Commercial Auto Liability for Trucking
Protect your business from third-party injury and property damage claims—meet federal requirements and keep your authority active.
WHAT IS COMMERCIAL AUTO LIABILITY?
Unlike Physical Damage (which covers your own equipment), Auto Liability protects others—including other drivers, passengers, pedestrians, and damaged property—when your truck is involved in an at-fault accident.
Commercial Auto Liability (also called Motor Truck Liability or Trucking Liability) is insurance that covers third-party bodily injury and property damage caused by your commercial vehicles. This is the foundational coverage required by federal law for interstate motor carriers and mandated by the FMCSA to operate legally.
KEY POINTS
MCS-90 Endorsement – Federally required endorsement showing you meet financial responsibility
BMC-91/91X Filing – Proof of insurance filed with FMCSA (required to maintain authority)
Continuous Coverage – Cancellations trigger authority suspension; maintain coverage without gaps
Additional Insureds – Brokers and shippers often require being added as additional insureds
Notice Requirements – FMCSA requires 30-day advance notice of policy cancellation
HOW AUTO LIABILITY IS PRICED
Commercial Auto Liability premiums are based on multiple factors:
- Radius of operation – Local, intermediate (200-500 miles), long-haul
- Commodities hauled – General freight, refrigerated, hazmat, etc.
- Driver experience and safety records – MVRs, CSA scores, accident history
- Company safety profile – DOT inspections, safety programs, violations
- Coverage limits – Higher limits = higher premiums
- Deductible options – Some carriers offer deductible options to reduce premium
- Number of power units – Fleet size and composition
- Garaging location – Urban vs. rural, state-specific rates
- Claims history – Loss runs showing past claims significantly impact pricing
New ventures, carriers with incidents, or operations in challenging commodities typically see higher rates until they build a clean track record.
Trucking class codes typically include 7219 (trucking—long distance), 7380 (trucking—local), and various codes for warehouse, office, and maintenance staff. Accurate classification ensures proper coverage and pricing.
BODILY INJURY VS. PROPERTY DAMAGE
Your Auto Liability policy covers two main types of third-party losses:
Bodily Injury (BI) includes: • Medical bills and hospitalization • Rehabilitation costs • Lost wages and loss of earning capacity • Pain and suffering • Wrongful death claims
Property Damage (PD) includes: • Damage to other vehicles • Damage to buildings, fences, guardrails, or other structures • Damaged cargo belonging to others (in some circumstances) • Loss of use of damaged property
Most policies show combined single limits (e.g., “$1,000,000 CSL” meaning one combined limit for all bodily injury and property damage per accident).
WHO NEEDS COMMERCIAL AUTO LIABILITY?
Federal requirements apply to: • Interstate for-hire motor carriers with a DOT/MC number • Private carriers operating commercial vehicles across state lines • Any carrier hauling regulated commodities in interstate commerce • Owner-operators leased to motor carriers (coverage flows through the lease in most cases)
You need proper filings when: • Operating with FMCSA authority (MC number) • Your insurance company must file an MCS-90 endorsement and BMC-91/91X form with FMCSA • These filings prove you meet federal financial responsibility requirements
Without active liability insurance and proper filings, the FMCSA can suspend or revoke your operating authority.
UNDERSTANDING FEDERAL MINIMUM LIMITS
The Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA) sets minimum liability limits based on what you haul and how far you travel. These are statutory minimums—many carriers choose higher limits to meet shipper requirements or provide additional protection.
Common Federal Minimum Requirements for Interstate Carriers
Certain Commodities & Passenger Vehicles • $1,000,000 – Required for:
- Vehicles designed to transport 16+ passengers
- Vehicles transporting certain quantities of oil or hazardous substances
- For-hire carriers transporting property
General Freight (Non-Hazmat) • $750,000 – Most common commodities in interstate commerce • Applies to dry van, flatbed, reefer hauling general goods
Hazardous Materials • $5,000,000 – Required for hauling:
- Hazardous materials in quantities requiring placarding
- Certain hazardous substances and wastes
- Any material listed in 49 CFR 172.101
Important: Intrastate (within one state) carriers must meet their state’s minimum requirements, which vary by jurisdiction. Some states require higher limits than federal minimums.
HIGHER LIMITS: GOING BEYOND THE MINIMUM
While $750K or $1M may meet federal minimums, many carriers need higher limits. Why carriers increase limits:
Shipper requirements – Major retailers and brokers often require $2M, $5M, or even $10M
Severe accident protection – Medical bills and property damage can exceed minimum limits quickly
Competitive advantage – Higher limits open doors to premium freight opportunities
Asset protection – Limits below actual damages expose your business assets to lawsuits
Most carriers achieve higher limits through a combination of primary Auto Liability and an Umbrella/Excess policy that sits on top.
FAQ
Most Asked Commercial Liability Auto Insurance Questions
What happens if I don't have proper liability insurance?
Operating without required insurance violates federal regulations. The FMCSA can suspend your authority, issue fines, and place your operation out of service. You also face personal liability for any accidents.
Does Auto Liability cover my cargo?
No—Auto Liability covers third-party injury and property damage. Your cargo requires separate Motor Truck Cargo insurance.
What's the difference between Auto Liability and Bobtail Insurance?
Auto Liability covers you while under dispatch hauling freight. Bobtail Insurance covers your tractor when operating without a trailer (regardless of dispatch status). They serve different purposes.
Can I get coverage with accidents or violations?
Yes, though rates will be higher. We work with carriers who specialize in challenged risks and help you build toward standard market eligibility
Do I need Auto Liability if I'm leased to a carrier?
Typically, the motor carrier’s policy provides primary coverage when you’re under their authority. However, some lease agreements require owner-operators to carry their own coverage. We’ll review your lease to confirm requirements.
What if my state requires higher limits than federal minimums?
Some states have higher intrastate requirements. We ensure your policy meets both federal and state requirements based on where you operate.