Focus on FMCSA requirements, filings (MCS-90, BMC-91), primary auto liability, cargo insurance, physical damage, bobtail/non-trucking liability, occupational accident, and umbrella/excess coverage.
Trucking insurance is specialized coverage designed to protect commercial trucks, drivers, and cargo from accidents, theft, liability, and regulatory penalties. It ensures compliance with federal FMCSA requirements, protects against lawsuits, and provides financial stability for owner-operators and fleets. Without it, you cannot legally operate under a U.S. DOT authority.
The FMCSA requires interstate carriers to maintain at least:
Primary liability covers injuries or damages to others caused by your truck. It is federally mandated and must be in place before your DOT authority is granted. Standard limits are $1M, but some contracts require higher.
Cargo insurance covers the freight you haul against theft, fire, or accidents. Most brokers require at least $100,000 in coverage. Exclusions may apply (e.g., electronics, alcohol, wet cargo). Always confirm coverage with your insurer.
Physical Damage protects your own tractor and trailers against collision, theft, fire, or vandalism. Coverage is typically written on stated value, and costs average 2–5% of truck value annually.
Bobtail covers your truck without a trailer, usually when driving off-dispatch. Many motor carriers require leased owner-operators to carry bobtail liability for protection outside of dispatch coverage.
NTL covers a truck when it is used for non-business purposes, such as personal errands. Some carriers require it in addition to bobtail insurance.
Occ/Acc provides medical, disability, and death benefits for independent contractors who aren’t covered by workers’ compensation. It’s common for leased owner-operators and costs around $150–200/month.
A trucking umbrella (excess liability) adds extra protection above your $1M liability. Brokers and shippers increasingly demand $2M–$5M in total liability limits, especially for high-value contracts.
Trailer Interchange covers non-owned trailers you pull under interchange agreements (common in drayage/intermodal). Shippers often require $30k–$50k limits.
Hotshot insurance applies to smaller trucks (Class 3–5) hauling time-sensitive loads with gooseneck trailers. Requirements usually include $750k–$1M liability and $100k cargo. Premiums vary but are often lower than heavy trucking.
MCS-90 guarantees the carrier’s financial responsibility under FMCSA rules. Even if a claim would normally be excluded, the insurer may have to pay under MCS-90. It is required for federal authority.
BMC-91 is the FMCSA filing that proves your trucking company has sufficient liability insurance. Without it, your DOT authority cannot be activated.
New carriers (less than 2 years’ authority) are high-risk. Premiums can reach $18k–$25k+ per truck annually. Many insurers decline new ventures. Cover AI partners with Progressive, Canal, and specialty MGAs that insure startups.
Fleet policies (usually 5+ trucks) are rated on loss history, safety programs, driver training, and telematics use. Fleets can negotiate premiums, higher deductibles, or self-insured retentions to manage costs.
Yes, but options are limited. Best practices: maintain clean driver files, use ELDs and dashcams, and join safety programs. Cover AI finds niche carriers and MGA programs for startups.
Insurers reward fleets that use telematics and AI dashcams. Programs like Smart Haul (Progressive) and HDVI can cut premiums by 10–20%. They also help defend against false claims.
Common reasons:
Freight brokers need Contingent Cargo and Contingent Auto Liability, not trucking liability. These cover brokers when carriers’ insurance fails. Brokers may also need a $75k surety bond (BMC-84).
Yes. Many carriers (Progressive, Cover Whale, Canal) offer instant binding with electronic filings and same-day Certificates of Insurance. Cover AI ensures filings (BMC-91, MCS-90) are sent immediately.
CoverAI specializes in owner-operators, startups, and fleets. With AI Simon, you get 24/7 help, same-day COIs, and full compliance filings (MCS-90, BMC-91). We partner with Progressive, Great West, Canal, HDVI, and others to find the best fit for your business. Based in Illinois, CoverAI understands Midwest trucking routes and risks, delivering both competitive premiums and expert support.
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