Insurance for truckers and owner-operators in North Carolina

A red semi truck on a highway between mountains

If your truck hauls freight, insurance is not just paperwork. Without the right policy you can't book loads, pass an inspection or keep your authority active. We insure tractor-trailers, dump trucks, box trucks and small fleets with carriers that specialize in trucking, such as Canal and Progressive Commercial. We'll explain, in English or Spanish, what the law requires, what your broker is asking for and what's worth adding.

What does a trucking policy cover?

Auto liability: damage and injuries your truck causes to others. This is the coverage the law requires
Physical damage: collision and comprehensive for your tractor and trailer
Motor truck cargo: the freight you're hauling
Non-trucking and bobtail liability: for owner-operators leased to another carrier, when they drive off dispatch or without a trailer
Trailer interchange: another company's trailer while it's in your care
Certificates of insurance (COIs) for brokers and shippers

How much insurance does the law require?

For-hire interstate hauling of general freight in a vehicle of 10,001 lbs GVWR or more: at least $750,000 in liability (FMCSA).
For-hire interstate hauling of general freight in a vehicle under 10,001 lbs GVWR, such as some hotshot setups: at least $300,000.
Certain hazardous materials: at least $1,000,000. Explosives, poison gas and radioactive materials: $5,000,000.
Household goods movers: $750,000 in liability plus $5,000 in cargo coverage.
In North Carolina, the owner of a commercial motor vehicle, such as a truck of 26,001 lbs GVWR or more, must carry that same $750,000 minimum even if it never leaves the state (G.S. 20-309).
Many brokers and shippers ask for higher limits than the legal minimum. Before you quote, check what your contracts require.

What should you have ready for a quote?

Your USDOT number and, if you run under your own authority, your MC number
CDL and date of birth for each driver
Year, make, VIN and value of each tractor and trailer
What you haul and how far you run (local, regional or long haul)
Loss runs for the last 3 to 5 years, if you've had commercial insurance before
Your lease agreement, if you're leased on to another carrier

How do we help?

We compare carriers that specialize in trucking and explain the difference between one quote and another
We coordinate your FMCSA insurance filings with the carrier (BMC-91 or BMC-91X, and BMC-34 for household goods)
We issue certificates (COIs) for brokers and shippers with the wording they ask for
We review your policy when you add a truck, a driver or a new type of freight

Business owner with an ITIN or a matrícula consular?

We insure business owners who have an ITIN or a matrícula consular
Tell us how your business is set up when you ask for a quote, and a licensed agent will explain your options
Everything explained in Spanish or English

If a broker is asking for a certificate with specific wording, send it to us by WhatsApp or email. If you're not sure what your current policy covers, we'll review it at no cost.

Frequently asked questions

Do I need trucking insurance if I only run inside North Carolina?

Yes. State law requires the owner of a commercial motor vehicle, such as a truck of 26,001 lbs GVWR or more, to carry the same liability minimum the federal rule sets for general freight: $750,000 (G.S. 20-309). Your customers or brokers may also ask for higher limits.

What is non-trucking or bobtail insurance?

It's liability coverage for an owner-operator who works under another carrier's authority. That carrier's policy usually covers you while you're under dispatch; non-trucking liability covers you when you use the truck off dispatch. We'll confirm what you need based on your lease agreement.

What is a filing, and who files it?

It's the proof of insurance the FMCSA requires from carriers with operating authority. The insurance company files it, not you. We coordinate it so your authority never shows up without insurance on record.

Do you quote new authorities or newer drivers?

Yes. The price is usually higher the first year because the insurers have no history on you, and not every company accepts drivers with little experience. That's why it pays to compare several.

How much does trucking insurance cost?

It depends on what you haul, how far you run, each driver's experience and record, the value of your equipment and the limits you're required to carry. We don't quote a price in advance because it varies so much; with your information, we'll bring you options from several companies.

Work trucks and vans for your business? See commercial auto insurance →

Sources: FMCSA, insurance filing requirements · N.C. Gen. Stat. § 20-309 · NCDMV, commercial trucking.