1. Forms
2. FO
3. FORM-E

What the Form Is

Form E, officially titled the "Uniform Motor Carrier Bodily Injury and Property Damage Liability Certificate of Insurance," is a document that serves as proof of financial responsibility for motor carriers. It is filed by the motor carrier's insurance company directly with the relevant state regulatory authority, such as the Public Utilities Commission (PUC) or Department of Transportation (DOT). This form certifies that the named motor carrier has liability insurance coverage for bodily injury and property damage as required by the laws and regulations of that specific state for their intrastate operations. It essentially guarantees to the state that the motor carrier can meet its financial obligations in the event of an accident causing injury or property damage.

Classes of Business It Applies To

Form E is primarily applicable to various types of motor carriers operating in intrastate commerce. This includes, but is not limited to:

• General Commodity Carriers: Trucks hauling a wide range of goods.
• Household Goods Carriers: Moving companies transporting personal belongings.
• Passenger Carriers: Buses, limousines, and other vehicles transporting passengers for a fee.
• Hazardous Materials Haulers: Carriers transporting substances that pose a risk to health, safety, or property, often requiring higher liability limits.
• Solid Waste Collection Companies: Businesses involved in trash and recycling hauling.

For example, a trucking company that operates solely within the state of Washington and hauls general freight would need its insurer to file a Form E with the Washington Utilities and Transportation Commission (UTC) to obtain and maintain its operating permit. Similarly, a passenger bus service operating within Pennsylvania would require a Form E filing with the Pennsylvania Public Utility Commission (PA PUC).

Special Considerations

Several important aspects should be noted regarding Form E:

• Filing Requirement: The insurance company, not the motor carrier or agent, is typically responsible for filing Form E with the state agency. Many states now facilitate or require electronic filing.
• Continuous Coverage: Form E generally remains in effect on a "continuous until cancelled" basis. This means the coverage is ongoing unless a formal notice of cancellation (often a Form K) is filed with the commission by the insurer, usually with a 30-day notice period.
• State-Specific Limits: The minimum liability coverage amounts required can vary significantly by state and by the type of carrier and cargo (e.g., non-hazardous vs. hazardous materials, number of passengers).
• Operating Authority: Proper filing and maintenance of Form E are often prerequisites for a motor carrier to obtain or keep its intrastate operating authority or permit. Failure to maintain the required insurance and Form E filing can lead to suspension or revocation of the carrier's permit.
• Temporary Proof: In some cases, a temporary certificate of insurance or binder may be accepted for a short period (e.g., 60 days), but it must be replaced by a Form E before expiration.

Key Information for Agents and Underwriters

For insurance agents and underwriters, Form E is a critical component of servicing motor carrier clients:

• Compliance Assurance: Agents must ensure their motor carrier clients understand the necessity of this filing for legal operation within a state. Underwriters need to confirm that the policy issued meets the specific financial responsibility requirements of the state(s) where the carrier operates.
• Risk Assessment: The requirement for Form E underscores the public liability exposure of motor carriers. Underwriters will assess the carrier's operations, type of cargo, and radius of operation to determine appropriate pricing and terms.
• Accurate Filings: It is crucial that the information on Form E, such as the insured's name, exactly matches the name on the motor carrier's operating authority. Discrepancies can lead to rejection of the filing and operational delays for the carrier.
• Cancellation Procedures: Strict adherence to cancellation notification procedures (filing Form K) is vital to avoid regulatory issues for both the insurer and the insured.
• Coordination with Insurer: Agents work with their clients to gather necessary information, but the actual Form E filing is typically handled by a designated department within the insurance company that specializes in regulatory filings.