Motor Carrier Insurance Programs for Growing Fleets
Running a motor carrier operation means managing drivers, equipment, compliance, and risk. We handle the insurance so you can focus on building your business.
Overview
Operating as a motor carrier with your own authority is the most independent — and most complex — way to run a trucking business. You bear full responsibility for maintaining FMCSA-compliant insurance, managing driver qualifications, filing MCS-150 updates, and defending against claims. At Trucking Insurance Today, we specialize in building comprehensive insurance programs for motor carriers of all sizes operating in and through Southern California. From single-truck authorities just getting started to established fleets with dozens of power units, our team constructs layered coverage programs that satisfy federal requirements, protect your balance sheet, and position your company for growth. Kail and Nancy have guided countless carriers through the process of obtaining authority, securing insurance, and maintaining compliance year after year.
Key Benefits
Complete Authority Startup
We guide new carriers through every step — from obtaining your DOT number and MC authority to filing your BOC-3, registering for UCR, and placing your initial insurance. Most carriers are road-ready within 2-3 weeks.
Experience-Based Pricing
New authority? Bad loss history? Non-standard cargo? We work with specialty markets that write risks other agencies decline, often at surprisingly competitive premiums.
Layered Coverage Architecture
We structure your insurance program with primary, excess, and umbrella layers to provide maximum protection while optimizing premium costs across your entire portfolio.
Compliance Monitoring
We monitor your MCS-150 filing deadlines, insurance filing status, and policy renewal dates so your authority is never at risk of suspension.
Coverage Details
Primary Auto Liability
The cornerstone of your motor carrier insurance program. We place coverage that meets FMCSA requirements and file the BMC-91 or BMC-91X on your behalf to activate your authority.
Motor Truck Cargo
Protects the freight entrusted to you by shippers and brokers. We customize commodity types, limits, and deductibles to match your operating profile and contractual obligations.
General Liability
Covers premises liability, completed operations, and personal/advertising injury. Many shippers and brokers require evidence of general liability before tendering freight.
Workers' Compensation
Required in California for any carrier with W-2 employees. We place workers' comp policies with trucking-specialist carriers who understand the unique exposures of commercial driving.
Umbrella/Excess Liability
Adds additional layers of liability protection above your primary policy. Essential for carriers hauling high-value freight or operating in litigious environments.
Why Truckers Choose Us
- End-to-end motor carrier authority startup and ongoing compliance management
- We file your BMC-91/91X and BMC-34 forms directly with the FMCSA
- Experience with both standard and non-standard motor carrier risks
- Dedicated account manager who knows your fleet, your drivers, and your business
- Three office locations for convenient in-person fleet reviews and policy consultations
Frequently Asked Questions
What insurance does a motor carrier need?
A motor carrier with FMCSA authority needs primary auto liability (minimum $750,000 for general freight), motor truck cargo insurance, general liability, and workers' compensation if you have employees. Additional coverages like physical damage, umbrella liability, and hired/non-owned auto are strongly recommended.
How do I get motor carrier authority in California?
You need a USDOT number, MC (Motor Carrier) number, BOC-3 process agent filing, insurance filed with the FMCSA via BMC-91X, and UCR registration. We handle this entire process for you, typically completing everything within 2-3 weeks.
What is a BMC-91X filing?
The BMC-91X is the form your insurance company files with the FMCSA to prove you carry the required minimum liability insurance. Without an active BMC-91X on file, your operating authority cannot be activated. We coordinate this filing directly with your carrier as part of our service.
Can new motor carriers get affordable insurance?
Yes, though rates for new authorities are typically higher than for established carriers due to the lack of operating history. We work with specialty markets that specifically write new ventures and can often find competitive options even for carriers with zero operating history.
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