Hey guys, Brian here. I’ve met a lot of truckers over the years who try to save a few bucks by delaying their insurance renewal or letting their policy lapse for a short time. I get it — when times are slow, every dollar counts.

But here’s the truth: letting your truck insurance lapse, even for a few days, can cause way bigger problems (and costs) down the road. I learned this lesson the hard way, so let me break it down for you.

What “Lapse in Coverage” Really Means

A lapse happens when your insurance policy expires or gets canceled and you don’t have another one active right away. That gap — even if it’s only a few days — means you’re technically uninsured.

If you’re operating under your own authority, the FMCSA gets notified the moment your insurance company files a cancellation notice. They don’t mess around — your authority can be suspended automatically if you’re not covered.

What Happens When You’re Uninsured

Here’s what can happen if you let your policy lapse:

Your Operating Authority Gets Pulled – FMCSA can suspend or revoke it until proof of new insurance is filed.
You’ll Pay More Later – When you try to get new insurance, carriers see the gap and charge higher rates.
You Risk Personal Liability – If something happens during that gap, it’s 100% on you.
You Might Lose Loads – Brokers and shippers won’t work with a carrier who isn’t insured, even for a day.

When my policy renewal came up one year, I missed the payment by a day because I was on the road. The reinstatement took almost a week, and I couldn’t haul during that time. That one mistake cost me more than the premium ever would have.

How to Avoid a Lapse

Set Reminders: Keep renewal dates in your calendar or phone.
Work With a Broker: A good broker will contact you before your policy expires.
Keep Payments Auto-Drafted: One less thing to worry about when you’re on the road.
File Changes Early: If you switch insurance carriers, make sure the new filings hit before the old policy ends.

My Advice

Never gamble with your insurance coverage. Even a short lapse can hit your wallet harder than you think. Keep your coverage continuous, stay compliant, and don’t give the FMCSA a reason to pull your authority.

Stay Covered and Keep Rolling

If you’re not sure your policy is up to date or want to find out if there’s a better option for your operation, give the team a call at 516-277-0812 or fill out the online form here: Request a Trucking Insurance Quote.

Trust me — staying insured isn’t just about compliance. It’s about protecting your business, your truck, and your future.