Trucking Insurance Requirements for New Authority (BMC-91/91X)
By Authority Launcher · Updated October 29, 2026
Quick answer: For-hire carriers hauling general (non-hazardous) freight in vehicles over 10,001 lbs must carry at least $750,000 in public liability insurance. Certain hazardous materials require $1 million or $5 million. Your insurance company proves coverage by filing Form BMC-91 or BMC-91X with FMCSA, and your authority won't go active until that filing is on record.
Federal minimum liability coverage (49 CFR 387.9)
| What you haul (for-hire, over 10,001 lbs GVWR) | Minimum liability |
|---|---|
| General freight (non-hazardous) | $750,000 |
| Oil and certain hazardous materials | $1,000,000 |
| Higher-risk hazardous materials (for example certain explosives and bulk hazmat) | $5,000,000 |
Smaller for-hire vehicles under 10,001 lbs carrying non-hazardous freight have a lower federal minimum. Your exact requirement depends on your commodities, so confirm it with your insurance agent.
How the insurance filing works
- Get quotes and bind a policy that meets your minimum.
- Ask your agent to file BMC-91 or BMC-91X with FMCSA using your exact legal name, USDOT number and MC number.
- Check your FMCSA record to confirm the filing posted.
Brokers file proof of a $75,000 surety bond or trust fund instead (BMC-84 or BMC-85). Household goods carriers also need cargo coverage filed (BMC-34).
What does insurance cost for a new authority?
New authorities usually pay much more than established carriers because they have no track record. Industry guides commonly cite $12,000 to $20,000 or more per truck for the first year for an owner-operator, depending on your driving history, equipment, location and what you haul. Budget for a down payment when you bind the policy.
Getting insured with no business history
Every new authority starts with no business history, so insurers look hard at you. Underwriters typically weigh:
- Years of CDL experience. Experience driving for a carrier counts. Many insurers prefer at least two years.
- Your motor vehicle record. Recent tickets and accidents raise the price or limit your options.
- Your equipment. Year, value and type of truck and trailer.
- What and where you haul. Commodity, radius and the states you run.
Company drivers and leased-on owner-operators with a clean record are often in a better spot than they expect. Bring proof of your driving experience, your MVR and your equipment details to every quote.
Tips to keep your rate down
- Have a clean driving record and at least a couple of years of CDL experience if possible.
- Shop several agents who specialize in new authorities.
- Get quotes before you file for authority so there's no long gap after your MC number is issued.
Frequently asked questions
Do I need cargo insurance?
Federal rules don't require cargo coverage for most general freight carriers, but most shippers and brokers will require it before giving you loads.
When should I buy insurance?
Get quotes early, then bind and have the filing made after you receive your MC number, ideally during the 10-day protest period.
Related: Total cost to get trucking authority
Ready to start? Answer a few plain-English questions and we'll pre-fill every answer FMCSA asks for, show your fees up front, and walk you through filing in Motus. It's free to file it yourself.