California License #4472487 | Texas License #3365362 | NPN License #21655529

Truckers insurance is a specialized form of commercial auto coverage designed for motor carriers, owner-operators, and freight haulers. Unlike standard commercial auto policies, truckers insurance addresses the unique risks of transporting goods, including federal FMCSA requirements, interstate commerce liability, high-value cargo protection, and downtime coverage for income loss. It’s not just about covering your truck—it’s about safeguarding your business against operational, legal, and cargo-related risks that a regular policy won’t touch.

Most trucking businesses are legally required to carry:

• Primary Liability – Covers bodily injury and property damage to others in accidents you cause (minimums set by FMCSA based on freight type).
  
• Cargo Insurance – Protects the goods you haul against theft, damage, or loss.
  
• Workers’ Compensation – Required in most states if you have employees.
  
• Bobtail or Non-Trucking Liability – For when the truck is driven without a trailer or outside dispatch orders.
  
  

Failing to maintain required coverages can lead to loss of operating authority, DOT fines, and expensive out-of-pocket claims.

• Primary Liability protects you when your truck is under dispatch, hauling a load, or actively engaged in business.
  
• Non-Trucking Liability (Bobtail) covers you when the truck is being driven for personal use or outside of dispatch—such as returning home from a drop-off.
  
  

Without bobtail coverage, you risk being uninsured if an accident happens while driving your rig “off-duty.”

Motor Truck Cargo Insurance covers the freight you haul against losses from fire, collision, theft, or certain weather events. However, it often excludes:

• Contraband goods
  
• Live animals (unless specifically endorsed)
  
• Certain electronics, art, or high-value items
  
• Poorly packaged or improperly secured cargo
  
  

A well-structured policy can include endorsements to close these gaps, which is critical if you carry specialized or high-value freight.

Physical Damage Coverage is split into:

• Collision – Repairs or replaces your truck if damaged in an accident.
  
• Comprehensive – Covers non-collision risks such as theft, fire, vandalism, or falling objects.
  
  

This coverage protects your investment in the truck itself, whether you own it outright or still owe on a loan.

Yes—if you haul trailers you don’t own. Trailer Interchange Coverage protects non-owned trailers in your possession under a written interchange agreement. Without it, you could be personally liable for tens of thousands of dollars if a trailer is damaged or destroyed while you’re hauling it.

If your truck is inoperable due to a covered loss, downtime coverage provides income replacement during repairs. Rental reimbursement pays for a substitute truck so you can keep hauling. Without this, an accident could shut you down for weeks—costing thousands in lost revenue.

Generally, no—unless they are specifically listed and covered under your policy. Many motor carriers require independent contractors to carry their own insurance, but contingent liability or non-owned vehicle liability coverage can protect you if their coverage fails.

The FMCSA (Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration) sets strict minimum coverage limits based on:

• Freight type (hazmat, general, household goods, etc.)
  
• Interstate vs. intrastate hauling
  
• Vehicle weight and classification
  
  

Your policy must be filed with the FMCSA (Form MCS-90) to maintain your active operating authority. Failure to comply can shut down your operations immediately.

Most trucking policies do not automatically cover personal property in the cab or sleeper. For laptops, tools, clothing, or electronics, you’ll need a Personal Effects Endorsement—especially if you live on the road.

Trucking accidents can result in multi-million-dollar lawsuits—especially with catastrophic injuries or hazmat spills. An umbrella policy adds liability protection above your primary limits, ensuring your business and personal assets aren’t wiped out in a single claim.

• Maintain a clean driving record for all drivers.
  
• Invest in safety tech like dashcams, telematics, and anti-theft systems.
  
• Enforce strict maintenance schedules to reduce claims.
  
• Bundle coverages with one provider.
  
• Take advantage of safe driver and loyalty discounts.
  
  

Lower premiums come from proving to insurers that your operation is low-risk, disciplined, and safety-focused.