What the form is
The CA DS 14 03 06 Truckers Declarations was a declarations page specifically designed for commercial auto insurance policies covering trucking risks. Like all declarations pages, its primary purpose was to personalize the broader coverage form (historically, the Truckers Coverage Form CA 00 12) by detailing the specific choices, limits, and characteristics pertinent to the insured's policy. It served as a summary document that formed a critical part of the overall insurance contract, providing a snapshot of who and what was insured, and under what terms. This form has been officially withdrawn by Insurance Services Office, Inc. (ISO).
Classes of business it applies to
This form was applicable to businesses engaged in various trucking operations. Examples include:
- Common Carriers: Truckers who offer their services to the general public to transport goods for a fee.
- Contract Carriers: Truckers who haul goods for specific customers under a contractual agreement.
- Private Carriers: Businesses that use their own trucks to transport their own goods.
Real-world examples could range from long-haul trucking companies operating fleets of semi-trailers to local delivery services using box trucks, or specialized transport services handling refrigerated goods, hazardous materials (when properly endorsed), or oversized loads.
Special considerations
The most significant consideration is that the CA DS 14 03 06, along with the corresponding Truckers Coverage Form (CA 00 12), has been withdrawn by ISO. Insurers who previously used these forms now typically utilize the Business Auto Coverage Form (CA 00 01) and its associated declarations page (e.g., CA DS 03), often supplemented with specific endorsements to tailor coverage for trucking risks.
When this form was active, it was crucial for accurately reflecting all specific details of the trucking operation's coverage, including designated covered autos, liability limits, physical damage coverages and deductibles, and any endorsements modifying the standard coverage. Inaccuracies could lead to coverage gaps or disputes at the time of a claim.
The form was approved for use in California as of June 6, 2005. It was also noted as being promulgated by the Virginia State Corporation Commission for use by licensed insurers in Virginia. Additionally, it was listed as a form used in Massachusetts.
Key information for agents and underwriters
For Agents (Historically): Agents would have used the CA DS 14 to clearly present the agreed-upon policy terms, coverages, and costs to the trucking insured. It was a key document for the insured to review and confirm the accuracy of their coverage.
For Underwriters (Historically): Underwriters relied heavily on the information provided in the declarations to assess the risk profile of the trucking operation. This included details such as:
- The specific vehicles insured (year, make, model, VIN)
- Radius of operations (local, intermediate, long-haul)
- Types of cargo typically hauled
- Applicable liability and physical damage limits and deductibles
- Any special endorsements related to the trucking operation (e.g., motor carrier filings, specific cargo coverages)
Current Practice: Since the form's withdrawal, agents and underwriters must ensure they are using the current, appropriate forms for trucking risks, which is generally the Business Auto Declarations in conjunction with the Business Auto Coverage Form (CA 00 01) and necessary trucking-specific endorsements. Understanding the transition from the specialized truckers forms to the more general business auto forms with endorsements is crucial for providing correct coverage and proper risk assessment.