How much liability coverage does the FMCSA require?

For interstate carriers hauling general freight in vehicles over 10,000 pounds, the federal minimum is $750,000 combined single limit. Hazmat runs to $1 million or $5 million depending on the commodity, and most brokers and shippers require $1 million by contract regardless. Texas intrastate limits are set separately and are often lower — we will confirm which applies to your operation.

Do I need cargo coverage if the shipper already has insurance?

Yes. The shipper's policy protects the shipper, not you, and your liability for the freight follows the bill of lading. Most brokers will not tender a load without at least $100,000 of motor truck cargo coverage on file.

Am I covered when I am not under dispatch?

Not by your primary liability policy — that coverage applies while you are in the business of the motor carrier. Non-trucking liability, often called bobtail coverage, fills the gap for personal use and deadhead miles.

Commercial Trucking Insurance

Trucking coverage that keeps your authority active and your loads moving

Primary liability, physical damage and motor truck cargo for owner-operators and small fleets — with federal filings handled and certificates sent the same day.

Quote trucking coverage (713) 644-8000

Blue semi truck pulling a dry van trailer on a highway

What it covers

Inside a trucking policy

Every policy is built from parts. These are the ones we will walk through with you before anything is signed.

Primary liability

The coverage your operating authority is built on — injuries and property damage you cause while on dispatch.

Physical damage

Repairs or replaces the tractor and trailer after a collision, rollover, fire, hail or theft.

Motor truck cargo

Pays for the freight itself when a load is damaged, stolen or lost in transit.

Non-trucking liability

Bobtail and personal-use coverage for the miles you run when you are off dispatch.

Trailer interchange

Covers damage to trailers you pull under an interchange or lease agreement but do not own.

Occupational accident

Medical and disability benefits for owner-operators, plus workers' compensation where a contract requires it.

Flatbed truck hauling a wheel loader at sunset

Why work with us

What you get with Elite Auto Insurance

FMCSA filings and MCS-90 endorsements handled for you
Certificates of insurance sent to brokers and shippers the same day
New-authority owner-operators placed, not turned away
Reefer breakdown, hazmat and oilfield hauling quoted through specialty carriers

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Common questions

Trucking insurance FAQ

How much liability coverage does the FMCSA require?: For interstate carriers hauling general freight in vehicles over 10,000 pounds, the federal minimum is $750,000 combined single limit. Hazmat runs to $1 million or $5 million depending on the commodity, and most brokers and shippers require $1 million by contract regardless. Texas intrastate limits are set separately and are often lower — we will confirm which applies to your operation.
Do I need cargo coverage if the shipper already has insurance?: Yes. The shipper's policy protects the shipper, not you, and your liability for the freight follows the bill of lading. Most brokers will not tender a load without at least $100,000 of motor truck cargo coverage on file.
Am I covered when I am not under dispatch?: Not by your primary liability policy — that coverage applies while you are in the business of the motor carrier. Non-trucking liability, often called bobtail coverage, fills the gap for personal use and deadhead miles.

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