Hot Shot Trucking Insurance for Owner-Operators Who Move Fast.

Yes. Personal auto policies exclude commercial trucking operations. Once you start hauling for hire — even occasionally — you need a commercial policy with proper FMCSA filings. Running loads on a personal auto policy is both uninsured and a violation of your policy terms.

Bobtail insurance covers your liability when operating without a trailer. Non-trucking liability covers you when using the truck for personal, non-business purposes. Both fill gaps your motor-carrier policy leaves open, and most owner-operators need both.

FMCSA minimums are $10,000 for general freight and $5,000 for household goods. But most freight brokers require $100,000 in cargo coverage, and some shippers require $250,000 or more. We recommend matching your cargo limits to the highest-value loads you haul.

Trailer interchange pays for physical damage to a trailer you don\u2019t own but are hauling under a trailer interchange agreement — common when freight brokers assign you a specific trailer for a load. Without it, you\u2019re personally liable for damage to someone else\u2019s trailer.

Most for-hire hot shot carriers need an MC number (motor carrier authority), a USDOT number, the MCS-90 endorsement on their auto liability policy, and a BMC-91 or BMC-91X filing for cargo. We handle all of these filings as part of your policy setup.

Yes. We write policies for new carriers getting their authority. New authority often comes with higher premiums until you build a safety record, but we have markets that specialize in new carrier programs and can get you compliant quickly.

Physical damage for your trailer depends on what you own. If you own the trailer, it can be added to your physical damage policy. If you\u2019re hauling a trailer under interchange, trailer interchange coverage handles that. We structure the policy to match what you own versus what you borrow.

Hot shot typically refers to 1-ton pickups (Ford F-350/450/550, Ram 3500/4500/5500, GMC 3500+) hauling flatbeds, goosenecks, or step-decks. Some programs extend to Class 4–5 trucks. Weight ratings and trailer size affect which FMCSA authority class applies.

Most sole proprietors are excluded from workers\u2019 comp in their state. Occupational accident insurance fills this gap — it covers your medical expenses and disability income if you\u2019re injured on the job without requiring employer-employee status.

Most hot shot carriers get a quote in 15 minutes and can bind same-day. FMCSA filings typically show active within 24–48 hours after binding. We issue certificates of insurance immediately upon binding so you can send them to your broker right away.

The MCS-90 is a federal endorsement attached to your auto liability policy that obligates your insurer to pay covered losses under federal regulations — even if your policy would otherwise exclude the claim. It\u2019s required for all for-hire motor carriers with interstate authority.

Yes. A federal motor carrier authority and proper FMCSA filings cover you in all 48 contiguous states. Your policy territory should match your operating area — we make sure your coverage follows your lanes.

Actual Cash Value (ACV) pays the depreciated market value of your truck at the time of loss. Stated Value locks in an agreed amount you choose at policy inception. For working trucks with significant depreciation, stated value often provides better protection.

Yes. Additional drivers can be added to your policy, though each driver\u2019s record affects your premium. We\u2019ll need their CDL information, MVR history, and driving experience to add them properly.

Oversize/overweight loads may require endorsements or separate permits. Cargo coverage limits and physical damage terms can also be affected. Tell us about your load types upfront so we build a policy that actually covers what you haul.

Yes. Your auto (trucking) liability covers incidents from operating your truck. General liability covers third-party bodily injury and property damage from your business operations that aren\u2019t vehicle-related — loading/unloading accidents, premises incidents, and similar exposures.

Yes. We write programs for individual owner-operators up to small fleets of 5–10 trucks. Fleet programs may qualify for volume discounts and simplified certificate management. Contact us to discuss your fleet size and needs.

Premiums vary widely based on rig type, cargo, driving record, authority age, and state. A single owner-operator might pay $4,000–$12,000 per year for a complete program. New authority, poor MVR history, or high-value cargo increases premiums. We shop multiple carriers to find the best rate for your profile.

Once your policy is bound, we issue a certificate of insurance (COI) immediately — by email to you and directly to your broker if needed. We can add additional insureds, loss payees, or specific certificate holders as required by your freight agreements.