Truck insurance for owner-operators and new authorities.One call. Real markets. No runaround.
Your truck is the business. We shop specialty trucking markets that actually write owner-operators and brand-new MC numbers, explain every coverage in plain English, and stay with you after the policy starts.
- New authorities welcome, including first-year MC numbers
- Primary liability, cargo, physical damage, bobtail and more
- We coordinate your federal filings with the insurance company
- A licensed agent on our trucking desk, not a call center
- 15+ yearslicensed and in your corner
- Specialty marketscarriers that want trucking
- IL & INlicensed in both states
- Real peoplea trucking desk you can call
Everything a brokered, leased or financed truck needs.
Primary auto liability
The coverage your authority depends on. We help you choose limits that satisfy the FMCSA, your brokers and your shippers.
Motor truck cargo
Protects the load you're hauling. Many brokers expect a cargo limit before they'll tender freight.
Physical damage
Comprehensive and collision for your tractor and trailer. Lenders typically require it.
Bobtail / non-trucking liability
Covers you when you're not under dispatch, a gap your motor carrier's policy often doesn't fill.
Occupational accident
Injury protection for owner-operators who aren't covered by workers' compensation.
General liability & trailer interchange
Often required for facility access and when pulling trailers you don't own.
New authorities are our specialty, not a hassle.
Plenty of agencies won't touch a first-year authority. We work with markets that write new ventures, and we'll walk you through exactly what underwriters look for so there are no surprises.
- You tell us about your operation (about 60 seconds above)
- Our trucking desk calls to fill in drivers, equipment and loss history
- We shop specialty trucking markets and walk you through the options
- You choose, and the insurance company files proof of coverage with the FMCSA
Keith Burton
A real person who knows trucking.
Your request goes straight to Keith on our trucking desk, backed by Merrill's 15+ years of licensed experience. You'll get a call from someone who speaks your language: authority, filings, cargo and lanes, not a script.
Trucking insurance questions
Still have a question? Call the trucking desk at 815-230-1914 or ask ARIA in the corner.
Can I get insured with a brand-new authority?
Yes. We work with specialty trucking markets that write new ventures. Pricing depends on things like your driving and CDL experience, the equipment, what you haul and your operating radius.
How much does truck insurance cost?
It varies a lot by operation. The biggest factors are driver experience and record, the type of cargo, how far you run, the truck's value and your loss history. The fastest way to a real number is the quick form above.
Who files my proof of insurance with the FMCSA?
The insurance company files proof of coverage (such as the BMC-91X for liability) once your policy is bound. We coordinate with the carrier so your filing gets done.
What's the difference between bobtail and non-trucking liability?
Both cover leased operators outside of dispatch, but they're written differently. Non-trucking liability generally covers personal use when you're not hauling for the carrier; bobtail generally covers driving without a trailer. We'll match the coverage to how your lease reads.
Do you only work in Illinois and Indiana?
Merrill Insurance Agency is licensed in Illinois and Indiana, so we write trucking businesses based in those two states.
Keep your truck moving.
Get a truck insurance quote in about 60 seconds, or talk to our trucking desk now.