Commercial Truck Insurance:
Protect Your Rig & Your Livelihood
Understand common coverage types, current FMCSA financial-responsibility minimums, and the questions to ask when comparing commercial truck insurance.
Types of Commercial Truck Insurance Coverage
Spec: Coverage TypesA complete commercial truck insurance program consists of multiple coverage types. Understanding what each does — and what gaps it fills — is essential for owner-operators and fleet managers.
Primary Liability
RequiredCovers bodily injury and property damage you cause to others. Required by federal law.
Physical Damage
Covers your truck for collision, theft, fire, and weather damage.
Cargo Insurance
Covers the freight you're hauling against damage or theft.
Bobtail / Non-Trucking
Covers your truck when operating without a trailer or outside of dispatch.
Occupational Accident
Medical and disability coverage for owner-operators (alternative to workers' comp).
General Liability
Covers incidents that happen at loading/unloading docks, shipper facilities, etc.
FMCSA Insurance Requirements
Spec: Federal MinimumsThe Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration mandates minimum insurance levels based on cargo type and operation. These are absolute minimums — many shippers, brokers, and freight networks require higher limits.
General Freight (Non-Hazmat)
Form Required: MCS-90
Oil (Non-Hazardous)
Form Required: MCS-90
Specified High-Risk Hazardous Materials
Form Required: MCS-90
Household Goods Carriers (GVWR ≥ 10,001 lb)
Form Required: BMC-91 / 91X / 82 + cargo filing
For-Hire Passenger Carriers (15 or fewer)
Form Required: BMC-91 / 91X / 82
Owner-Operator vs. Fleet Insurance
Spec: ComparisonOwner-Operator
- You own your truck and carry your own authority (MC number)
- Responsible for all your own insurance: liability, physical damage, cargo, bobtail
- Premiums vary materially by authority, cargo, radius, vehicle value, drivers, claims, limits, and deductibles
- Higher risk profile = higher individual premiums
Fleet Operation
- Motor carrier covers drivers under its operating authority
- Fleet underwriting can consider vehicle count, driver mix, loss history, safety controls, and operating profile
- Ask insurers how telematics, cameras, training, and documented safety programs affect eligibility or pricing
- One bad driver can impact entire fleet's rates
How to Lower Your Commercial Truck Insurance Premiums
Spec: Cost SavingsCommercial Truck Insurance FAQ
Spec: Common QuestionsOfficial sources & important note
Federal requirements depend on carrier type, vehicle weight, commodity, and operation. This page is general educational information, not insurance or legal advice. Confirm the current rule that applies to your operation and review policy terms with a licensed insurance professional.