What is the minimum liability insurance for trucking?

For general freight for-hire interstate carriers, the federal BIPD floor is $750,000 per 49 CFR 387.9. Hazmat and passenger operations require higher limits.

Do brokers require more than the FMCSA minimum?

Often yes — many brokers and shippers contractually require $1,000,000 primary liability even when $750,000 satisfies FMCSA.

Is cargo insurance a federal minimum?

Federal cargo insurance requirements apply to household goods carriers and certain broker arrangements — not all general freight motor carriers.

Where are limits filed?

Insurers file BMC-91 (liability) and BMC-34 (cargo when required) electronically with FMCSA.

Does $750k cover my truck value?

BIPD covers third-party injury/property damage — not your equipment. Physical damage is separate coverage.

What about intrastate carriers?

Many states adopt federal minimums or set higher floors — check your state DOT.

How do I verify what's on file?

Use FMCSA L&I or our ready-to-operate checker — then confirm live on FMCSA.

Can limits change with cargo type?

Yes — hazmat classification can push requirements to $1M or $5M.

FMCSA liability insurance minimums

49 CFR 387.9 BIPD floors by operation type. Brokers and shippers often require higher limits in contracts.

When to use this

→ Quoting first-year insurance for a new authority
→ Explaining why brokers ask for $1M when FMCSA says $750k
→ Classifying hazmat or passenger operations

Broker / shipper disclosure: FMCSA minimums are not what the load board or broker packet asks for. General freight brokers frequently require $1,000,000 primary liability even when $750,000 satisfies federal filing rules. Quote and file what your customers require — then verify on FMCSA L&I.

General freight (for-hire property)

$750,000

49 CFR 387.9(b)(1)

Federal floor for interstate for-hire carriers hauling general commodities. Many brokers often require $1M primary liability in contracts.

Household goods movers

$750,000

49 CFR 387.9(b)(2)

Same BIPD floor; cargo insurance (BMC-34) rules also apply to HHG carriers.

Oil / hazardous substances (non-bulk)

$1,000,000

49 CFR 387.9(b)(3)

Applies to specified hazmat transported in non-bulk packaging.

Hazmat in bulk / certain toxics

$5,000,000

49 CFR 387.9(b)(4)

Chlorine, bulk hazmat, and other high-risk categories per table in §387.9.

Passenger carriers (≤15 passengers)

$1,500,000

49 CFR 387.9(c)(1)

For-hire passenger operations in interstate commerce.

Passenger carriers (16+ passengers)

$5,000,000

49 CFR 387.9(c)(2)

Buses and larger passenger CMVs.

Step-by-step workflow

Classify your operation. General freight, hazmat, or passenger — each row on this page maps to a CFR citation.
Note the federal floor. This is the minimum FMCSA accepts on BMC-91 filings — not a recommendation.
Ask brokers what they require. Contractual $1M requirements are common in general freight.
Quote insurance with correct limits. Your agent files BMC-91 after bind.
Verify on L&I after filing. Use ready-to-operate or SAFER to confirm active insurance.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the minimum liability insurance for trucking?: For general freight for-hire interstate carriers, the federal BIPD floor is $750,000 per 49 CFR 387.9. Hazmat and passenger operations require higher limits.
Do brokers require more than the FMCSA minimum?: Often yes — many brokers and shippers contractually require $1,000,000 primary liability even when $750,000 satisfies FMCSA.
Is cargo insurance a federal minimum?: Federal cargo insurance requirements apply to household goods carriers and certain broker arrangements — not all general freight motor carriers.
Where are limits filed?: Insurers file BMC-91 (liability) and BMC-34 (cargo when required) electronically with FMCSA.
Does $750k cover my truck value?: BIPD covers third-party injury/property damage — not your equipment. Physical damage is separate coverage.
What about intrastate carriers?: Many states adopt federal minimums or set higher floors — check your state DOT.
How do I verify what's on file?: Use FMCSA L&I or our ready-to-operate checker — then confirm live on FMCSA.
Can limits change with cargo type?: Yes — hazmat classification can push requirements to $1M or $5M.

Related tools

Tool

Ready to operate

Insurance on file check.

Insurance filing step.