Trucking · New authority

Truck insurance for brand-new authorities.

Just got your USDOT and MC numbers? Many insurance companies won't write a first-year carrier. We work with the specialty trucking markets that will, and we make sure your filings get done so your authority can go active.

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What you'll need

The coverage a new authority carries

Your authority can't go active until the FMCSA has proof of liability insurance on file, along with your BOC-3. That's the legal minimum. The brokers and shippers you want to haul for will ask for more.

Here's what a typical new owner-operator policy includes. We'll tell you which pieces your operation actually needs, and which ones you can skip.

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Primary auto liabilityRequired by the FMCSA. The federal minimum for general freight is $750,000, but most brokers won't load you under $1,000,000.
Motor truck cargoNot federally required for most freight, but nearly every broker asks for it. $100,000 is the common limit.
Physical damageCovers your truck and trailer. Required if your equipment is financed or leased.
Trailer interchangeFor damage to trailers you pull but don't own, under an interchange agreement.
General liabilitySome shippers and receiving facilities require it to come on site.
Occupational accidentCovers you if you're hurt on the job. As an owner-operator you usually aren't covered by workers' comp.

How it works

Three steps. No jargon.

Send us the basics

Our 60-second form asks what you run, how many trucks and where you're based. Have your USDOT number handy if you have one.

We shop specialty markets

We compare the trucking markets that write new ventures, based on your driving record, CDL experience, equipment, cargo and radius.

Bind and file

Once you pick a policy, the insurance company files proof of coverage (the BMC-91X) with the FMCSA. We follow up until it shows on your record.

Straight talk

Why first-year rates run higher, and how to bring them down

No track record yet

Insurers price on history. A new authority doesn't have a safety score or claims history, so the first year costs more. It typically improves at renewal once you've run clean.

Your CDL experience counts

Time as a company driver or leased owner-operator counts toward your experience. Many markets look for at least two years behind the wheel.

Small choices add up

A clean MVR, a higher deductible, dash cams and a written safety program can all help. Our free safety program template is a good start.

Questions

What owner-operators ask us

How soon do I need insurance after I apply for authority?

Your authority can't become active until the FMCSA has your liability filing and BOC-3 on record, and the FMCSA only gives you a limited window to get them in. Start quoting as soon as you apply so you're ready to bind the day you need coverage.

What do I need to get a quote?

Your USDOT and MC numbers if you have them, CDL and driving history for each driver, the year, make, VIN and value of your trucks and trailers, what you haul, how far you run, and any prior insurance. If you don't have everything yet, start the quote anyway and we'll fill in the gaps by phone.

Can I get insured if I've never run my own authority?

Yes. Most of our new authority clients drove for a company or ran leased on before getting their own numbers. That experience counts.

Will my rate go down after the first year?

Often, yes. Once you have a year of clean driving and no claims, more markets will compete for your business. We re-shop your policy at renewal.

Do you insure intrastate-only carriers?

Yes. Requirements for carriers that stay inside Illinois or Indiana can differ from interstate rules. Tell us how you run and we'll confirm what applies to you.

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