Commercial trucking insurance requirements in the United States can depend on several factors, including the type of trucking, the weight of the truck, the cargo being transported, and the state where the truck is registered.

Commercial Trucking Insurance Requirements
Commercial Trucking Insurance Requirements

The Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA) requires being transport all commercial truckers engaged in interstate commerce to carry liability insurance with a minimum coverage limit based on the type of cargo ed. For example, for non-hazardous cargo, the minimum coverage limit is $750,000, while for hazardous materials, it is $5 million.

In addition to liability insurance, some states may require other types of insurance, such as cargo insurance, bodily damage insurance, and bobtail insurance (insurance that covers the truck when it is driven without a trailer).

Commercial trucking companies need to review the insurance requirements in each state in which they operate and make sure they have adequate coverage to protect their business in the event of an accident or other loss. There is coverage.



Are there other necessary insurances for interstate truckers?

  • Yes, in addition to liability insurance, there are several other types of insurance that interstate truckers may need to consider to fully protect their business and operations. Some of these types of insurance include:

Cargo Insurance: 

  • This type of insurance covers the value of the goods being carried in case of loss or damage.
  • Bodily Damage Insurance: This covers damage to the truck and trailer caused by an accident or other covered events, such as theft or vandalism.

Bobtail insurance: 

  • This covers the truck when it is being driven without a trailer attached, such as when the driver is returning from a delivery or picking up a new load.

Workers’ compensation insurance: 

  • This is required by law in most states and provides benefits to employees who become injured or ill as a result of their employment.

Occupational accident insurance: 

  • This provides benefits to owner-operators and independent contractors in the event of injury or disability while on the job.

General Liability Insurance: 

  • This covers a wide range of potential claims, such as property damage or bodily injury caused by the trucking company’s operations.
  • It is important for interstate truckers to carefully review their operations and risks with an insurance professional to determine the appropriate types and levels of insurance coverage necessary to fully protect their business.


Federal Trucking Insurance Requirements | Commercial Trucking Insurance Requirements

  1. $300,000 for trucks that weigh less than 10,001 pounds and do not carry hazardous materials.
  2. $750,000 coverage for trucks that exceed 10,001 pounds and do not carry hazardous materials.
  3. $1,000,000 in coverage for private drivers and oil-hauling companies.
  4. $5,000,000 in coverage for trucks carrying hazardous materials other than oil

The Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA) requires commercial trucking companies to carry certain types and levels of insurance coverage. These insurance requirements are designed to protect the public and ensure that commercial trucking companies are financially responsible for any damages or injuries they may cause.
The FMCSA insurance requirements for commercial trucking companies are as follows:
Primary Liability Insurance:
  • This type of insurance is required for all commercial trucks and covers damages or injuries that may occur to other people or property as a result of an accident. The minimum coverage required depends on the type of cargo being transported and the weight of the vehicle, but generally ranges from $750,000 to $5 million.
Cargo Insurance: 
  • This type of insurance covers the cargo transported and is required for all commercial trucks. The minimum coverage required is $5,000 per vehicle, but the amount may vary depending on the type of cargo being transported.
Passenger Insurance: 
  • If a commercial trucking company transports passengers, they must carry passenger insurance covering bodily injury or death to passengers. The minimum coverage required is $5 million.
Hazardous Materials Insurance: 
  • If a commercial trucking company transports hazardous materials, they are required to carry hazardous materials insurance that covers bodily injury, property damage, and environmental damage. The minimum coverage required is $1 million, but may be higher depending on the type and amount of hazardous materials being transported.

Save on interstate trucking insurance:

Here are some tips to potentially save on interstate trucking insurance:

  1. Shop around for insurance: Get quotes from multiple insurance companies and compare coverage options and prices to find the best deal.
  2. Increase deductibles: Choosing a higher deductible can lower the monthly premium, but it also means the trucking company will have to pay more out of pocket if an accident occurs.
  3. Maintain a good safety record: Insurance companies generally offer lower rates to companies with a good safety record, so it is important to maintain safe driving practices and reduce accidents.
  4. Invest in safety equipment: Installing safety equipment such as collision avoidance systems or electronic logging devices can help reduce the risk of accidents and may qualify for insurance discounts.
  5. Consider bundling insurance policies: Bundling multiple insurance policies, such as liability, cargo, and physical damage insurance, with the same insurance company can lower overall premiums.
  6. Regularly review insurance needs: As a business grows and changes, its insurance needs may also change. Review insurance policies regularly to ensure coverage is adequate and pricing is competitive.

It’s important to note that while some of these tips can help save on insurance costs, maintaining adequate coverage is critical to protecting the trucking company in the event of accidents or other losses.

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FAQs:

What kind of insurance do I need for my trucking business?

As a trucking business owner, you will need basic liability insurance, bodily damage insurance, cargo insurance, bobtail insurance, general liability insurance, workers’ compensation insurance, and occupational accident insurance. The specific insurance needs of your business may vary based on factors such as the types of goods you transport and the states in which you operate. It is important to work with an experienced insurance professional to determine the appropriate coverage for your business.

How much insurance do I need for a trucking company?

The insurance you need for a trucking company will depend on a variety of factors such as the size of your fleet, the types of equipment you transport, and the states in which you operate. Federal law requires basic liability insurance with a minimum coverage limit of $750,000 to $5 million, depending on the type of cargo. It is important to consult with an experienced insurance professional to determine the appropriate level of coverage for your specific needs.

What is commercial trucking insurance?

Commercial trucking insurance is a type of insurance policy designed to protect trucking companies, their drivers, and the cargo they transport. This typically includes coverage for liability, bodily injury, cargo, and other risks associated with commercial trucking. It is required by law for all commercial truckers and is necessary to protect the assets and operations of the trucking business.

What type of insurance do I need for my semi truck?

As a semi-truck owner, you will need several types of insurance to protect your assets and business operations. These may include basic liability insurance, physical damage insurance, cargo insurance, and bobtail insurance. The specific insurance needs of your business may depend on a variety of factors, such as the types of goods you transport and the states in which you operate. It is important to work with an experienced insurance professional to determine the appropriate coverage for your business.

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Last Update: September 30, 2024