Trucking Insurance for motor carriers & fleets

Frequently Asked Questions

• What liability insurance limit does a trucking fleet need?
  It depends on vehicle weight, operating authority, cargo, federal and state requirements, and shipper or broker contracts. FMCSA's financial-responsibility chart distinguishes non-hazardous for-hire carriers under versus at or above 10,001 pounds GVWR; ask an agent and your compliance professional to verify the applicable limit.
• Do I need cargo insurance for my trucking business?
  Cargo insurance isn't always legally required but is often contractually mandated by shippers and brokers. Motor Truck Cargo Insurance protects freight from loss or damage during transit and is critical for most operations.
• What is the BOC-3 filing and who needs it?
  The BOC-3 designates process agents in each state where a motor carrier operates. Interstate carriers must file it with the FMCSA to receive operating authority.
• What is the MCS-90 endorsement?
  MCS-90 is an endorsement attached to a motor carrier's liability policy for applicable federal public-liability financial-responsibility rules. It is different from the insurer's BMC filing and is not a cargo or physical-damage policy.
• Are workers' comp requirements different for trucking companies?
  Florida requires WC for construction employers with one or more employees and non-construction employers with four or more. Trucking companies follow the non-construction rule unless their classification places them in construction.
• How does cargo securement affect my insurance?
  Applicable federal cargo-securement rules and the specific policy and contract matter. A securement failure can lead to a claim; whether an insurer responds depends on the issued policy and the facts of the loss.
• Can I get insurance for a leased trailer?
  Trailer-interchange coverage may be available for certain non-owned trailers subject to a written interchange agreement; review the agreement and proposed policy rather than assuming every leased trailer qualifies.
• What factors influence trucking insurance premiums?
  Vehicle type and GVW, cargo type, operating radius, driver experience and MVRs, fleet size, claims history, and chosen coverage limits and deductibles.
• Is non-trucking liability insurance necessary?
  Some permanently leased owner-operators use non-trucking liability for personal, nonbusiness use. Being off-dispatch or without a trailer alone may not make a trip personal; check the lease and actual insurer definitions.
• How long does it take to get trucking insurance coverage?
  Timing depends on complete driver/vehicle/cargo information, market appetite, underwriting and any filing requirements. A quote or application is not bound coverage or active authority.