Commercial Truck Insurance Requirements Explained

If you’re a trucker or run a trucking company, understanding commercial truck insurance requirements isn’t just good business — it’s the law. Whether you’re hauling dry van freight across state lines or running a reefer locally, the right coverage protects your business, keeps you compliant, and helps you avoid costly delays.

In this guide, we’ll break down what coverage you must have, what’s smart to add, and how recent trends could impact your premiums — all in plain English.

Minimum Truck Insurance Requirements

To operate legally under the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA), carriers must meet specific liability minimums based on what they haul and where they operate:

Cargo Type	Minimum Liability Coverage
General freight (over 10,001 lbs)	$750,000
General freight (under 10,001 lbs)	$300,000
Hazardous materials	$1,000,000 – $5,000,000
Household goods	$300,000
Passenger carriers	$1,500,000 – $5,000,000

These numbers haven’t changed in a while, but some states are raising the bar. For example, New Jersey increased its minimum to $1.5 million as of July 1, 2024 — a sign that other states may follow suit (CKL Law).

What Else Do You Need?

Beyond liability, many brokers, shippers, and load boards require additional coverages — even if they’re not federally mandated:

• Cargo Insurance – Usually $100,000 per load. Covers what you haul.
• Physical Damage – Protects your truck and trailer from accidents or theft.
• Non-Trucking Liability – Covers you when you’re not under dispatch.
• Trailer Interchange – If you haul trailers you don’t own.

And don’t forget the paperwork: FMCSA requires you to file Form BMC-91 or BMC-91X to prove your policy meets their liability standards. If you haul cargo, you’ll also need to file BMC-34.

2024–2025 Insurance Trends to Know

Truck insurance costs are going up — and not just because of inflation. A 2023 analysis by Milliman found that commercial auto liability insurers paid out more than they took in, with an average loss ratio of 81% — one of the worst years in recent history (Milliman).

What does that mean for you?

• Premiums are rising.
• Clean driving records matter more than ever.
• Technology like dash cams and telematics can help lower rates by proving you’re a safe bet.

Bottom Line

Commercial truck insurance isn’t one-size-fits-all — and getting it wrong can sideline your business fast. Make sure you:

✅ Know your FMCSA-required minimums
✅ Understand state-level changes
✅ Add coverages that protect your bottom line
✅ Work with a provider that knows the trucking industry inside and out

At Logrock, we make truck insurance easy — with simple quotes, mobile-first forms, and policies built around your business, not someone else’s.

Need coverage fast?

Click here to get started and see how quick it is to get insured with Logrock. 🚚