What insurance do I need as an owner-operator?

At minimum, owner-operators need Primary Auto Liability insurance — the FMCSA requires at least $750,000 for general freight. Most owner-operators also carry Physical Damage (to protect their truck), Motor Truck Cargo (to protect the freight they haul), and Bobtail insurance (for when driving without a trailer). If you have a lease with a motor carrier, you may also need Non-Trucking Liability. Insure 4 Trucks will help you build the right package for your specific operation.

How fast can I get commercial truck insurance?

Same-day coverage is available in most cases at Insure 4 Trucks. Once you approve your policy and payment is processed, we can bind coverage and issue your Certificate of Insurance (COI) within hours. Call us at (888) 711-6003 or start a quote online at insure4trucks.com.

Can I get trucking insurance with a new authority?

Yes. Insure 4 Trucks specializes in new authorities. We work with carriers that accept new DOT numbers and can often get you covered the same day you receive your authority. While rates may be higher initially due to limited operating history, we shop our network of 600+ carriers to find you the most competitive option.

What is bobtail insurance?

Bobtail insurance (also called non-trucking liability) covers your commercial truck when you are driving it without a trailer — for example, after dropping off a load or heading to pick one up. It fills the gap when your motor carrier's insurance doesn't apply. Owner-operators who are leased to a carrier typically need bobtail insurance to be fully protected.

Do you cover trucks with violations or accidents on record?

Yes. Insure 4 Trucks works with a wide range of carriers, including those that specialize in non-standard risks. Having violations or accidents on your record may affect your premium, but it does not automatically disqualify you. We shop 600+ carriers to find the best available rate for your situation.

What states does Insure 4 Trucks cover?

Insure 4 Trucks serves owner-operators and fleets across all 48 contiguous (lower) states. We do not currently offer coverage in Alaska or Hawaii.

How do I get a Certificate of Insurance (COI)?

Once your policy is active, Insure 4 Trucks can issue a Certificate of Insurance (COI) the same day. You can also request one anytime through our self-service COI portal at coi.insurance4truck.com — available 24/7 for active policyholders.

What documents do I need to get a commercial truck insurance quote?

For a basic quote you need: your DOT number, driver information (name, license number, hire date, CDL years), and vehicle details (year, make, VIN, value). For the most accurate quote from our full market of 600+ carriers, also prepare: MVRs for all drivers, 3 years of loss runs, IFTA reports for the last 4 quarters, your current MCS-150, and your current Certificate of Insurance.

What is the FMCSA minimum insurance requirement for commercial trucks?

The FMCSA requires a minimum of $750,000 in Auto Liability for general freight carriers. Hazmat carriers require $1,000,000 to $5,000,000 depending on the commodity. Many brokers and shippers require $1,000,000 regardless of FMCSA minimums. Insure 4 Trucks will ensure your policy meets all federal and broker requirements.

What types of trucks does Insure 4 Trucks insure?

Insure 4 Trucks insures all types of commercial trucks including: semi trucks (Class 8 big rigs), owner-operators (leased or independent authority), hot shot trucks (pickup and gooseneck), box trucks, cargo vans, and fleets of 2 to 50+ units. If it hauls freight commercially, we can cover it.

What is motor truck cargo insurance?

Motor Truck Cargo insurance protects the freight you are hauling against loss, theft, or damage while in transit. Most shippers and brokers require cargo coverage, and the required limits vary by commodity. Insure 4 Trucks can help you determine the right cargo limit for your operation.

How do I renew my commercial truck insurance policy?

Insure 4 Trucks recommends starting the renewal process 90 days before your expiration date. We will reach out proactively to begin shopping the market. To get the best rates, have your updated driver list, MVRs for all drivers, and 3 years of loss runs ready early. See our full Renewal Guide on the website for a step-by-step timeline.

What carriers does Insure 4 Trucks work with?

Insure 4 Trucks has access to 600+ insurance carriers, including top names like Progressive, GEICO, Cover Whale, STAR Mutual RRG, Motor Transport Mutual RRG, and Technology Transportation RRG. Our broad market access means we can find competitive rates for both standard and non-standard risks.

What is occupational accident insurance for truckers?

Occupational Accident insurance is an alternative to workers' compensation for independent owner-operators. It covers medical expenses, disability income, and accidental death benefits if you are injured on the job. Since owner-operators are typically not eligible for traditional workers' comp, occupational accident coverage is an important protection for independent drivers.

How much does commercial truck insurance cost?

Commercial truck insurance costs vary widely based on factors including: driving record and MVR history, years of experience, type of cargo hauled, radius of operation, equipment value, and claims history. Owner-operators typically pay between $8,000 and $20,000+ per year for a full coverage package. Insure 4 Trucks shops 600+ carriers to find you the most competitive rate. Call (888) 711-6003 or get a free quote online.

(888) 711-6003 [email protected]

All 48 Lower States

HomeMerryl Gerhardt

About the Author

Merryl Gerhardt

Licensed Commercial Trucking Insurance Agent & Founder, Insure 4 Trucks

Serving All 48 Lower StatesLicensed Insurance Agent600+ Carrier Network

About Merryl Gerhardt

Merryl Gerhardt is a licensed commercial trucking insurance agent and the founder of Insure 4 Trucks, an independent insurance agency specializing exclusively in commercial trucking coverage. With deep expertise in the trucking industry, Merryl has helped hundreds of owner-operators, hot shot drivers, and fleet owners across all 48 contiguous states secure the right coverage at competitive rates.

Merryl founded Insure 4 Trucks with a single mission: to make commercial trucking insurance straightforward, fast, and affordable. Unlike general insurance agencies, Insure 4 Trucks focuses exclusively on the trucking industry — meaning every agent understands the unique risks, FMCSA requirements, and coverage needs that trucking businesses face.

Through partnerships with American Trucking Group and Hello Retention, Merryl has built a network that gives clients access to over 600 insurance carriers, enabling the agency to shop the entire market and find the most competitive rates for every unique operation — from single owner-operators to fleets of 50+ units.

Areas of Expertise

Primary Auto Liability (FMCSA-compliant)

Owner-Operator Insurance

Motor Truck Cargo Coverage

Bobtail & Non-Trucking Liability

Hot Shot Trucking Insurance

New Authority Insurance

Physical Damage Coverage

Fleet Insurance (2–50+ units)

Occupational Accident Coverage

Trailer Interchange Insurance

Why Truckers Work With Merryl

Same-Day Coverage

Merryl understands that truckers can't afford to sit idle. The agency is built to bind coverage and issue Certificates of Insurance the same day — often within hours of the first call.

Exclusive Trucking Focus

Unlike generalist brokers, Insure 4 Trucks works exclusively with commercial trucking clients. That specialization means faster quotes, better carrier relationships, and agents who speak your language.

600+ Carrier Network

With access to over 600 insurance carriers, the agency shops the entire market on your behalf — not just the carriers that pay the highest commissions.

FMCSA Compliance Expertise

Merryl's team ensures every policy meets FMCSA minimum requirements for your specific operation, cargo type, and authority — so you stay compliant and on the road.

What Clients Say

"Merryl got me covered same-day when my old carrier dropped me. She found a better rate and walked me through every detail. I won't go anywhere else."

Alex P. — Independent Owner-Operator

"Got my owner-operator policy set up in less than 24 hours. Merryl made it simple. Best experience I've had with any insurance company."

Darnell W. — Owner-Operator, Southeast Region

"Insure 4 Trucks saved us over $8,000 a year on our fleet policy. They found us better coverage at half the price we were paying before."

Marcus T. — Fleet Owner, 8 Units