Hey guys, Brian here. I run my own trucking company, and like a lot of you, I had to figure out the insurance side of things when I got started. One of the first questions I asked was:
“What’s the minimum liability coverage I need to stay compliant with FMCSA and DOT rules?”
At first, I thought it was just about finding the cheapest way to check the box, but I quickly learned there’s more to it. The right coverage not only keeps you legal, it protects your business and keeps the loads coming.
FMCSA Requirements in Plain English
Here’s what I found when I dug into the FMCSA rules. The minimum liability insurance depends on what you’re hauling and the type of vehicle you’re driving:
$750,000 minimum for most general freight
$1,000,000 minimum is what most brokers and shippers require (even though $750,000 is the legal minimum)
$1,000,000 to $5,000,000 if you’re hauling certain hazardous materials
$5,000,000 minimum for explosives and other high-risk hazmat loads
$300,000 minimum for smaller trucks under 10,001 pounds carrying non-hazardous freight
Even though $750,000 will technically keep you compliant, most truckers—including me—carry at least $1,000,000. It just makes life easier when dealing with brokers and shippers.
Why I Didn’t Stick to the Bare Minimum
I thought about going with the $750,000 at first, but here’s why I didn’t:
Most freight brokers I wanted to work with demanded $1,000,000.
The cost of a serious accident could easily go past $750,000.
I wanted peace of mind that one claim wouldn’t sink my business.
For me, it was worth paying a little extra to make sure my trucking company was protected.
The Filings You Can’t Forget
Another thing I learned the hard way: it’s not just about buying insurance, it’s about making sure your insurance company files the right paperwork with the FMCSA.
The BMC-91 (or BMC-91X) proves you have the liability coverage.
The MCS-90 endorsement confirms it meets federal requirements.
If those filings aren’t in place, your authority can get shut down, even if you’ve already paid your insurance bill.
Final Thoughts
So here’s the bottom line: FMCSA says long-haul truckers need at least $750,000 in liability coverage, but most of us end up with $1,000,000 to stay competitive, keep brokers happy, and protect our businesses.
My Advice to Other Truckers
Don’t cut corners. Get the coverage you really need, not just the legal minimum. It’s one of the smartest investments you can make in your trucking business.
If you’re ready to get set up, call 516-277-0812 or fill out the online form here: Request a Trucking Insurance Quote. That’s what I did, and it gave me the confidence to focus on what I do best—running loads and building my business.