What it does
Form E is the uniform certificate of bodily injury and property damage liability insurance used by state regulators. Colorado's rules define it as "the NARUC Uniform Motor Carrier Bodily Injury and Property Damage Liability Certificate of Insurance" (NARUC is the National Association of Regulatory Utility Commissioners). Minnesota's rules describe the same Form E, derived from the former Interstate Commerce Commission forms in 49 CFR part 1023, and require the insurance to "cover all motor vehicles used in the motor carrier's operations whether specifically described in the policy or not."
Who needs it
Carriers that operate within a single state under state authority: intrastate truckers, passenger carriers, movers and others, depending on the state. Washington, for example, requires passenger transportation companies to "file and maintain" a Form E as a condition of their certificate.
Key rules (vary by state)
- The insurer, not the agent, normally files the Form E with the commission.
- The name on the Form E must match the carrier's state certificate or application exactly.
- It stays in effect until cancelled by a Form K, filed by the insurer at least 30 days before cancellation; a surety bond (Form G) may be filed instead in some states.
Selling notes
Ask which state agencies the carrier is registered with and whether each requires a Form E, Form H (cargo) or other filing. Some states, Washington for example, also require the Form F endorsement on the policy behind the Form E.
