Trucking Insurance Built Around Your Operation

It depends on the operation, but commonly relevant coverages include Primary Auto Liability, Motor Truck Cargo, Physical Damage, Bobtail/Non-Trucking Liability, General Liability, Trailer Interchange, and Workers' Compensation. Which coverages actually apply depends on authority status, equipment, commodities, and contracts. We can help you review what fits your specific operation.

Primary Auto Liability may cover bodily injury and property damage liability to third parties arising from a covered accident, subject to policy terms, applicable limits, and regulatory requirements. Interstate carriers are required to maintain minimum liability limits set by FMCSA, which vary based on cargo type and vehicle weight — many for-hire property carriers are subject to a $750,000 minimum, while higher limits may apply.

No. Motor Truck Cargo is a separate coverage from Primary Liability and Physical Damage, and it does not cover the tractor or trailer itself. Whether cargo coverage is included, and for which commodities, depends on the specific policy.

These terms are often used interchangeably, but they have slightly different meanings. Bobtail coverage generally refers to operating a tractor without a trailer attached. Non-trucking liability (NTL) is broader and typically covers personal use of the truck outside of dispatch — which may include bobtail operation as well as operation with a trailer in non-revenue service. Neither is a substitute for Primary Liability. The actual scope depends on policy language.

Physical Damage may protect the insured tractor or other scheduled equipment against covered collision and comprehensive-type losses, subject to value, deductible, and policy terms. It does not cover cargo — that requires separate Motor Truck Cargo coverage. Often required by lenders if equipment is financed.

Coverage options may be available for new authorities, though eligible carriers, underwriting terms, and available markets vary significantly. Many carriers consider the owner-operator's personal driving record, commercial driving experience, and other factors. We can help you review what options may be available based on your specific situation — coverage is not guaranteed for every new operation.

Yes — single-truck owner-operators are a common client type. Available coverages, minimum liability requirements, and underwriting still depend on your authority status, equipment, and operation, the same as for larger fleets.

Number of units, tractor and trailer values, drivers and experience, operating radius, commodities, operating states, authority age, loss history, limits, deductibles, cargo limits, and safety/compliance data where applicable. No single factor determines the premium.

Whether you need your own DOT/MC authority depends on your operation — for example, whether you operate independently or are leased onto another carrier's authority. This is a regulatory question best confirmed with FMCSA or a qualified transportation professional; we can help you understand the insurance side once your authority status is clear.

Certain motor carriers may require federal or state insurance filings before authority can become active or remain active. The required filing depends on the operation, authority type, jurisdiction, and coverage. Confirm your specific requirements with FMCSA or a transportation attorney.

When an owner-operator is leased to a motor carrier, the motor carrier's policy may provide coverage during certain operations performed under the carrier's authority, depending on the lease agreement, dispatch status, policy terms, and circumstances of the trip. Bobtail/NTL coverage may also be relevant for off-dispatch use. Review your lease agreement carefully and ask your carrier what coverage applies.

Box trucks may be eligible for trucking coverage or commercial auto coverage depending on how the business operates, authority status, vehicle size, commodities, radius, and insurer guidelines. We can help you determine which category fits your specific operation.

The MCS-90 is required for certain interstate motor carriers subject to federal financial-responsibility rules. Whether it applies depends on the carrier's operation, authority type, and regulatory classification — not every interstate trucking operation or policy automatically requires or includes an MCS-90.

Where it does apply, the MCS-90 endorsement provides a federally mandated baseline of financial protection to the public in the event of a covered accident — even in situations where other policy provisions might otherwise reduce or deny coverage. It does not increase your coverage limits; it ensures a public-protection floor. Whether your operation requires an MCS-90 and what it would cover in your specific situation should be verified with your insurer, transportation counsel, or directly with FMCSA.