What Type of Insurance Truckers Must Have

Operating commercial trucks across U.S. highways involves significant risk. Despite following federal safety protocols, accidents can and do occur. To mitigate liability, truck drivers and carrier companies are required to carry specific types of insurance. The Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA) mandates minimum coverage levels to protect both the public and the transportation industry.

This is why most trucking companies and drivers get insurance to protect themselves from liability. The insurance can be for life, health or financial coverage in case of an accident. The Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration mandates that drivers and trucking companies to carry commercial carrier insurance and public liability insurance.

Minimum Coverage Limits for Trucking Companies

All large cargo trucks must have insurance that provides coverage for the driver and others who incur a loss due to an accident with the truck. The United States Code of Federal Regulations, Title 49, Section 387 requires insurance coverage that ranges from $300,000 to over $5 million for large commercial vehicles. The requirement for insurance coverage can be even higher for trucks that are used for dangerous activities or materials.

Federal regulations require commercial motor vehicles to maintain specific insurance minimums based on vehicle weight, cargo type, and potential risk exposure:

• Vehicles under 10,000 lbs: Minimum $300,000 liability coverage
• Vehicles over 10,000 lbs: Minimum $750,000 coverage
• Vehicles carrying hazardous materials: Minimum $1 million liability coverage
• Vehicles carrying hazardous substances over 10,000 lbs: $1 million to $5 million
• Vehicles transporting explosives or HAZMAT cargo: Minimum $5 million coverage

Types of Trucking Insurance Coverage

The Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA) requires certain types of coverage for truck drivers and their employers. Carrier companies and truckers are required to have the following types of insurance for their commercial vehicle.

1. Primary Liability Insurance

Required by FMCSA. Covers injuries or property damage to third parties caused by the truck. Also offers limited protection for the driver in the event of injury or fatality.

2. Physical Damage Insurance

Not required but advisable. Covers damage to the truck or trailer itself from collisions, theft, or weather events.

3. General Liability Insurance

Optional but beneficial. Covers non-driving-related incidents such as accidents at a truck yard or depot.

4. Cargo Insurance

Usually carried by the shipper. Protects the freight being transported, but federal law does not mandate it unless hauling certain commodities.

5. Specialized Coverage

May include non-trucking liability, bobtail insurance, or downtime protection. Useful for tailored risk mitigation.

Insurance for truckers and carriers helps ensure that victims of catastrophic accidents will be taken care of if they are found to be a fault or liable. When a victim or their family brings a case against a trucker or their carrier, the resulting verdicts and settlements can be in the high 7 or 8 figures due to the incredible amount of damage they can cause. If you or a loved one has been seriously injured in a trucking accident, it’s crucial to work with an experienced attorney. TruckAccidentAttorneyNetwork.org connects victims with qualified truck accident lawyers who meet strict vetting criteria—each must have litigated at least five truck accident cases to resolution, be licensed and in good standing for 10 or more years, and dedicate 100% of their practice to personal injury law, particularly motor vehicle and trucking collisions. If you or a family member has been significantly injured in an accident involving a truck, bus or public works vehicle, you can use TruckAccidentAttorneyNetwork.org to help you find a qualified truck accident lawyer near you.