Resources & FAQ
Plain-language answers to the questions we hear most, plus the trucking insurance terms every carrier should know.
Terms Every Carrier Should Know
| Term | What It Means |
|---|---|
| BMC-91 / BMC-91X | Proof-of-liability filings your insurer submits to FMCSA. Required before interstate for-hire authority activates. |
| MCS-90 | Federal endorsement on interstate carriers' liability policies guaranteeing payment to the public up to federal minimums. |
| BMC-34 | Cargo insurance filing required for household goods carriers. |
| BOC-3 | Designation of process agents, required when applying for operating authority. Not insurance, but part of getting active. |
| Certificate of Insurance (COI) | A one-page summary of your coverage that brokers, shippers and clients request. |
| Additional Insured | A party added to your policy for protection against claims arising from your operations. |
| Loss Runs | Your claims history report from prior insurers. Most carriers want 3 to 5 years to quote. |
| Stated Value | The value you declare for a truck on your physical damage policy. It caps what a total loss can pay. |
| Trailer Interchange | Coverage for damage to non-owned trailers you pull under a written interchange agreement. |
| UIIA | The Uniform Intermodal Interchange Agreement, which sets insurance requirements for carriers handling intermodal containers and chassis. |
| CSA / SMS Scores | FMCSA's safety measurement system. Poor scores can increase premiums and limit carrier options. |
| Experience Mod | A workers' comp factor comparing your claims to your industry's. Below 1.0 lowers premium, above 1.0 raises it. |
What to Have Before You Call
Trucking
- DOT / MC number
- Driver names, DOBs, licenses, CDL years
- VINs and values
- Commodities and radius
- 3–5 years of loss runs
Business
- Business name and FEIN
- Description of operations
- Annual revenue and payroll
- Number of employees
- Current policy and renewal date
Personal Auto
- Driver's license for each driver
- VIN or year/make/model
- Current declarations page
- Accidents or tickets in the last 5 years
Life & Health
- Date of birth
- Height, weight and tobacco use
- Current medications and conditions
- Coverage amount goal
- Existing policies
Trucking Insurance Money-Savers
- Hire experienced drivers with clean MVRs. Driver quality is the #1 rating factor
- Keep CSA scores clean: address violations and keep up with maintenance
- Install dash cams and telematics. Many carriers reward them
- Pay small claims yourself when it makes sense to protect your loss history
- Right-size stated values on older equipment
- Pay in full or choose higher deductibles when cash flow allows
- Renew early: give us 45–60 days to shop before your renewal date
Policy Service FAQ
How do I report a claim?
Call the 24/7 claims number on your insurance ID card or policy right away, then let us know at (954) 604-2033 so we can help you through the process. Take photos, get the other party's information and a police report number if applicable, and don't admit fault at the scene.
How do I get a certificate of insurance?
Email Roy@motivesins.com with the certificate holder's name and address and any required wording (additional insured, waiver of subrogation). We typically turn them around the same business day.
How do I add or remove a truck or driver?
Send us the VIN and value for trucks, or the driver's name, date of birth, license number and state for drivers. We'll submit the change and send updated documents once the carrier approves.
Can I pay monthly?
Most carriers offer installment plans. Down payments and payment schedules vary by carrier; we'll show you the options with each quote.
Why did my renewal go up?
Rates change with claims, violations, carrier pricing and market conditions. We re-shop renewals so you can compare, and we'll explain what's driving the change.
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