What Is Trucking Insurance?

Trucking insurance covers the unique risks faced by commercial truck operators — from owner-operators with a single rig to large fleets hauling freight across the country. Federal and state regulations mandate minimum coverage levels for all commercial motor carriers.

Types of Trucking Insurance

Coverage	What It Covers	Required?
Primary Liability	Bodily injury & property damage to others	Yes — FMCSA requires $750K–$5M
Physical Damage	Damage to your own truck (collision + comprehensive)	Required by lenders
Cargo Insurance	Freight you're hauling — theft, damage, spoilage	Yes — $100K minimum for most commodities
Bobtail / Non-Trucking	Liability when driving without a trailer	Depends on carrier contract
General Liability	Slip-and-fall at your office, terminal, or yard	Recommended
Workers' Compensation	Employee injuries	Required in most states
Trailer Interchange	Damage to trailers you don't own but are pulling	When using interchange agreements
Motor Truck Cargo	Broader cargo coverage including loading/unloading	For-hire carriers

How Much Does Trucking Insurance Cost?

Operation Type	Average Annual Cost per Truck
Owner-Operator (local)	$8,000–$12,000
Owner-Operator (OTR)	$12,000–$18,000
Small Fleet (2–10 trucks)	$9,000–$15,000 per truck
Large Fleet (10+ trucks)	$7,000–$12,000 per truck

Key cost factors include driving records, cargo type (hazmat costs 2–3x more), radius of operations, years in business (new authorities pay more), and equipment age.

FMCSA Insurance Requirements

The Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration requires:

$750,000 minimum liability for general freight
$1,000,000 minimum for oil transport
$5,000,000 minimum for hazardous materials
BMC-91 (insurance filing) or BMC-82 (surety bond) filed with FMCSA
Cargo insurance minimums vary by commodity type

Tips for Reducing Trucking Insurance Costs

Maintain clean CSA scores — Safety violations dramatically increase premiums
Install telematics/dash cams — Some carriers offer 5–15% discounts
Build experience — Rates drop significantly after 2–3 years of operating authority
Choose your commodities wisely — Hauling general freight costs far less to insure than hazmat
Compare annually — Don't auto-renew without getting competitive quotes