Frequently Asked Questions

We're an insurance lead marketplace. When you submit your information, your quote request is instantly routed to licensed trucking insurance agents who specialize in your type of operation. These agents shop your risk across multiple A-rated carriers simultaneously and contact you with competitive quotes — often within hours.

No. Requesting quotes through Great Trucking Insurance is completely free. Agents earn a commission from the carrier if you choose to purchase a policy — there's no cost to you for the comparison service.

Most truckers hear from an agent within minutes during business hours. For complex fleet submissions, expect 24–48 hours for full market quotes. If you need same-day coverage, let the agent know upfront — in many cases it's possible.

Yes. All agents in our network are licensed insurance professionals in their respective states, specializing in commercial trucking. They are not call center reps — they're trucking insurance specialists who understand DOT requirements and carrier underwriting guidelines.

Absolutely not. Requesting a quote is 100% free and carries no obligation. You can compare rates, ask questions, and decide what's right for you without any pressure.

Primary liability covers damage or injuries you cause to other people or their property when you're at fault in an accident. It protects others from you.

Cargo insurance covers the freight you're hauling — if it's damaged, stolen, or lost. It protects the goods in your care.

Most truckers need both. Primary liability is required by the FMCSA; cargo insurance is required by most freight brokers.

Bobtail insurance (also called Non-Trucking Liability) covers you when you're driving your truck for personal use — not under dispatch. If you're leased to a carrier, their insurance typically only covers you while you're hauling for them. Bobtail covers the gaps.

If you own your authority, your primary liability policy covers you during all business operations, so bobtail may be less critical — but it's worth discussing with your agent.

No. Personal auto policies explicitly exclude commercial trucking operations. If you drive a commercial truck for business purposes and only have personal auto insurance, you have no coverage for business-related accidents. A commercial trucking policy is required.

Physical damage covers your truck and trailer — not the cargo. It has two components: collision (damage from hitting another vehicle or object) and comprehensive (fire, theft, vandalism, weather, animal strikes). If you have a truck loan, your lender almost certainly requires physical damage coverage.

The MCS-90 is a mandatory federal endorsement on all FMCSA-regulated trucking liability policies. It guarantees the insurer will pay the federal minimum liability limits to injured parties, even if the trucker had a policy violation. It's not additional coverage — it's a public protection mechanism. Your insurer attaches it automatically when they file your BMC-91 with the FMCSA. See our Glossary for a full explanation.

Trucking insurance costs vary widely based on your operation. Rough ranges:

Owner-operator (1 truck, general freight): $8,000–$18,000/year for a full package
New authority: $12,000–$25,000+ for the first year
Fleet (per unit): Generally lower per-unit cost with scale

Factors that affect your rate include your cargo type, operating radius, driver record, years in business, and claims history. The only way to know your actual rate is to get quotes — which is what we help you do.

Several proven strategies:

• Clean MVR: A clean driving record is the single biggest factor in getting preferred rates
• Dashcams: Many carriers offer 5–15% discounts for in-cab and forward-facing cameras
• ELD compliance: Shows carriers you're managing hours-of-service risks
• Higher deductible: Choosing a $2,500–$5,000 deductible instead of $1,000 can lower physical damage premiums significantly
• Safety training: Formal driver safety programs can qualify for credits with some carriers
• Shop at renewal: Don't auto-renew. Market conditions change, and a different carrier may have better rates for your profile.

Yes. Most carriers offer monthly or quarterly payment plans, often with a down payment of 10–25% at inception. Monthly payments typically include a small installment fee. Paying annually in full is almost always the cheapest total-cost option.

Commercial trucking is genuinely high-risk from an insurance standpoint. Large trucks cause significantly more damage in accidents than passenger vehicles, jury awards in trucking cases have been climbing for years (a phenomenon called "nuclear verdicts"), and cargo theft and physical damage claims are frequent and costly. That said, competitive pricing is absolutely achievable — especially by shopping multiple carriers.

To legally operate in interstate commerce, you need:

1. Primary Auto Liability ($750K minimum for general freight; $1M for hazmat)
2. BMC-91 filing on record with the FMCSA (your insurer handles this)

Most brokers will also require:
3. Motor Truck Cargo (typically $100K minimum)

Check out our New Authority page for a complete breakdown and timeline.

Without a loss history, carriers can't accurately assess your risk — so they price conservatively. Rates typically improve significantly after 1–2 years of clean operation, when you have a track record to show underwriters.

Yes, and you should. Getting your insurance lined up during the 10-day FMCSA waiting period means your BMC-91 filing can be confirmed right when your authority activates — so you're ready to haul on day one.

1. Ensure safety — check for injuries, call 911 if needed
2. Document everything — photos of damage, other vehicle, scene, skid marks
3. Get contact info from all parties and witnesses
4. Do not admit fault at the scene
5. Notify your insurance carrier or agent as soon as possible — most carriers require prompt notification
6. Complete an accident report for your carrier
7. If cargo was damaged, document the condition of the freight with photos before it's moved

Potentially, yes. Carriers review your loss runs (claims history) at renewal. A single at-fault accident can result in a premium increase or non-renewal with some carriers. However, not all claims affect rates equally — a small physical damage claim in an otherwise clean record may have minimal impact, while a major liability claim will be scrutinized more carefully.

Loss runs are a report from your current carrier showing your claims history, typically for the past 3–5 years. When shopping for new insurance, agents will need your loss runs to submit your application to carriers. You have the legal right to request your loss runs from your current carrier — simply contact them or ask your agent. Most carriers provide them within 1–3 business days.

Federal FMCSA minimums vary by cargo type:

• $750,000 — General freight (most common)
• $1,000,000 — Oil, other hazardous materials
• $5,000,000 — Certain highly hazardous materials
• $300,000 — Small passenger vehicles (not trucks)

Note that many shippers and brokers require $1M regardless of cargo type, and some states have additional requirements above the federal minimums.

Cargo insurance is not federally mandated by the FMCSA — but it is practically required because virtually every legitimate freight broker requires proof of cargo coverage (typically $100,000 minimum) before they'll give you a load. Operating without it severely limits your ability to find freight.

Serious consequences:

• Your insurance carrier notifies the FMCSA of the lapse via the BMC-91
• The FMCSA can revoke your operating authority
• You face unlimited personal liability for any accidents during the lapse period
• Getting new coverage after a lapse is harder and more expensive

Never let your policy lapse — if you're having trouble paying premiums, call your agent immediately to discuss options.