Truck Insurance Compliance: Everything Trucking Companies Must Know

Truck insurance compliance is a necessary requirement for every motor carrier with at least one truck operating under its authority or a large fleet of trucks. Certain insurance coverages are mandated by federal and state regulations to ensure safety on public roads, to protect motorists, and to shield your business from serious monetary exposure. Knowing these requirements can save you FMCSA penalties, out-of-service orders, and delays in getting your trucks back into service.

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What Is Truck Insurance Compliance?

Truck insurance compliance refers to all insurance criteria as set by FMCSA and state authorities, including minimum liability coverage with appropriate files to prove insurance company knowledge of the policyholder. Insurance requirements mandate maintenance of policies in good standing without lapses. Carriers also have the requirement to ensure accurate reporting of changes in the FMCSA system within a reasonable time frame to maintain "authorized for hire" status.

Why Truck Insurance Compliance Matters

Prevent FMCSA Fines and Violations
Insurance requirements not maintained may draw immediate penalties or forced shutdown orders.
Assures Legal Operation across States
Carriers cannot operate interstate without valid insurance approved by FMCSA in their files.
Protects Your Business Investments
Appropriate coverage protects you from accidents, cargo loss, or damage, and injury lawsuits.
Essential For Issuance Of MC Number And Maintenance
Insurance filings would directly affect your authority for commercial operations.

FMCSA Minimum Insurance Requirements

These would apply based on the type of vehicle and the cargo required by FMCSA:

Public Liability Insurance

$750,000-$5,000,000 (based on commodities carried)
Covers bodily injury, property damage, and environmental restoration

Cargo Insurance

Mandatory for household goods carriers
Highly recommended for freight haulers of all kinds
Surety Bond or Trust Fund (BMC-84 / BMC-85)
Required for freight brokers and forwarders

Key Insurance Filings Any Carrier Needs to Keep Current

These filings are submitted by the insurance companies directly to FMCSA, not the carriers:

Form BMC-91 or BMC-91X – Proof of public liability coverage
Form BMC-34 – Proof of cargo insurance (household goods carriers)
Form MCS-90 Endorsement – FMCSA endorsement attached to liability policies

Without these filings, your MC Number will not become active or may be revoked.

Truck Insurance Compliance Problems Commonly Faced

Allowing a Policy Lapse

Policy Incorrect VINs or Business Names

Policy Renewals Are Late

FMCSA Not Updated With New Insurance Information

Missing MCS-90 Endorsement

Changing Insurance Providers and Not Coordinating Upon Change

All of these revenant problems could lead to operating authority revocation.

Ways Trucking Companies Can Stay Compliant

✔ Use an insurance company that understands trucking policies
✔ Regularly check your FMCSA Safety and Insurance (Safer) record
✔ Renew its policy before expiration
✔ Keep an MCS-90 copy in each truck
✔ Maintain limits required for its cargo and routes
✔ Understand state-specific insurance laws

Truck insurance compliance is not merely a regulatory requisition but also forms the nucleus of being operationally legal and safeguarding your trucking business. Truckers who have good knowledge of FMCSA regulations, proper insurance filings, and avoidance of lapses will ensure their smooth operations and uninterrupted traveling.

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