What is the minimum liability insurance for trucking?

For-hire carriers hauling non-hazardous freight in interstate commerce in vehicles of 10,001 lbs GVWR or more need a minimum of $750,000; fleets of only lighter vehicles need $300,000. Hazmat carriers need $1,000,000 to $5,000,000 depending on the materials. Many shippers require $1,000,000 regardless of what you haul.

What is an MCS-90 endorsement?

The MCS-90 is a federal endorsement attached to your liability policy that guarantees the public will be compensated for accidents involving your trucks. Interstate for-hire carriers running vehicles of 10,001 lbs or more, and most hazmat carriers, must keep it (or an MCS-82 surety bond) as proof of coverage; the filing your insurer sends to the FMCSA is the BMC-91 or BMC-91X.

Can I get liability insurance with a new authority?

Yes. We work with several carriers that write new authorities. Rates will be higher in your first two years, but we can find competitive options even without experience. We help hundreds of new authority carriers get covered every year.

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Truckers Liability (BIPD)

Truckers liability insurance, also known as BIPD (Bodily Injury and Property Damage), is the foundation of every commercial trucking insurance program. Federal law requires a minimum of $750,000 in liability coverage for for-hire interstate carriers of general freight in trucks of 10,001 lbs or more, and $1,000,000 or $5,000,000 for hazmat haulers depending on the material. We shop your liability across our network of many carriers to find the most competitive rates without cutting corners on coverage.

What's Covered

Bodily injury liability for third-party injuries

Property damage liability for damage to others' property

MCS-90 endorsement, federal BMC-91 or BMC-91X filing, and state filings included

Coverage for hired and non-owned vehicles available

Defense costs covered in addition to policy limits

Pollution liability endorsement options

Who Needs Truckers Liability (BIPD)?

Every motor carrier operating commercial vehicles needs liability insurance. If you have an FMCSA operating authority (MC number), you must maintain continuous liability coverage with proper federal filings. This applies to owner-operators, small fleets, and large carriers alike. Without active liability coverage, your authority can be revoked.

Frequently Asked Questions

Where These Facts Come From

Sourced 6 of 6

Key federal requirements on this page, linked to the law they come from.

1.For-hire carriers hauling non-hazardous property interstate in vehicles of 10,001 lbs or more need at least $750,000 in public liability. 49 CFR 387.9 · checked 2026-10-01
2.Fleets running only vehicles under 10,001 lbs GVWR need at least $300,000 for non-hazardous property. 49 CFR 387.303T · checked 2026-10-16The in-force text. eCFR also prints a 387.303 without the T; that version is suspended indefinitely.
3.Hazmat minimums are $1,000,000 or $5,000,000 depending on the material and how it is carried. 49 CFR 387.9 · checked 2026-10-01
4.Proof of a carrier's public liability coverage is the MCS-90 endorsement (or an MCS-82 surety bond), kept at its principal place of business. 49 CFR 387.7 · checked 2026-10-01
5.The FMCSA registers a motor carrier only after a bond, insurance policy, or other approved security is filed for it. 49 U.S.C. 13906(a) · checked 2026-10-01
6.Required coverage stays in effect until it is replaced, or cancelled on 35 days' written notice between insurer and carrier. 49 CFR 387.7 · checked 2026-10-01

Get a Truckers Liability (BIPD) Quote

We compare rates from many carriers to find the best truckers liability (bipd) coverage for your operation.

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