To ensure your trucking business remains compliant with FMCSA (Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration) regulations – and to activate your MC Number (Motor Carrier Number), which is required to legally operate as a for-hire motor carrier – you must secure and file the appropriate commercial auto insurance coverage. This includes meeting minimum liability requirements and submitting proof of insurance directly to the FMCSA through approved filings. Without these filings, your authority cannot be activated, and you will not be permitted to operate legally in interstate commerce. Here’s a full breakdown:
What Is Commercial Auto Insurance for Trucking?
It’s a specialized policy that covers trucks and drivers used in business operations. It protects against accidents, damage, and liability.
What Must Be Included to Keep Your Business Compliant with FMCSA, or Activate Your MC Number
Minimum Liability Insurance Based on Vehicle Use and GVWR:
| Type of Carrier / Freight | Minimum Coverage | GVWR / Use |
|---|---|---|
| Non-hazardous freight in vehicles < 10,001 lbs | $300,000 | Light-duty (e.g., small box trucks) |
| Non-hazardous freight in vehicles ≥ 10,001 lbs | $750,000 | Standard freight, heavy-duty trucks |
| Oil transport (for-hire) | $1,000,000 | Any size vehicle |
| Hazardous materials (public risk) | $5,000,000 | Any size vehicle |
| Household goods carriers | $750,000 (liability) + $5,000/cargo per vehicle (cargo insurance) | Depends on fleet |
→ Notes:
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These are federal minimums—some states may require higher limits
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The FMCSA requires insurers to file Form BMC-91 or BMC-91X as proof of liability insurance
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Cargo insurance is required only for household goods carriers, not general freight
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1. Auto Liability Insurance (Required)
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Covers bodily injury and property damage you may cause to others
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Minimum coverage depends on what you haul:
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$750,000 for general freight
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$1 million for oil
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$5 million for hazardous materials
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→ Filing Required: Form BMC-91 or BMC-91X
Your insurance company must file this with FMCSA.
2. Cargo Insurance (If applicable)
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Covers damage/loss of the freight you’re hauling
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Required if you’re a for-hire carrier transporting household goods
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Common amount: $100,000 per load
→ Filing Required: Form BMC-34
3. BOC-3 Filing (Designates Process Agents)
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Not technically insurance, but required to activate MC
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Lists legal agents in every state for service of process
→ Usually filed by your process agent or a third-party compliance service
4. Optional but Common Coverages (Highly Recommended)
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Physical Damage – Covers damage to your own truck/trailer
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Non-Trucking Liability – Covers your truck when used off-duty
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Bobtail Insurance – Coverage when truck is operated without a trailer
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General Liability – Covers your business (e.g., if someone is injured on your property)
Summary: What You Need to Activate Your MC Number
| Requirement | Description | Filing Form |
|---|---|---|
| Auto Liability | Covers injury/damage to others | BMC-91/BMC-91X |
| Cargo Insurance | Covers freight (if hauling household goods) | BMC-34 |
| Process Agent (BOC-3) | Legal agent filing | BOC-3 |
→ See also: Step-by-Step Registration process
