ERGO NEXT wins our top spot with competitive rates and a digital experience built for flatbed owner-operators. The Hartford follows with superior claims support for high-value cargo like steel coils and machinery. Nationwide, biBERK and GEICO round out the list depending on your hauling needs.
Best Cheap Commercial Flatbed Truck Insurance For Small Business
Updated: February 2, 2026
Advertising & Editorial Disclosure
Commercial Flatbed Truck Insurance: Key Takeaways
ERGO NEXT ranks best overall with a 4.59 score and 4.88 coverage rating due to superior affordability and fast digital quotes for owner-operators hauling steel, lumber and machinery.
ERGO NEXT is also the cheapest at $523/month ($6,276 annually) for $1,000,000 CSL coverage on flatbed trucks, saving $475/year versus the provider average.
Commercial flatbed truck insurance averages $569/month ($6,828 annually), ranging from $370/month in Maine to $907/month in New York.
Compare quotes from at least three insurers and stack discounts (paid-in-full, multi-vehicle, bundling) to save 15-30% on your fleet.
MoneyGeek scored commercial flatbed truck insurance providers across three weighted factors: Affordability (40%), Customer Experience (30%) and Coverage & Terms (30%). We analyzed $1,000,000 CSL (Combined Single Limit) Liability quotes from five major insurers across all 50 states. Affordability scores compare each provider's rates against market averages. Customer experience reflects claims handling, agent support and policyholder satisfaction. Coverage scores evaluate policy terms, endorsement options and flexibility for flatbed operations.
Best Cheap Commercial Flatbed Truck Insurance Companies
| ERGO NEXT | 4.59 | $523 | 4.27 | 4.88 |
| The Hartford | 4.56 | $565 | 4.6 | 5 |
| Nationwide | 4.43 | $575 | 4.47 | 4.7 |
| biBERK | 4.36 | $659 | 4.34 | 4.78 |
| GEICO | 4.2 | $586 | 4.13 | 4.4 |
Data Source
MoneyGeek analysis of $1,000,000 CSL (Combined Single Limit) Liability coverage from five insurers, November 2025. Scores reflect affordability, customer experience and coverage. Rates are national averages; your costs vary by location, driving record and cargo type.
Get Your Commercial Flatbed Truck Insurance Quote
Compare rates from your top provider match for your business. Enter your industry and state to get a customized quote in minutes.
Industry
State
Best Commercial Flatbed Truck Insurance by State
Maine operators pay $370/month while New York averages $907/month, a $537 gap for identical commercial flatbed truck insurance. ERGO NEXT leads in 30+ states, The Hartford ranks first in 13 states and Nationwide wins several Midwestern markets. Find your state below.
Data filtered by:
Select
| Alabama | The Hartford | 1 | 1 | 1 |
| Alaska | ERGO NEXT | 1 | 2 | 2 |
| Arizona | ERGO NEXT | 1 | 3 | 2 |
| Arkansas | The Hartford | 1 | 1 | 1 |
| California | ERGO NEXT | 1 | 4 | 2 |
| Colorado | ERGO NEXT | 1 | 4 | 2 |
| Connecticut | ERGO NEXT | 1 | 3 | 2 |
| Delaware | The Hartford | 1 | 1 | 1 |
| Florida | ERGO NEXT | 1 | 4 | 2 |
| Georgia | ERGO NEXT | 1 | 4 | 2 |
| Hawaii | ERGO NEXT | 1 | 2 | 2 |
| Idaho | ERGO NEXT | 1 | 3 | 2 |
| Illinois | ERGO NEXT | 1 | 4 | 2 |
| Indiana | ERGO NEXT | 1 | 4 | 2 |
| Iowa | Nationwide | 1 | 2 | 3 |
| Kansas | Nationwide | 1 | 2 | 3 |
| Kentucky | The Hartford | 1 | 1 | 1 |
| Louisiana | The Hartford | 1 | 1 | 1 |
| Maine | ERGO NEXT | 1 | 3 | 2 |
| Maryland | GEICO | 1 | 5 | 5 |
| Massachusetts | ERGO NEXT | 1 | 3 | 2 |
| Michigan | ERGO NEXT | 1 | 3 | 2 |
| Minnesota | ERGO NEXT | 1 | 3 | 2 |
| Mississippi | ERGO NEXT | 1 | 3 | 2 |
| Missouri | ERGO NEXT | 1 | 4 | 2 |
| Montana | The Hartford | 1 | 1 | 1 |
| Nebraska | Nationwide | 1 | 2 | 3 |
| Nevada | ERGO NEXT | 1 | 3 | 2 |
| New Hampshire | ERGO NEXT | 1 | 3 | 2 |
| New Jersey | GEICO | 1 | 5 | 5 |
| New Mexico | ERGO NEXT | 1 | 3 | 2 |
| New York | ERGO NEXT | 1 | 4 | 2 |
| North Carolina | ERGO NEXT | 1 | 4 | 2 |
| North Dakota | The Hartford | 1 | 1 | 1 |
| Ohio | ERGO NEXT | 1 | 4 | 2 |
| Oklahoma | The Hartford | 1 | 1 | 1 |
| Oregon | ERGO NEXT | 1 | 3 | 2 |
| Pennsylvania | ERGO NEXT | 1 | 4 | 2 |
| Rhode Island | ERGO NEXT | 1 | 3 | 2 |
| South Carolina | ERGO NEXT | 1 | 3 | 2 |
| South Dakota | Nationwide | 1 | 2 | 3 |
| Tennessee | The Hartford | 1 | 1 | 1 |
| Texas | ERGO NEXT | 1 | 4 | 2 |
| Utah | ERGO NEXT | 1 | 3 | 2 |
| Vermont | Nationwide | 1 | 2 | 3 |
| Virginia | ERGO NEXT | 1 | 3 | 2 |
| Washington | ERGO NEXT | 1 | 3 | 2 |
| West Virginia | The Hartford | 1 | 1 | 1 |
| Wisconsin | Nationwide | 1 | 2 | 3 |
| Wyoming | The Hartford | 1 | 1 | 1 |
Data Source
Best company determined by highest Overall Score per state. Scores reflect affordability, customer experience and coverage. MoneyGeek analysis, November 2025
ERGO NEXT
Cheapest Overall
MoneyGeek Rating
4.6/ 5
4.7/5Affordability
4.3/5Customer Experience
4.9/5Coverage Points
Average Cost
$523/monthlyOur Survey: Claims Process
3.9/5Our Survey: Likely to Recommend
4.8/5
The Hartford
Best Value for Comprehensive Coverage
MoneyGeek Rating
4.6/ 5
4.4/5Affordability
4.6/5Customer Experience
5/5Coverage Points
Average Cost
$565/monthly ($6,783 annually)Our Survey: Claims Process
4.5/5Our Survey: Likely to Recommend
4.5/5
About These Reviews
Our provider evaluations are based on rate analysis, customer surveys, coverage options and financial stability. Rates shown are national averages. Contact each insurer directly for personalized quotes.
Cheapest Commercial Flatbed Truck Insurance Companies
ERGO NEXT offers the cheapest flatbed coverage in 30+ states, starting at $319/month in Maine. The Hartford leads 11 states, Nationwide is first in Midwestern markets and GEICO is first in Maryland and New Jersey. Check your state in the table:
Data filtered by:
Alabama
| Alabama | The Hartford | $407 |
Data Source
Cheapest provider determined by lowest monthly premium per state. Rates for $1,000,000 CSL (Combined Single Limit) Liability coverage. MoneyGeek analysis, November 2025.
How Much Does Commercial Flatbed Truck Insurance Cost on Average?
Commercial flatbed truck insurance costs $569/month ($6,828 annually) on average for $1,000,000 CSL coverage. Maine operators pay $370/month while New York businesses pay $907/month. Flatbeds cost more to insure than enclosed vehicles due to exposed cargo and load securement liability.
Average Monthly Premium | $569 |
Average Annual Premium | $6,828 |
Lowest State (Maine) | $370/month |
Highest State (New York) | $907/month |
Monthly Range | $370 - $907 |
Data Source
Rates for $1,000,000 CSL (Combined Single Limit) Liability coverage. Averages based on five major providers. MoneyGeek analysis, November 2025.
Factors That Affect Commercial Flatbed Truck Insurance Costs
Your flatbed premium depends on cargo type, vehicle configuration, driving history and operating territory. Knowing these factors helps you control costs.
Coverage Limits
Increasing from $500,000 to $1,000,000 CSL adds 10-20% to your premium. Most brokers require $1,000,000 minimum because flatbed accidents involving steel or machinery cause severe damage.
Deductibles
Raising your deductible from $1,000 to $2,500 cuts premiums 10-15%. A $5,000 deductible saves 15-25%. Choose based on cash reserves since flatbed repairs average $15,000-$60,000.
Vehicle Configuration
Standard flatbeds cost less than specialized trailers. Step-decks, stretch flatbeds and double-drop lowboys carry higher premiums due to cargo complexity. Conestogas may qualify for lower rates since retractable covers reduce weather claims.
Cargo Type
Steel coil haulers pay more than lumber transporters due to higher cargo values and securement complexity. Hazmat loads require $1,000,000-$5,000,000 limits. Clean freight like pipe and building materials costs less than manufacturing equipment.
Driving History
New York operators pay $907/month while Maine pays $370/month for identical coverage. High-litigation states charge premium rates. Long-haul operations encounter different exposures than regional haulers.
Fleet Size
Insuring 2-5 trucks saves 5-10% per vehicle. Fleets of 10+ can negotiate 10-20% reductions. Single-truck operators pay the highest per-vehicle rates.
Driver Experience
CDL holders with 5+ years get better rates than newer drivers. Claims-free operations qualify for 10-15% discounts. Adding inexperienced drivers increases rates 15-25%.
Load Securement History
Insurers review CSA scores for securement violations. Load shift incidents, improper tarping or tie-down failures increase premiums 15-30%. Load monitoring systems and training records can offset these increases.
Operating Territory
New York operators pay $907/month while Maine pays $370/month for identical coverage. High-litigation states charge premium rates. Long-haul operations encounter different exposures than regional haulers.
Commercial Flatbed Truck Insurance Requirements
FMCSA requires $750,000 CSL minimum for interstate flatbed carriers. Most brokers require $1,000,000 regardless of federal minimums.
General Freight (lumber, steel, pipe) | $750,000 CSL | Class A |
Heavy Machinery/Equipment | $1,000,000 CSL | Class A |
Oversized Loads (permitted) | $1,000,000+ CSL | Class A |
Hazardous Materials | $1,000,000-$5,000,000 CSL | Class A + HazMat |
Disclaimer
Interstate for-hire operations must file BMC-91, MCS-90 and BOC-3. Your insurer handles these filings. Verify with FMCSA before operating.
Requirement | Details |
|---|---|
Federal Filings | Interstate operators need MC number, USDOT number, BMC-91, MCS-90 and BOC-3. Your insurer files BMC-91 and MCS-90; file BOC-3 separately. |
State Requirements | California requires $750,000 for trucks over 10,000 lbs GVWR. Texas requires $500,000. Check your state DOT for exact minimums. |
Broker Standards | CH Robinson, Landstar and TQL require $1,000,000 auto liability and $100,000 cargo minimum. Steel mills often require $2,000,000+ limits. |
Cargo Insurance | Shippers typically require $100,000-$250,000 cargo coverage for steel, lumber and machinery loads. Verify requirements before each haul. |
Disclaimer
Requirements vary by state, cargo type and operating authority. Verify with FMCSA and your state DOT before operating.
How to Get the Best Cheap Commercial Flatbed Truck Insurance
Follow these five steps to find affordable flatbed coverage without sacrificing protection.
- 1Compare Quotes From Multiple Insurers
Request quotes from ERGO NEXT, The Hartford and at least one other provider. Provide identical coverage limits and deductibles to each insurer. ERGO NEXT delivers quotes in minutes; traditional carriers take 24-48 hours.
- 2Verify Coverage Meets Requirements
Confirm your policy satisfies broker contracts before accepting loads. Most require $1,000,000 liability and $100,000 cargo minimum. FMCSA mandates $750,000 for interstate carriers.
- 3Improve Your Risk Profile
Remove drivers with DUIs or poor CSA scores. Install dash cams, GPS and load monitoring systems. Maintain DOT inspections and securement training records.
- 4Stack Available Discounts
Combine paid-in-full (5% to 10%), multi-vehicle (5% to 15%), bundling (10% to 20%) and safety equipment (5% to 15%) discounts to save 15% to 30%.
- 5Review Coverage Annually
Request competing quotes 45 to 60 days before renewal. The cheapest insurer last year may not offer the best rate this year.
Disclaimer
Interstate for-hire operations must file BMC-91, MCS-90 and BOC-3. Verify with FMCSA before operating.
Commercial Flatbed Truck Insurance: Bottom Line
ERGO NEXT delivers the best value at $523 monthly with a 4.88 coverage score. The Hartford costs $42 more but provides superior support for complex claims involving load shifts or cargo damage. Maine operators pay less than half what New York businesses pay, so compare quotes from at least three providers to find your best rate.
Commercial Flatbed Truck Insurance: FAQ
We've answered the most common questions about affordable commercial flatbed truck insurance:
What coverage do I need for commercial flatbed truck insurance?
You need $1 million CSL liability minimum to satisfy most broker contracts. Add physical damage if you finance your flatbed. Cargo insurance protects loads during transit; steel haulers typically need $100,000 to $250,000 coverage.
How can I lower my commercial flatbed truck insurance rates?
Maintain clean driving records, raise your deductible to $2,500 to $5,000 and pay annually. Bundle with general liability and workers' comp for 10% to 20% savings. Dash cams and GPS qualify you for 5% to 15% safety discounts.
Why is flatbed truck insurance more expensive than other commercial vehicles?
Cargo rides exposed to weather, theft and road hazards. Load securement creates unique risks since improperly secured steel or lumber can cause highway accidents. Oversized loads carry additional exposures.
Do I need cargo insurance for flatbed operations?
Cargo insurance isn't federally required but most brokers mandate it contractually. Steel mills and lumber yards typically require $100,000 to $250,000 coverage before allowing flatbed subhaulers on loads.
Can I get same-day commercial flatbed truck insurance?
ERGO NEXT and GEICO offer same-day coverage if you complete applications during business hours. The Hartford and Nationwide typically need 24 to 48 hours.
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.