Trucking Insurance FAQs

Trucking Insurance FAQs – JSSR Insurance Agency

From new ventures to established fleets, we help motor carriers and owner-operators protect their rigs, loads, and contracts across California (and AZ, WA, OR). Clear answers below—built for fast compliance and better rates.

1) What is trucking insurance and who needs it? ›

Trucking insurance is a set of policies that protect motor carriers, owner-operators, and for-hire/private fleets from liability, vehicle damage, and cargo losses while operating commercial trucks.

2) What coverages are required vs. optional? ›
  • Primary Auto Liability (required for for-hire carriers; limits depend on commodity/weight—general freight often carries $750k+; many shippers require $1M).
  • Physical Damage (Collision/Comprehensive) for tractors/trailers (optional but highly recommended).
  • Motor Truck Cargo (optional but typically required by shippers/brokers; common limits: $100k–$250k+).
  • Truckers General Liability (separate from auto liability; protects premises/operations exposures).
  • Non-Trucking Liability (NTL)/Bobtail (for when you’re not under dispatch).
  • Trailer Interchange or Non-Owned Trailer PD if pulling others’ trailers.
  • UM/UIM, Med Pay, Towing/Rental/Downtime, Gap (as needed).
  • Workers’ Comp or Occupational Accident (if applicable for drivers/owners).
3) What filings and documents might be needed to activate authority or satisfy contracts? ›

Common requirements include federal/state insurance filings and endorsements. Examples:

  • BMC-91/91X (federal liability filing with FMCSA) and MCS-90 endorsement.
  • MCP-65 (California liability filing for certain intrastate operations).
  • Certificates of Insurance (COIs) with shipper/broker wording, AI/waivers when required.

Send us your broker/shipper requirements—we’ll issue compliant filings and COIs fast.

4) Primary Auto Liability vs. Truckers General Liability—what’s the difference? ›

Primary Auto Liability covers BI/PD you cause while operating a covered truck on the road. Truckers General Liability addresses non-auto exposures (e.g., a visitor injury at your yard, loading/unloading premises liability), subject to policy terms.

5) What is Non-Trucking Liability (NTL) vs. Bobtail? ›

NTL covers liability when the tractor is used for personal/non-business purposes. Bobtail generally refers to operating the tractor without a trailer (not under dispatch). Carriers and lease agreements specify which they require.

6) What does Motor Truck Cargo cover—and do I need Reefer Breakdown? ›

Motor Truck Cargo covers goods you haul against theft, collision-related loss, and specified perils, subject to exclusions/sub-limits.

  • Typical limits: $100k–$250k (some contracts require more).
  • Add Refrigeration (Reefer) Breakdown if you haul perishables.
  • Watch sub-limits for high-theft items (electronics, seafood, alcohol, tobacco, pharma).
7) How does Physical Damage work for my tractor/trailer? ›

Physical Damage combines Collision and Comprehensive for your equipment based on a stated value.

  • Include Towing, Rental Reimbursement, Downtime/Loss-of-Use options if needed.
  • Consider Gap coverage when financing.
  • For non-owned trailers, use Trailer Interchange or Non-Owned Trailer PD per contract.
8) What drives my premium? ›
  • Driver MVRs/CDL experience, age, and prior losses.
  • Equipment type/age/value (tractor, trailer, unit count).
  • Radius of operation, lanes, and garaging ZIPs.
  • Commodities hauled and cargo limits required.
  • New venture vs. seasoned carrier; safety scores/CSA history.
  • Telematics/dash cams, ELD compliance, and written safety programs.
9) How can I lower my trucking insurance costs without risking coverage gaps? ›
  • Set driver standards (clean MVRs, min. CDL years) and enforce them.
  • Install dash cams/telematics; maintain ELD, maintenance logs, and training.
  • Choose higher deductibles you can afford; pay-in-full or EFT for discounts.
  • Match commodities/lanes to your experience; avoid high-theft/high-hazard loads early on.
  • Bundle lines (Auto, Cargo, GL, PD) with the same carrier where it saves.
10) I’m a new venture. What do underwriters look for? ›
  • Owner’s CDL experience and prior employment/insurance history.
  • Business plan: lanes, commodities, shippers/brokers, safety program.
  • Unit list with VINs, values, garaging, and anti-theft features.
  • Driver list with DOB/CDL years; MVRs and any training certificates.
  • Lease/contract requirements (limits, AI/waivers, cargo specs).
11) What paperwork do you need to quote fast? ›
  • DOT/MC numbers (or application status), entity details, and FEIN.
  • Driver roster (names, DOB, license state, CDL years) and prior losses (3–5 years).
  • Vehicle list with VINs, stated values, and trailer types (owned/leased).
  • Garaging address, operating radius/lanes, and commodities.
  • Current/previous policy dec pages and any contract/shipper requirements.
12) Why choose JSSR Insurance Agency—and how do I get a quote today? ›

We specialize in trucking—including new ventures—and work with multiple carriers to align coverage, filings, and COIs with your contracts. Call (209) 701-6900, email This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it., or request a quote at jssrinsag.com. You can also book on our Calendly.

Get compliant fast—and keep your rates sharp.

We’ll review your lanes, commodities, contracts, and filings to tailor coverage and cut friction with shippers and brokers.

Call (209) 701-6900 This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. Book on Calendly

Helping owner-operators and fleets across Lathrop, Tracy, Santa Clara County—and throughout CA, AZ, WA, and OR.