New York Trucking & Transportation Insurance
Get Your Trucking Operation Covered
DOT filings, certificates of insurance, and competitive rates for owner-operators and fleets.
Federal Insurance Requirements for Motor Carriers
The Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA) requires all for-hire motor carriers to maintain minimum levels of financial responsibility (insurance) and file proof with the agency before operating authority is granted. Operating without proper insurance can result in fines, loss of authority, and vehicle impoundment.
Running a trucking operation means managing risks that most businesses never face—multi-ton vehicles traveling thousands of miles, valuable cargo in your care, federal compliance requirements, and the constant threat of roadway accidents. One serious collision without adequate coverage could mean the end of your business. Yet finding affordable trucking insurance with the right coverages feels like navigating a maze of regulations, endorsements, and carrier requirements.
The Stan Steele Agency can help you explore commercial trucking insurance options for your New York operation—whether you are an owner-operator with a single unit or manage a fleet of vehicles. We work with multiple carriers experienced in transportation risks to present coverage options that may fit your needs.
What Is Trucking Insurance?
Trucking insurance is a specialized category of commercial auto insurance designed for motor carriers, owner-operators, and fleet operators. Unlike standard commercial auto policies, trucking insurance addresses the unique exposures of over-the-road transportation—including liability for accidents involving large commercial vehicles, protection for cargo in transit, and compliance with federal and state regulatory requirements.
A comprehensive trucking insurance program typically combines several coverage types into a coordinated package, since no single policy covers every risk a motor carrier faces. The specific coverages you need depend on factors like whether you operate as a for-hire or private carrier, the types of cargo you haul, your radius of operations, and your fleet size.
Key Coverage Components for Trucking Operations:
Required Coverages:
- •Commercial auto liability (bodily injury & property damage)
- •Cargo insurance (for-hire carriers hauling freight)
- •DOT filing (BMC-91 or BMC-34) for operating authority
Recommended Coverages:
- •Physical damage (collision & comprehensive)
- •Bobtail / non-trucking liability
- •Umbrella / excess liability
- •Trailer interchange coverage
FMCSA Insurance Requirements by Cargo Type
The Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration sets minimum liability insurance requirements based on the type of cargo you transport. These are minimums only—many shippers and brokers require higher limits before awarding loads.
| Carrier Type / Cargo | Minimum Liability |
|---|---|
| General freight (non-hazardous, 10,001+ lbs GVW) | $750,000 |
| Oil transport / hazardous waste | $1,000,000 |
| Certain hazardous materials (explosives, poisons, radioactive) | $5,000,000 |
| Freight brokers (surety bond or trust fund) | $75,000 |
| Passenger carriers (16+ passengers) | $5,000,000 |
Trucking Insurance Coverage Types Explained
Commercial Auto Liability
The foundation of any trucking insurance program. This coverage pays for bodily injury and property damage you may cause to others in an accident. It is required by federal law for all for-hire motor carriers and is the coverage that satisfies your FMCSA financial responsibility requirements.
Includes the MCS-90 endorsement, which guarantees payment to third parties injured in accidents, even if the loss would otherwise be excluded under the policy.
Physical Damage Coverage
Protects your trucks and trailers against damage from collisions, theft, vandalism, fire, weather events, and other covered perils. This coverage is divided into two components:
- • Collision: Covers damage from accidents with other vehicles or objects
- • Comprehensive: Covers non-collision events like theft, fire, hail, and vandalism
If your trucks are financed or leased, lenders typically require physical damage coverage.
Motor Truck Cargo Insurance
Covers loss or damage to the freight you are hauling while it is in your care, custody, and control. This is separate from your auto liability policy and is essential for for-hire carriers. Covered causes typically include collision, overturning, fire, theft, and weather damage.
Cargo limits typically range from $25,000 to $250,000 or more, depending on the value of goods you transport. Some shippers may require specific cargo limits before awarding loads.
Bobtail / Non-Trucking Liability
If you are an owner-operator leased to a motor carrier, the carrier's insurance typically covers you while under dispatch. But what about when you are driving without a trailer, heading home after a delivery, or running personal errands? Bobtail and non-trucking liability coverage fills that gap.
Note: Bobtail and non-trucking liability have slightly different definitions. Bobtail covers any use of the truck without a trailer, while non-trucking liability covers non-business use. Discuss with your agent which is appropriate for your situation.
Trailer Interchange Coverage
If you pull trailers owned by others under a trailer interchange agreement, the trailer owner's physical damage coverage typically does not extend to you. Trailer interchange insurance covers physical damage to non-owned trailers in your possession under a written interchange agreement.
Umbrella / Excess Liability
Provides additional liability limits above your primary auto liability policy. Given the catastrophic potential of accidents involving large trucks, many carriers opt for $1 million to $5 million (or more) in umbrella coverage. Some shippers and brokers require minimum umbrella limits before awarding contracts.
What Is Typically Covered vs. Common Exclusions
Typically Covered
- ✓Third-party bodily injury
Injuries to others caused by your truck in an accident
- ✓Third-party property damage
Damage to other vehicles, structures, or property
- ✓Cargo loss or damage
Freight damaged by covered perils during transport
- ✓Physical damage to your vehicles
Collision, theft, fire, vandalism, and weather damage
- ✓Legal defense costs
Attorney fees and court costs for covered claims
- ✓Trailer interchange damage
Damage to non-owned trailers under interchange agreements
Common Exclusions
- ✗Intentional acts
Damage caused deliberately by the insured
- ✗Mechanical breakdown
Normal wear, tear, and mechanical failure
- ✗Unscheduled vehicles
Trucks or trailers not listed on the policy
- ✗Unauthorized drivers
Drivers not meeting policy requirements or without valid CDL
- ✗Pollution liability
Environmental cleanup from fuel spills or cargo leaks (requires separate coverage)
- ✗Certain cargo types
Hazmat, live animals, or high-value items may need special endorsements
Need Help Navigating Trucking Insurance Requirements?
From DOT filings to cargo coverage, we can help you explore options for your trucking operation.
What Affects Trucking Insurance Costs?
Trucking insurance premiums are influenced by multiple factors. Understanding what carriers evaluate can help you identify opportunities to manage costs:
Driver-Related Factors
- • Years of CDL experience
- • MVR (motor vehicle record) and violations
- • Prior claims history
- • Age of drivers (younger drivers may cost more)
- • Safety training and certifications
Operational Factors
- • Radius of operations (local vs. long-haul)
- • Types of cargo hauled
- • Number of units in fleet
- • Years in business / authority age
- • Annual mileage per unit
Vehicle Factors
- • Age and value of equipment
- • Vehicle type (tractor, straight truck, etc.)
- • Safety equipment (cameras, ELDs, collision avoidance)
- • Maintenance records
- • Gross vehicle weight rating
Safety & Compliance Factors
- • CSA (Compliance, Safety, Accountability) scores
- • DOT inspection results
- • Out-of-service rates
- • Safety management programs
- • Drug and alcohol testing compliance
Strategies That May Help Reduce Premiums:
- ✓ Maintain clean driver MVRs and hire experienced CDL holders
- ✓ Invest in dash cameras and telematics systems
- ✓ Maintain strong CSA scores and clean inspection records
- ✓ Implement formal safety training programs
- ✓ Consider higher deductibles to lower premiums
- ✓ Bundle coverages with one carrier when possible
Coverage Options: Owner-Operators vs. Fleet Operations
Owner-Operators
If you own and operate a single truck, your insurance needs depend on how you operate:
- Leased to a carrier: The carrier provides liability and cargo coverage while under dispatch. You may need bobtail/non-trucking liability and physical damage.
- Operating under your own authority: You need your own commercial auto liability, cargo coverage, physical damage, and DOT filing.
- Both: Some owner-operators run under their own authority and also lease to carriers—requiring a flexible insurance program.
Fleet Operations
Fleets with multiple units and drivers face additional considerations:
- Fleet policies: Cover all units under one policy with potential volume discounts
- Hired and non-owned auto: Covers liability for vehicles you rent or that employees use for business
- Workers' compensation: Required for employee drivers in New York
- General liability: Covers your terminal, loading dock, and non-driving business operations
Understanding the DOT Filing Process
Before the FMCSA will grant or maintain your operating authority, you must have proof of insurance on file. Here is how the process typically works:
Obtain Your USDOT Number
Register with FMCSA through the Unified Registration System. You will receive a USDOT number and MC number (if applicable).
Purchase Required Insurance
Work with your insurance agent to obtain commercial auto liability coverage meeting FMCSA minimum requirements for your cargo type.
Insurance Carrier Files BMC-91
Your insurance company electronically files Form BMC-91 (or BMC-34 for surety bonds) with FMCSA, proving you have the required financial responsibility.
Authority Becomes Active
Once the filing is processed and other requirements are met, your operating authority becomes active. This process typically involves a waiting period after application.
Important: Maintain Continuous Coverage
If your insurance lapses or is cancelled, your carrier will file a cancellation notice with FMCSA. This can result in revocation of your operating authority. Always ensure renewal is processed before your current policy expires.
New York State Trucking Considerations
NY No-Fault Auto Insurance
New York requires Personal Injury Protection (PIP) / no-fault coverage on all registered vehicles, including commercial trucks registered in the state. This provides medical expense coverage and lost wage benefits regardless of fault.
Workers' Compensation Requirements
If you have any employees (including drivers), New York requires Workers' Compensation and Disability Benefits coverage. This is separate from your trucking insurance and covers work-related injuries. Learn more about NY Workers' Comp requirements
Overweight and Oversize Permits
Carriers operating overweight or oversize loads in New York may face additional insurance requirements as a condition of permit issuance. Check with the NYSDOT permit office for current requirements.
NYC-Specific Regulations
Trucks operating within New York City face additional regulations including truck route restrictions, bridge and tunnel restrictions, and specific insurance requirements for certain operations. The NYC Department of Transportation oversees local trucking regulations.
Frequently Asked Questions About Trucking Insurance
What types of insurance do trucking companies need?
Trucking companies typically need commercial auto liability (required by FMCSA), physical damage coverage, motor truck cargo insurance, bobtail/non-trucking liability, and general liability. Additional coverages may include trailer interchange, refrigeration breakdown, and umbrella/excess liability depending on your operations.
What are the FMCSA minimum insurance requirements?
FMCSA requires minimum liability limits based on cargo type: $750,000 for general freight, $1,000,000 for oil and hazardous waste transport, and $5,000,000 for certain hazardous materials. Carriers must also file proof of insurance (Form BMC-91 or BMC-34) with FMCSA before operating.
How much does trucking insurance cost?
Trucking insurance costs vary widely because every operation is different. Key factors that influence your premium include the number of units in your fleet, driver experience and MVR records, the type of cargo you haul, your radius of operations (local vs. long-haul), years of operating authority, claims history, and CSA scores. Because of the many variables involved, the most accurate way to understand your costs is to request a quote based on your specific operation.
What is bobtail insurance and do I need it?
Bobtail (non-trucking liability) insurance covers your truck when it is being operated without a trailer and not under dispatch. If you are an owner-operator leased to a motor carrier, the carrier's policy typically covers you while under dispatch, but bobtail coverage fills the gap during personal use or driving between loads.
What is a DOT filing and how do I get one?
A DOT filing (Form BMC-91 for insurance companies or BMC-34 for surety bonds) is proof of financial responsibility filed with the FMCSA. Your insurance carrier files this on your behalf when you purchase a qualifying commercial auto liability policy. It is required before you can receive operating authority.
Does trucking insurance cover my cargo?
Standard commercial auto liability does not cover cargo. You need a separate motor truck cargo policy to protect the goods you are hauling. Cargo insurance covers loss or damage to freight in your care, custody, and control due to causes like collision, theft, fire, or overturning.
Can I get trucking insurance with a new authority?
Yes, though new authorities (less than 2-3 years) may face higher premiums and fewer carrier options. Having prior CDL experience, a clean driving record, and completing safety courses can help improve available rates. We work with carriers that provide coverage for new ventures.
Related Coverage for Transportation Businesses
Trucking insurance is one component of a complete risk management program. Consider these complementary coverages:
Workers' Compensation
Required for NY businesses with employee drivers. Covers work-related injuries and illnesses.
Commercial Umbrella
Additional liability limits above your primary trucking policy for catastrophic claims.
General Liability
Covers your terminal, loading operations, and non-driving business activities.
Cargo Insurance
Dedicated protection for freight in your care, custody, and control during transport.
Important Information
This information is provided for general educational purposes only and does not constitute insurance advice or policy recommendations. Coverage features described are examples and may not be available in all policies or from all carriers. Actual coverage is subject to the terms, conditions, and exclusions of the policy as issued. Federal and state regulations are subject to change. Please consult with a licensed insurance professional to discuss your specific coverage needs and options. Stan Steele Agency is licensed in New York State.
Protect Your Trucking Operation Today
Whether you are an owner-operator getting started or managing a growing fleet, the Stan Steele Agency can help you explore trucking insurance options that may fit your needs and budget.
How We Can Help:
- ✓ DOT filing assistance (BMC-91/BMC-34)
- ✓ Multiple carrier options for competitive rates
- ✓ Coverage for new authorities and new ventures
- ✓ Certificates of insurance available
- ✓ Ongoing policy support and claims assistance
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