The short answer
FMCSA's minimum liability insurance for for-hire property carriers over 10,001 lbs is $750,000 for general freight, $1,000,000 for oil and certain hazardous materials, and $5,000,000 for certain higher-risk hazmat (49 CFR 387.9). Those are legal floors. Most brokers require $1,000,000 auto liability and $100,000 cargo, so in practice that's the coverage most carriers buy.
Knowing the FMCSA insurance requirements is the starting point for any trucking insurance decision. But the federal minimum is only half the picture: brokers, shippers and lenders add their own requirements. This guide covers both, so you know exactly what you need to stay legal and get loads.
Federal minimum liability limits for property carriers
Federal minimum liability for for-hire carriers
Interstate carriers of property, vehicles of 10,001 lbs GVWR or more
| What you haul (for-hire, 10,001+ lbs GVWR) | Federal minimum |
|---|---|
| General freight (non-hazardous property) | $750,000 |
| Oil, hazardous waste and hazardous materials not in the higher tier | $1,000,000 |
| Certain hazmat, including Division 1.1–1.3 explosives, Division 2.3 poison gas, certain bulk hazmat and highway route controlled quantities of radioactive material | $5,000,000 |
Source: 49 CFR 387.9. Always check the regulation for your specific commodity.
Passenger carriers
For-hire passenger carriers have their own minimums under 49 CFR 387.33: $1,500,000 for vehicles seating 15 or fewer passengers (including the driver), and $5,000,000 for vehicles seating 16 or more.
Who the requirements apply to
- For-hire carriers in interstate commerce with vehicles of 10,001 lbs GVWR or more
- Carriers of certain hazardous materials in interstate or intrastate commerce, depending on the material and quantity
- Private carriers generally aren't subject to the federal filing requirement, though state rules and contracts may still require insurance
Intrastate carriers follow their state's rules, which may differ from federal minimums.
How you prove you meet the requirement
Your insurer files a BMC-91 or BMC-91X with FMCSA, and your policy carries the MCS-90 endorsement. Together, they show FMCSA that you have the required coverage and that the public is protected up to the minimum.
What FMCSA doesn't require (but brokers do)
FMCSA doesn't require cargo insurance for most property carriers (household goods carriers are an exception), and it doesn't require physical damage or general liability. But your customers often do:
Limits brokers and shippers commonly ask for
Typical contract requirements. Your broker agreements decide the real numbers.
| Coverage | Common broker or shipper requirement |
|---|---|
| Auto liability | $1,000,000 |
| Motor truck cargo | $100,000 (more for high-value loads) |
| General liability | Often $1,000,000 per occurrence, mainly for shippers |
| Workers' compensation | Required by state law if you have employees |
Read each broker agreement. Some require higher limits, a specific insurer rating, or that they be named as certificate holder.
Requirements from lenders and lessors
If your truck is financed or leased, the lender will usually require physical damage coverage with a maximum deductible and will ask to be listed as loss payee. Missing this can be a breach of your loan agreement.
What happens if you fall below the requirement
If your coverage lapses or drops below the minimum, your insurer files a cancellation notice and FMCSA begins revoking your authority unless a new filing arrives in time. Operating without the required insurance can also lead to fines and out-of-service orders. Keep payments current and never let one policy end before the next begins.
Federal minimums vs. what you should actually buy
The federal minimum was set decades ago and doesn't reflect what a serious crash can cost today. That's why most brokers require $1,000,000, and why some carriers buy umbrella or excess liability on top. Your agent can help you decide based on your freight, lanes and contracts. See how much truck insurance costs to understand the trade-offs.
Questions truckers ask
What is the minimum insurance required by FMCSA?
For for-hire property carriers over 10,001 lbs: $750,000 for general freight, $1,000,000 for oil and certain hazmat, and $5,000,000 for certain higher-risk hazmat.
Does FMCSA require cargo insurance?
Not for most property carriers. Household goods carriers are an exception. Most brokers require cargo coverage, commonly $100,000.
Why do brokers require $1 million liability?
The federal minimum is a legal floor. Brokers want more protection against large claims, so $1,000,000 has become the common requirement.
How does FMCSA know I have insurance?
Your insurer files a BMC-91 or BMC-91X with FMCSA, which shows on the Licensing and Insurance system.
Written by the FairlyCover Editorial Team. This guide explains how coverage generally works. It isn't legal or insurance advice, and your policy wording always decides what's covered. How we write and review content.
