A trucking operation carries risks that a general business policy was never written for. You haul cargo that belongs to someone else, run on tight delivery windows, answer to DOT and FMCSA rules, and deal with driver turnover. One accident, cargo claim or lapse in a required filing can put your operating authority at risk.
Coverage Most Trucking Operations Carry
Primary auto liability. Required for your operating authority. For a for-hire carrier hauling general freight in trucks rated at 10,001 pounds or more, the federal minimum is $750,000. It rises to $1 million for oil and certain hazardous materials and $5 million for the most dangerous hazmat loads (49 CFR 387.9). Many shippers and brokers require higher limits than the federal minimum.
Motor truck cargo. Covers the freight you’re hauling if it’s damaged or lost in transit. Many brokers require it before they’ll load you.
Physical damage. Covers your truck and trailer after a collision, theft, fire or storm damage.
Non-trucking liability. For leased owner-operators, covers the truck when you’re driving it outside of dispatch.
General liability. Covers injuries and property damage that don’t involve driving, like an incident at your yard or a customer’s dock.
Workers’ compensation. Most states require it once you have employees, and the employee threshold varies by state. Some owner-operators carry occupational accident coverage instead.
Why Fleet Owners Work With Us
We’re an independent agency, so we can quote your operation with several carriers that write trucking instead of one company’s rate card. When a broker or shipper needs a certificate of insurance, we get it out quickly so you’re not stuck waiting at the dock. We also help you keep your filings and limits current with FMCSA so a lapse doesn’t catch you off guard.
Free tool
Federal Minimum Liability Checker
See the minimum liability limit federal rules require for your operation. Shippers and brokers often ask for more.
Federal minimum liability
$750,000
For for-hire carriers hauling non-hazardous property in vehicles of 10,001 pounds or more.
Based on 49 CFR 387.9, checked October 2026. This is general information, not legal advice or a quote. Some carriers under 10,001 pounds, intrastate-only operations and passenger carriers follow different rules. A licensed agent will confirm what applies to you.
See the minimum liability limit federal rules require for your operation. Shippers and brokers often ask for more.
Federal minimum liability
$750,000
Based on 49 CFR 387.9, checked October 2026. This is general information, not legal advice or a quote. Some carriers under 10,001 pounds, intrastate-only operations and passenger carriers follow different rules. A licensed agent will confirm what applies to you.
Tell us about your trucks, drivers and lanes. A licensed agent will review your operation and come back with options from carriers that write trucking.