New Authority Trucking Insurance
Starting a trucking company requires more than buying a truck and requesting a policy. Use this guide to organize your authority, equipment, cargo, documents, coverage discussion, and filing review.
Request a your state quote review
Tell us about your operation. About one minute.
New trucking company insurance checklist
Underwriting and filing requirements vary. This checklist helps you prepare a complete review before accepting loads or activating operations.
Choose the equipment and operating model
Confirm DOT/MC authority status and operating states
Describe cargo, routes, radius, and broker relationships
Prepare driver, vehicle, loss-run, and business documents
Review liability, cargo, physical damage, and additional coverage
Confirm filing and certificate requirements before operating
Coverage to discuss
Primary liability: Review commercial auto liability for covered third-party injury and property damage exposures.
Cargo: Match motor truck cargo coverage to the commodities, values, contracts, and exclusions that apply to the operation.
Physical damage: Consider the truck, trailer, lender requirements, vehicle value, and deductible.
Additional coverage: Depending on the business, review general liability, trailer interchange, hired and non-owned auto, occupational accident, or workers compensation.
Documents for a new-authority review
- Business legal name and entity information
- DOT/MC numbers and authority status
- Driver list, experience, and MVR information
- Vehicle and trailer schedule with values
- Cargo type, operating radius, and states
- Broker or shipper contract requirements
New-authority resources
BMC-91X filing guide
Understand the federal insurance filing topic separately from BOC-3.
Free readiness checklist
Turn your authority, equipment, cargo, and document details into a practical next step.
Box truck insurance
Review commercial coverage for delivery and straight-truck operations.
Hot shot insurance
Review pickup-and-trailer coverage and startup considerations.
New authority questions
What insurance does a new trucking authority need?
A new authority should review commercial auto liability, applicable filings, cargo, physical damage, and any broker or shipper requirements. The exact combination depends on the equipment, cargo, routes, and authority.
How do I prepare for a new-authority insurance quote?
Prepare DOT/MC information, authority status, driver and vehicle details, cargo, operating radius, states, loss history when available, and any contract limits or certificate instructions.
Can I operate before my insurance filing is active?
Do not assume a policy or application means your authority is ready to operate. Confirm the required coverage, filing transmission, authority status, and operating permissions before accepting loads.