TRUCKING LIABILITY INSURANCE
Over the past 20+ years, we’ve grown to be one of the leading commercial truck insurance companies in America by providing flexible coverage and payment options, free filings, specialized heavy truck claims service, discounts and expert support.
Trucking Liability Insurance You Can Trust!
When you drive for a living, there’s no avoiding risk. One accident can lead to injuries, property damage, lawsuits, and financial setbacks. That’s why trucking liability insurance isn’t optional—it’s required by law for motor carriers and owner-operators with authority. More importantly, it’s the coverage that protects your business if the unexpected happens on the road.
At National Independent Truckers Insurance Company (NITIC), we’ve been insuring truckers for more than 20 years. We know the challenges you face every day—tight schedules, heavy loads, unpredictable roads—and we’ve built our liability policies to give you the protection and peace of mind you need to keep rolling.
What is Trucking Liability Insurance
Trucking liability insurance is the foundation of every commercial trucking policy. It’s the coverage that steps in when your truck causes injury or property damage to someone else. Without it, you can’t operate legally under your own DOT authority.
Think of it as the insurance that protects everyone else from the risks that come with operating a commercial truck. While it doesn’t cover your own truck’s repairs, it does cover the damages you might cause in an accident.
What Does Trucking Liability Insurance Cover?
Trucking liability insurance is designed to handle the biggest financial risks truckers face. Coverage typically includes:
Bodily Injury
If another driver or passenger is hurt in an accident involving your truck, liability coverage helps pay for their medical bills, lost wages, and related expenses.
Property Damage
This covers the cost of repairing or replacing vehicles, buildings, or other property damaged in an accident you caused.
Legal Defense
If an accident leads to a lawsuit, liability insurance helps pay legal fees and settlements.
Without liability insurance, even a single accident could put your trucking business at risk.
Who Needs Trucking Liability Insurance
Most trucking businesses are required by law to carry liability insurance. That includes:
Owner-operators with authority – You’ll need primary liability insurance to stay compliant with FMCSA rules.
Leased owner-operators – Depending on your lease agreement, liability may be provided by your motor carrier, but some still carry their own policy for added protection.
Small fleets – Even a handful of trucks need liability coverage for each vehicle.
Large fleets – Larger operations often require higher limits, especially when working with major shippers and brokers.
If you’re hauling under your own authority, liability coverage is a must.
FMCSA and State Requirements
The Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA) sets the minimum limits for trucking liability insurance. Requirements range from $750,000 to $5,000,000 depending on the type of freight you haul. For example:
General freight: $750,000 minimum
Oil transport: $1,000,000 minimum
Hazardous materials: $5,000,000 minimum
On top of that, many states have their own filing requirements. At NITIC, we handle these filings for you—whether it’s an MCS-90, Form E, or SR-22—so your authority stays active and compliant.
How Much Does Trucking Liability Insurance Cost?
Rates vary depending on your operation. A few key factors include:
- The type of cargo you haul
- Your driving history and safety record
- How far you operate (local, regional, or long-haul)
- Fleet size and years in business
- The coverage limits required by brokers or shippers
Most liability policies for truckers fall between $6,000 and $12,000 per year, per truck. New drivers or carriers hauling hazardous freight may see higher premiums, while established businesses with clean safety records often qualify for better rates.
The best way to know your cost is to request a personalized quote.
Why Truckers Choose NITIC
Thousands of truckers across the country trust us with their coverage because we focus on trucking insurance—nothing else. Here’s what sets us apart:
Licensed in 48 states – Wherever your trucks go, we’ve got you covered.
Quick policy binding – We know you can’t afford delays, so we get you insured fast.
Experienced agents – Our team specializes in trucking and understands FMCSA requirements inside and out.
Financial strength – With a B++ rating from A.M. Best, we’re a stable partner you can count on.
Affordable payment options – Low down payments and monthly plans to fit your budget.
Compliance and Safety Made Simple
Fast Claims Support When You Need It
Accidents happen, even to the safest drivers. When they do, you need an insurance partner who responds quickly. Our claims team works directly with fleet managers and owner-operators to get claims processed efficiently, with as little disruption to your business as possible.
Trucking Liability Insurance FAQs and Additional Information
What is the minimum liability insurance required for truckers?
The FMCSA requires at least $750,000 in liability coverage for general freight, with higher limits for hazardous cargo.
Does liability insurance cover my own truck repairs?
No. Liability insurance only covers damages or injuries you cause to others. To cover your truck, you’ll need physical damage coverage.
How much does trucking liability insurance cost?
Most policies range between $6,000 and $12,000 per year per truck, depending on risk factors and cargo type.
Can new trucking companies get liability insurance?
Yes. While rates may be higher for new ventures, NITIC works with startups as well as established fleets.
