci...
Voters in the city will choose to amend the city charter when it comes to electing city council members.
KNOXVILLE, Tenn. (WVLT) - As early voting continued in Tennessee, voters in the city limits of Knoxville are faced with making changes to the city charter.
In six races, voters currently elect two people from the district in which they live to represent them in the general election, where then, everyone in the city elects six people to serve on city council in district seats, while three more are elected across the entire city and do not serve a set district, they’re considered at large.
The Tennessee state legislature made a change that forced the city to choose one of two options.
A “yes” vote on Charter Amendment No. 2 would make six of nine races what are called at-large seats, while representing districts 1-6, which they would be required to live in and represent, but the entire city would vote for each district, while the remaining three seats are elected as they are now on the “at-large” ticket.
“Are we going to have basically all of the city council members chosen by all of the voters, with a restriction of those have to live in certain districts. A no will mean six of the members will have to be chosen in the districts,” Dr. Bill Lyons, associate director at the Institute of American Civics said.
A “no” vote would mean six of the nine races would be elected based on what district they live in with still the three at-large positions remaining.
“Really the bottom line is you will have an at-large system with a residency requirement with some people, that’s with a yes, with a no you will have a more pure representation without the district reps having to run through out the city,” Lyons said.
Lyons said in representation terms little would most like change with either vote, but noted city races would be run much different depending on how the vote swings.
If “yes” wins races are more likely to be run on a broad wide appealing platform, while “no” would force races to be run hyper locally with focusses on neighborhood issues appealing to voters in the districts being run.
Copyright 2024 WVLT. All rights reserved.
How Rocky Top Became A Beloved University Of Tennessee Anthem
Carolanne Griffith Robertshttps://www.southernliving.com/how-rocky-top-became-tennessee-university-anthem-8731072
You'll hear the uptempo favorite Rocky Top played between 40 to 50 times at any University of Tennessee football game—especially when the team is on fire."There's no set number," says Dr. Michael Stewart, director of Tennessee's Pride of the Southland Band. "We play it after any touchdown, any field goal or any big play. We incorporate it into our pregame show and our 'March to the Stadium' parade route. It's ...
You'll hear the uptempo favorite Rocky Top played between 40 to 50 times at any University of Tennessee football game—especially when the team is on fire.
"There's no set number," says Dr. Michael Stewart, director of Tennessee's Pride of the Southland Band. "We play it after any touchdown, any field goal or any big play. We incorporate it into our pregame show and our 'March to the Stadium' parade route. It's a tradition for the trombone section to keep track of how many times we actually play the song—and it's not unusual for the opposing team's band to count too because we do play it so often."
Originally on the B-side of an Osborne Brothers record, here's how the song became a game-day anthem for Volunteers fans.
This Underrated Tennessee Destination Is The Most Fun Fall Getaway
Halftime Standout
For the record, we're talking about a song that contains only five basic chords. And a title that repeats itself 19 times. A song about a mythical place nobody's ever been, with a melody that wiggles its way into your head and stays there long after the final score is in the record books. Introduced on October 21, 1972 (yes, more than 50 years ago!), Rocky Top was merely one of many songs in a halftime medley—but the fans heard something they liked. Then-band director W. J. Julian later noted, "Not playing it [from that time forward] would cause a mutiny among Tennessee fans."
Nashville's Amy McClain Joyner, a cheerleader at that first Rocky Top game, remembers the day—and the song. "We knew it was something new and different," she says. "We coordinated our flips and steps to that rhythm. People went crazy. It's the kind of song that builds momentum in the stands. And every year it got stronger and stronger."
Birth of an Anthem
It's a small miracle the song was ever written.
Del Bryant, son of songwriters Felice and Boudleaux Bryant, has gone on record about what went on in August 1967 in Room 388 of the Gatlinburg Inn, the couple's favorite creative retreat. Felice, born in Milwaukee, was battling burnout during a writing session with her husband, a native Georgian.
"They were working on a series of [slow] songs for Archie Campbell when my mother suggested they write something peppy," Bryant has said. Reportedly, Boudleaux grabbed his guitar, and 10 minutes later Rocky Top was born.
It landed on the B-side (the generally ignored side) of a record by the Osborne Brothers, its fate doomed. Then one day, on a whim, popular deejay Ralph Emery flipped the vinyl and played the Rocky Top side. "He said, 'the phones started ringing' and the song had a life of its own after that," said Bryant. Despite the couple's major hits for the Everly Brothers and other notable artists (Wake Up, Little Susie, Bye-Bye Love, and more), Rocky Top is decidedly the most successful tune in their 800-song repertoire.
18 Best Things To Do In Knoxville, Tennessee, According To A Local
Unofficial Fight Song
Today Rocky Top, recorded again and again across the globe by performers like Dolly Parton, stands as an official Tennessee state song. While "Down the Field" is the school's official fight song, Rocky Top is widely known among fans and rivals alike. It serves to drive coaches, fans, and bands from opposing teams delightfully over the edge with its roaring crowd enthusiasm and volume.
As Rocky Top enters its sixth decade, cheerleader Amy says, "I hear it in my sleep—I just can't get it out of my head. I cannot tell you how pumped I still get when I hear Rocky Top—I'll never tire of it. Never."
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