Overview
Primary auto liability pays for injuries and property damage you cause to other people while operating your truck. If your rig rear-ends a car, clips a building or causes a multi-vehicle accident, this is the policy that responds, covering the other party's medical bills, vehicle repairs, legal defense and settlements up to your limit.
For interstate for-hire carriers, it isn't optional. The Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA) requires proof of liability coverage before your operating authority becomes active, and your insurance company files that proof electronically on your behalf.
What It Covers
Bodily Injury
Medical expenses, lost wages and pain-and-suffering claims from people injured in an accident you cause.
Property Damage
Repairs or replacement of other vehicles, buildings, guardrails and other property you damage.
Legal Defense
Attorney fees and court costs to defend you against covered lawsuits, typically in addition to your limit.
Federal & State Filings
Your carrier files the BMC-91 or BMC-91X with FMCSA and any required state filings so your authority stays active.
Federal Minimum Liability Limits (Interstate For-Hire)
| Type of Operation | Minimum Limit |
|---|---|
| General freight, vehicles 10,001 lbs GVWR or more | $750,000 |
| Oil and certain listed hazardous materials | $1,000,000 |
| Other hazardous materials (e.g., certain explosives, bulk hazmat) | $5,000,000 |
| General freight, vehicles under 10,001 lbs GVWR | $300,000 |
These are federal minimums. Most brokers and shippers require $1,000,000, and intrastate rules vary by state. We'll set your limit around the loads you actually want to haul.
Who Needs It
- Owner-operators running under their own MC authority
- Small and mid-size fleets
- New ventures applying for authority
- Intrastate haulers required to carry state filings
- Hotshot, box truck, dump and flatbed operations
What Affects Your Price
- Years in business and authority age
- Driver experience, MVRs and CDL history
- Radius of operation and states traveled
- Commodities hauled
- Loss history and CSA/safety scores
- Garaging location and number of power units
Roy's tip: Liability does not repair your own truck or cover the freight you're hauling. Pair it with physical damage and motor truck cargo for a complete package.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the MCS-90 endorsement?
The MCS-90 is a federally required endorsement attached to liability policies of interstate for-hire carriers. It guarantees the public will be paid up to the federal minimum even if the policy wouldn't otherwise cover a claim. If the insurer pays a claim it wouldn't normally cover, it can seek reimbursement from the motor carrier.
What's the difference between a BMC-91 and BMC-91X?
Both are proof-of-insurance filings your insurer sends to FMCSA. The BMC-91X is used when the insurer is surplus-lines or when coverage is split between more than one policy. Either one satisfies the liability filing requirement for your authority.
Do I need $1 million even though the minimum is $750,000?
Legally, no. Practically, almost every broker and shipper contract requires $1,000,000, so carrying the minimum usually limits the loads you can book. The price difference between the two is often smaller than people expect.
Can I add a scheduled driver or truck mid-term?
Yes. Most policies let you add or remove drivers and units by endorsement. Send us the driver's license information or the VIN and we'll get it approved and issue updated certificates.