Trucking Insurance Comparisons
Trucking terms that get mixed up and do different jobs. Each page puts two of them side by side with a short answer at the top.
All Comparisons
Bobtail Insurance vs Non-Trucking Liability: Which Do You Need?
Bobtail covers you when driving your tractor without a trailer. NTL covers you when using your truck for any non-business purpose. Owner-operators leased to a carrier typically need both — the carrier's primary policy only covers you when you're actively dispatched.
Auto Liability vs General Liability for Trucking: What's the Difference?
Auto liability (BIPD) covers injuries and property damage caused by your truck while in motion. General liability (GL) covers everything else — slips and falls at your terminal, damage caused during loading, completed operations liability. Most motor carriers need both, but they're separate policies with separate premiums.
Owner-Operator vs Motor Carrier Insurance: Which Model Fits You?
Owner-operators leased to a carrier need NTL/bobtail, physical damage, occupational accident, and sometimes cargo. Motor carriers with their own authority need full primary liability ($1M+), cargo, physical damage, GL, and workers comp. Owner-operators running under their own authority are technically motor carriers and need the same coverage as small fleets.
BMC-84 vs BMC-85: Which Freight Broker Financial Security Should You Choose?
BMC-84 is a surety bond costing $900-$3,500/year as a premium. BMC-85 is a trust fund where you deposit $75,000 in cash/investments. Most brokers choose BMC-84 to avoid tying up $75K. Brokers with poor credit or no bond market access sometimes use BMC-85 as a fallback.
Contingent Cargo vs Motor Truck Cargo Insurance: Who Buys Which?
Motor carriers buy motor truck cargo insurance for the freight they haul. Freight brokers buy contingent cargo insurance as backup on loads they arrange.
Federal vs State Trucking Insurance Filings: BMC-91X, MCS-90 and Form E
Interstate for-hire carriers with FMCSA operating authority need a federal filing (Form BMC-91 or BMC-91X). In-state carriers may need a state filing.
Owner-Operator vs Fleet Truck Insurance: How Coverage and Underwriting Differ
Owner-operators and fleets need the same core coverages and the same federal liability minimum. What differs is how the insurer underwrites the account.
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