Commercial truck insurance quotes for owner-operators range from $8,000 to $12,000 annually for full coverage, according to industry data. But rates vary widely based on your truck type, cargo, and operating radius. Getting quotes from multiple insurers is the fastest way to find affordable coverage without sacrificing the protection your business needs.
Get Commercial Truck Insurance Quotes
Updated: January 27, 2026
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Commercial Truck Insurance Quotes: FAQ Fast Answers
Get quick answers to the most common questions about commercial truck insurance quotes:
How long does it take to get a trucking insurance quote?
Online quotes take 10 to 15 minutes. Broker quotes that shop multiple carriers take 3 to 7 business days but often find better rates for complex operations.
What's the minimum commercial truck insurance required?
FMCSA requires $750,000 liability for general freight and $1,000,000 for hazmat. Most brokers and shippers require $1,000,000 regardless of cargo type.
Can new authorities get commercial truck insurance?
Yes, but expect to pay 30% to 50% more than experienced operators. Some insurers specialize in new authorities, while others won't cover truckers with fewer than two years of experience.
How much does commercial truck insurance cost by state?
Rates vary by state. Truckers in Texas and Florida often pay 15% to 25% more than those in lower-traffic states like Idaho or Wyoming due to higher accident rates and litigation costs. See our full guide on commercial truck insurance cost for detailed breakdowns.
Do I need separate cargo insurance?
Motor carriers operating under their own authority need cargo insurance. If you're leased to a carrier, their policy may cover your loads, but verify this in writing before hauling.
How Commercial Truck Insurance Quotes Work
Getting a commercial truck insurance quote takes about 10 to 15 minutes online. You'll answer questions about your business, trucks, drivers, and the coverage you need. The insurer or marketplace then calculates your rate based on your risk profile.
Here's what happens after you submit your information:
Instant quotes come from online marketplaces and some direct carriers. You'll see rates immediately and can often buy a policy the same day. These work best for standard operations with clean records.
Agent-reviewed quotes require an underwriter to evaluate your application. You'll usually hear back within 24 to 48 hours. Expect this process for new authorities, specialized cargo, or complex fleet setups.
Broker quotes come after a trucking insurance specialist shops your application to multiple carriers. This takes longer (sometimes a week) but often finds better rates for high-risk or hard-to-place accounts.
Your quote isn't a final price until you provide documentation and the insurer verifies your information. Missing details or inaccuracies can change your rate at binding. Have your documents ready to get accurate quotes the first time.
What Information Do You Need To Get a Commercial Truck Insurance Quote
Gather these details before you start. Having everything ready speeds up the process and gives you more accurate trucking insurance quotes.
- 1Business Information
Your MC and DOT numbers are required for any commercial truck insurance quote. Insurers verify your operating authority and safety record through FMCSA databases.
You'll also need:
- Business name and structure (LLC, sole proprietor, corporation)
- Years in business under current authority
- Business address and garaging location
- Estimated annual revenue
If you have employees, you may also need workers' compensation insurance.
- 2Driver Information
Every driver on your policy needs to be listed. For each driver, you'll provide:
- Full legal name and date of birth
- CDL number and issuing state
- Years of CDL experience
- Employment history (past 3 years)
- Moving violations and accidents (past 5 years)
New drivers or those with violations will affect your rate. Some insurers won't cover drivers with fewer than two years of experience or recent serious violations.
- 3Vehicle Information
For each truck you're insuring:
- Year, make, and model
- VIN (17-digit vehicle identification number)
- Current value or purchase price
- Whether it's owned, financed, or leased
- Any existing damage
Pro tip: Keep photos of your registration and VIN plate on your phone. You'll need this information for every quote.
- 4Operations Information
Insurers price your policy based on what you haul and where you haul it:
- Primary cargo types (dry van, flatbed, refrigerated, tanker, hazmat)
- Operating radius (local, regional, or OTR)
- States you operate in
- Estimated annual mileage per truck
- Whether you're leased to a carrier or operate under your own authority
- 5Insurance History
Be ready to answer questions about your current or past coverage:
- Current insurer and policy expiration date
- Coverage limits and deductibles
- Claims history (past 3 years)
- Any coverage lapses or cancellations
A lapse in coverage, even for a few days, can raise your rates or limit your options. If you've had a lapse, be prepared to explain why.
Where Can You Get Commercial Truck Insurance Quotes?
You have four main options for getting trucking insurance quotes. Each has trade-offs in speed, price, and service.
Direct Carriers | Fast (same day) | Clean records, standard operations | Only see one company's rates |
Online Marketplaces | Fast (10-15 min) | Quick comparisons, multiple quotes | May miss specialized trucking carriers |
Insurance Brokers | Slower (3-7 days) | New authorities, specialized cargo, hard-to-place risks | Depends on broker's expertise |
Industry Associations | Varies | Owner-operators wanting member benefits | Membership required |
Direct From Carriers
Going straight to an insurance company like Progressive, Nationwide, or Sentry gives you access to that carrier's rates and coverage options. This approach works well for owner-operators with clean records and standard operations who want a quick process, but you only see one company's rates. For a full comparison, see our guide to the best commercial truck insurance companies.
Online Marketplaces
Sites like CoverWallet and commercial trucking insurance marketplaces collect your information once and show quotes from multiple carriers. The process is fast (often under 15 minutes) and you can compare rates side by side, though these platforms may not include all specialized trucking carriers.
Independent Brokers and Agents
A trucking insurance broker works with dozens of carriers and shops your account to find the best fit. Brokers are your best option if you have a new authority, haul specialized cargo (hazmat, oversized, high-value), manage a fleet, or have been declined elsewhere.
Industry Associations
Organizations like OOIDA (Owner-Operator Independent Drivers Association) and the Truckload Carriers Association offer insurance programs for members. These programs work well for owner-operators who want trucking-specific expertise and member benefits like fuel discounts and legal services, though membership is required.
What Affects Your Commercial Truck Insurance Quote?
Your quote reflects how insurers assess your risk. Understanding these factors helps you see why your rate is what it is, and what you can do to lower it.
Driving record & CSA scores | High | Yes |
Years of experience | High | Partially (time) |
Truck type & value | Medium | Yes (at purchase) |
Cargo type | Medium-High | Yes |
Operating radius & location | Medium | Partially |
Coverage limits & deductibles | Medium | Yes |
Claims history | High | Yes |
Driving Record and CSA Scores
Accidents and violations on your MVR (Motor Vehicle Record) can double your rates or make coverage hard to find. Insurers also pull your CSA scores from FMCSA, where high scores in categories like Unsafe Driving signal risk. A clean CSA profile can reduce premiums by 10% to 20%, based on industry estimates.
Years of Experience
Insurers see the first two years as the highest-risk period. If you have fewer than two years under your own authority, expect premiums 30% to 50% higher than experienced operators. Your personal CDL experience matters, but operating authority experience matters more.
Truck Type, Age, and Value
The type of truck you operate affects both liability and physical damage premiums. A 2024 Freightliner Cascadia costs more to insure than a 2015 Kenworth because it's worth more to replace. Older trucks may have lower physical damage premiums, but they can have higher liability rates if they lack modern safety features.
Cargo Type and Operating Radius
General freight and dry goods are the easiest to insure, while refrigerated loads, auto transport, and hazmat cargo can increase rates by 20% to 40%. Local and regional operations cost less than long-haul OTR routes, and operating in high-traffic states like California, Texas, and Florida increases premiums due to higher accident and litigation rates.
Coverage Limits and Deductibles
FMCSA requires $750,000 minimum liability for general freight and $1,000,000 for hazmat, but many shippers require $1,000,000 regardless of cargo. Higher deductibles lower your monthly premium but increase out-of-pocket costs after a claim, so choose amounts you can actually afford. Learn more about commercial auto insurance requirements by state.
Claims History
Past claims predict future claims in insurers' eyes, and even not-at-fault accidents can affect your rates. Multiple claims in a three-year period make you a higher risk, so avoid filing small claims you can afford to pay out of pocket.
How To Compare Commercial Truck Insurance Quotes
Price matters, but it's not everything. The cheapest quote isn't a good deal if the coverage is inadequate or the insurer is difficult to work with when you need them.
- 1Match Coverage Limits and Deductibles
Before comparing prices, make sure you're looking at the same coverage. A quote with $750,000 liability and a $5,000 deductible will always be cheaper than one with $1,000,000 liability and a $1,000 deductible, but that doesn't make it a better value.
Coverage Type Minimum Recommended Notes Primary Liability $1,000,000 Required by most brokers/shippers Physical Damage Actual cash value Collision and comprehensive Cargo Insurance Matched to load values Typically $100,000+ Bobtail/Non-Trucking $1,000,000 When not under dispatch Uninsured Motorist State minimum or higher Protects against uninsured drivers - 2Check the Carrier's Financial Strength
Check the carrier's AM Best rating (A- or better is the standard) to make sure the company will be around to pay your claims. Avoid unknown or offshore insurers offering suspiciously low rates.
- 3Read the Exclusions
Every policy has exclusions: situations where coverage doesn't apply. Common trucking exclusions include cargo damage from improper loading, claims outside your declared radius, and unlisted drivers. If a policy excludes coverage you need, it's not the right policy.
- 4Ask About Claims Handling
Ask about 24/7 claims support, trucking-specialized adjusters, average settlement times, and whether you can choose your own repair shop. When you're broken down at 2 a.m., you want an insurer who responds quickly.
- 5Compare Payment Options
Compare down payment requirements (some insurers want 20% to 30% upfront), monthly payment fees, and cancellation penalties. A higher premium with a lower down payment might work better for your cash flow.
- 6Watch for Red Flags
Be cautious of rates far below every other quote, pressure to sign immediately, vague coverage answers, and requests for cash payments. Verify the agent's license through your state's insurance department.
How We Analyzed Commercial Truck Insurance Quotes
This guide draws on industry rate data, FMCSA requirements, and carrier information current as of January 2026. Cost ranges and savings estimates are based on industry averages and may vary based on your specific operation, location, and risk profile. Always verify coverage details and pricing directly with insurers before purchasing a policy.
Get Commercial Truck Insurance Quotes: Next Steps
Three steps to get your commercial truck insurance quotes:
Gather Your Documents
Collect your MC/DOT numbers, driver information, truck details, and your current insurance declaration page if you have one.
Get Quotes From Multiple Sources
Request quotes from at least three sources: an online marketplace for quick comparisons, a trucking-focused broker for specialized options, and an association program like OOIDA if you're a member.
Compare and Choose
Evaluate quotes using the criteria above: coverage limits, carrier financial strength, exclusions, claims handling, and payment terms. The right policy protects your truck, your cargo, and your livelihood.
About Mark Fitzpatrick
Mark Fitzpatrick, a Licensed Property and Casualty Insurance Producer, is MoneyGeek's resident Personal Finance Expert. He has analyzed the insurance market for over five years, conducting original research for insurance shoppers. His insights have been featured in CNBC, NBC News and Mashable.
Fitzpatrick holds a master’s degree in economics and international relations from Johns Hopkins University and a bachelor’s degree from Boston College. He's also a five-time Jeopardy champion!
He writes about economics and insurance, breaking down complex topics so people know what they're buying.